I ordered takeout from here and it was really quite a good deal. The actual sushi itself was good but nothing over the top, but the price is really what makes this something worth coming back to. For $22.95, you get three rolls of your choice, a salad, miso soup, and a can of soda. And not only that, but this special is available all day - not just at lunch! Salad and miso soup - average - not bad not amazing, but having these two items added to the special add a good amount of value. The salad has the normal tangy dressing which is nice and the miso soup is decent. Spicy tuna roll - it's hard to tell how fresh something is when you have tempura flakes mixed in, but this did the trick. It was slightly greasy from the fried tempura, but it tasted like a solid spicy tuna roll that I'd get again Spicy yellowtail roll - same deal with the spicy yellowtail - the tempura was nice and I liked that they even had this as an option for the special. I think yellowtail is more expensive in some places, so this was nice to have Salmon avocado roll - here you could actually tell the fish was pretty fresh. This was an above average salmon avocado roll, and the avocado was nice and ripe too. I'd absolutely get this again - the price being available all day is a great perk, and all of the food you get for this Pick 3 Maki all day special is great. With some places charging $3 or more to add soda, having the soup, salad, soda, PLUS all three rolls is really great. I will be back to get this again for sure! read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail, and salmon avocado - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

They have a very comprehensive menu. But I am a man of simple needs that appreciates a perfect meal - and there is nothing more perfect than their ahi tuna bowl - they have paired majestically with mango and jalapeño - crafting a blend of flavors that transports you into the kingdom of bliss. I owe it to myself to try their other dishes, but when you have found heaven on earth, why try anything else? read more

Just ordered takeout from here when I was craving sushi and I really enjoyed it! I think this might be one of my new go-tos when I'm craving sushi! They also had a deal for but one get one on fatty tuna belly and torched salmon belly which were both sooo good and melt in your mouth good! I got the 3 roll maki combo and gyoza too! Order was ready really quickly too! read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Pick 3 Maki Combo TORO ( Nigiri Sushi ) Salmon Melt Nigiri (Sushi) Fried Pork Gyoza - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

WOW what a hidden gem!!! great food, fast service, and incredibly kind staff. WILL BE BACK SUSHI EXPRESS

I can't say anything about their service or ambiance or anything because I got through delivery. The gyoza we got two orders of because they had a buy one get one free deal. They were quite decent. Good amount of filling and good flavor. I also got an order of their new foie gras and truffle maki that also had I believe yellowtail in it. The truffle and foie Gras took turns dominating each bite. You could only a taste the fish a little bit but they are not the stars of the dish. It was on the pricey end of 30$ for 8 rolls. I think the foie Gras was a little overpowered by the flavor of everything else, namely the truffle, it the truffle was cut back a bit or if the foie Gras was enhanced a bit it would be better in my opinion. It was still good and I was happy with my decision to try it out. Giving four stars because the food was all slightly cold though I know it isn't solely the restaurant's fault as they don't control the delivery process. The food itself was just a tad lacking for the price I paid I felt but it would probably be better if you eat at the restaurant as it would be fresher. I would definitely be willing to try to visit the storefront and it was still definitely one of the better places I've ordered sushi from. My friend ordered more classic rolls and was quite satisfied with them, I just wanted to try something that I saw and thought was pretty unique. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Fried Pork Gyoza - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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A quaint yet homely place. A true hole in the wall. Kind staff, good food, exactly 4 tables. My roommate and I eated here and loved it.

Just moved to the Fenway/Brookline area -- this will be our new go-to sushi spot for sure! The quality was great, especially for the price. They have thinner rice layers in the maki rolls (which is the right way to do it, unlike all these overpriced sushi places in Boston that people rave about!), friendly and prompt service, and a cute hole-in-the-wall storefront atmosphere. Loved it and will be back! read more

I can't believe this is still here. Late night eatery and drinking hole back during my college days. Food was good, life was good, young college days were unforgettable. For all of the BU, BC, MIT, Harvard, et al. Enjoy this landmark! read more

I stopped by awhile back and picked up an order of the Snow Crab Maki and Salmon Onigiri for takeout. This was during the pandemic so the restaurant was takeout only and staff took precautions to socially distance. I think the food taste and quality were decent but frankly I was quite disappointed in the portion size. I was most anticipating the Salmon Onigiri which I expected to be a decent size since it was $13.95 - more than the average price of a traditional maki roll. However the onigiris were incredibly small, and the quantity of salmon filling left a lot to be desired. Even though the food tasted fine, I don't think I'd visit again for its price point. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Snow Crab Maki, Salmon Onigiri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

So anyways , we were in Brookline yesterday for an event that we were going to last evening and.... We needed a quick place for dinner. And we didn't want to deal with the new avant guard bs restaurants that don't have quality... So we walked by sushi express , saying , do we really want to eat here....? In the answer was yes.. As you walk downstairs , just be careful of the steps... You walk into a very intimate restaurant that has more than thirty years of history. The environment is wonderful. Just a few set of tables and the service is impeccable. And the absolute reason why you're going to be here is because the sushi is amazing. We were lucky enough to get Toro, which I said was like eating a cloud. Just unbelievable. This restaurant is a gem and is very old school.Which is something that I really want to enjoy.I'm just going in with great service.Great preparation high quality food, reasonable prices.You can't ask for anything more. They really know what they're doing.Experts at their craft and wonderful sushi. read more

The food was good. Sushi was fresh made! I think this place is better take out than dine in. There were only three table and it was very crowded! If I wanna take out or do food delivery I'll definitely come to this place. read more

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I wanted to like this place since they were so friendly and the ordering process was quick, but I was very disappointed. I ordered an avocado roll and a side of rice for a quick snack while I was out running errands. This is a typical no-fail vegetarian order for me at most sushi restaurants-- it's pretty hard to screw up. Welllll.... joke's on me! First, I asked if they had tempura flakes for the top, and they said they only have a tempura sweet potato roll or tempura appetizer, so that was disappointing. The avocado roll was not very good, the spicy mayo was watery, and the rice was very wet and funny tasting/looking. I barely finished my roll, didn't end up using much of the mayo, and unfortunately had to toss the rice away after a few bites when I noticed the odd taste/texture/color. I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because the service was friendly and they appear to be handling COVID well (no dine-in, take out only). read more

The best spicy salmon roll ever. after moving back to the midwest, i miss it greatly every day! My order was two spicy salmon rolls and miso soup to go! Miso was always perfect. I just have to say, it still reigns as my favorite sushi in the world and no one spicy salmon has compared. No parking but in an amazing neighborhood Brookline. Theres very light seating arrangements around the outside of the little shop, its built for pickup orders mainly. Theyre always busy but fast! No parking but off the T read more

Amazing poke bowl and fresh rolled sushi. Wife and I went here the night before the Boston Marathon and staff were so exceptionally pleasant and kind. Food was fresh and high grade. Ran a PR the next day at the Boston Marathon, selfish plug for the great carbs read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Tricolor Poke Bowl - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I ordered sushi from here on and when I went to eat the spicy tuna, the tuna was black (as shown in picture). I was able to eat the Philly roll because that fish looked fine but the tuna looked old and I ended up having to throw it out. I'm very unhappy with my experience here and hope that this doesn't happen to future customers. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Spicy Tuna Hand Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I came to sushi express for the $20 (can't remember exact price) 3 roll sushi combo that comes with a side salad, miso soup, three 6 piece rolls, and soda. The sushi is very average for the three roll combo where I got the spicy crab, spicy tiny and spicy salmon. All the sushi had a similar orange inside with a deep fried part. I could not necessarily taste the fish quality as there was the crispy/fried taste. The miso soup, salad, and soda was decent. This place when I went was quite empty but great for a quick in and out meal for a good price read more

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Forgot some of my order which is always frustrating. The prices were small, significantly smaller than I have had around here yet they were priced similarly to other places. Not impressed. read more

++Recommend the 'Sushi Deluxe' set: 10 pieces of a variety of nigiri (salmon, octopus, tuna, etc.) + 1 roll of spicy maki + seaweed soup + salad. You know that feeling when you go out with friends and you order sushi ala carte at a non-buffet place? There's NEVER enough to make you full or satisfied because all you get is one piece out of every order. And what's worse is when you have an even numbered group and there's an odd number of sushi pieces available per roll. There's always that awkward- "so who's going to take the last piece" routine to go through. You secretly want the last piece because it's sushi, but you gotta be fair and not be selfish. Well tonight's 'sushi deluxe' was my time to go ALL OUT selfish. No one to take a piece, just me devouring every. single. piece. Oh yeahhhhh. Without tip, the 'Sushi Deluxe' came out $20.18 cents or so. Given the amount of work required to make sushi, I tipped them 2 bucks despite me picking the order up. The 2 bucks tip was unbeknownst to me well deserved. Surprisingly, the set included warm wakame seaweed soup and a fresh, mixed greens salad (not mentioned on their online menu). A napkin+ plastic spoon+ chopsticks + 6 packs or so of soy sauce was also included. The soup was wrapped in a plastic bag to avoid spillage despite it already being sealed in a plastic container. Literally didn't wash anything post meal except a soy sauce holder. I was wowed by the attention to packaging plus the little extras they provided. Very satisfied for the price and quality. My go-to-place should my 'selfish sushi' feelings arise in the future. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Take out version of "Sushi Deluxe" - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I stopped by after work for a take-out roll and found a nearly empty restaurant with smiley staff ready to please. The Home Run Maki $12 (eel, tobiko, cream cheese, avocado, squash, deep fried with seaweed & breadcrumbs. Served with house special sauce. 8 pieces) was rich creamy goodness by the piece. Although I must admit the eel flavor was kind of overwhelmed by said creaminess. One roll makes for a decent light meal. I counted 4 seats along the counter, and I forget... was it 5 tall tables around the room, each set with a pair of stools? read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Home Run Maki $12 11/2011 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

My local neighborhood spot! The best sushi and kindest people. Love coming to Maluken

For sushi express, this place gets my approval. Laid back atmosphere. There's a few tables and chairs if you want to dine in, but most people just order to go. Sashimi and appetizers are okay but again, it's sushi express so I expect eatable food that doesn't kill me and worth the money to satisfy my hungry stomach before I go hangry. The avocado seafood salad was good. I highly recommend. Fried oyster appetizer was alright. Something tasted off, like old oyster or maybe mayo was weird. Would have preferred spicy mayo served with it. Sashimi are okay. Overall price for sashimi is average. Not crazy cheap but not crazy expensive. Again, for a sushi express, they're not bad. They accept credit cards and cash. Parking is metered street parking only and can be limited. This is more for the locals to walk to or if you're too hangry to wait for nearby restaurants to eat. read more

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I would say the sushi deluxe was pretty solid, the fatty beef maki was ok. I would say the beef on top was the highlight but I couldn't really tell what was in the roll. I like the salmon the best out of the sushi deluxe. I wish that the fake crab was replaced with something else though. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Fatty Beef Maki - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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My boyfriend and I have ordered from Maluken a few times over the last couple of months. We usually get their "pick 3 maki combo" where you get 3 rolls and miso soup for $15, which is a pretty awesome deal. (I think this deal is priced a little differently depending on which delivery service you use.) I love that they make their sushi with a thin layer of rice and that you're definitely getting your money's worth since there is plenty of fish in the rolls. I've tried their spicy salmon maki, spicy tuna maki, and spicy yellowtail maki. The fish has always been fresh and all of our orders were prepared on time. read more

This is my go-to, neighborhood, take-out sushi spot. Unfussy, not fancy, but good quality for the price range! The two or three roll specials are particularly good value. Orders are always right and ready on time. read more

This is one of my favorite sushi places in Boston. Don't expect fancy high-end sushi, while they do have some traditional nigiri sushi, a vast majority of the menu is the usual Americanized sushi offering. But the quality of the is consistently good, and you know they don't half-ass your food. It is also affordable for what it is. I used to come here all the time when I was a student at BU, and I used to order delivery too. The quality is always good. If you come here during lunch, order the lunch specials (my fav is the deluxe sushi lunch special) because it's a lot more affordable. Some of the things I would recommend: Oyako Don Salmon sashimi and salmon roe on a bed of sushi rice. As a salmon lover, this dish can do no wrong. Fujisan maki My fav maki here. Salmon and avocado sushi with spicy mayo crab stick and squid on top, all seared with a blow torch! Dragon maki Very common sushi roll with tempura shrimp, avocado and eel. Spicy salmon maki This is common but they do it well here. The ratio of fish to rice is perfect, it's not too much rice like at other restaurants. Also real affordable at 5.75. The service is usually good too. The lady is always so friendly and prompt with the service. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - On top: dragon maki, Lower right: spicy salmon maki, lower left: fujisan maki. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Place is awesome, sushi was top tier and the staff was great. We went in there and demolished 9 rolls between the two of us and I have no regrets read more

I always come here since I live very close to this place. They have good quality sushi and I've never been disappointed from the countless times I've picked up food from here whenever I crave sushi. Prices are reasonable as it is sushi. I love salmon and always get salmon from here and if you're looking for just some sushi I would take out from here! It's a small restaurant but fast service with lots to choose from. I recommend if you're not looking for anything super fancy and want just some take out sushi. read more

We recently got a big sushi/sashimi/maki platter for a birthday and I'm pretty astounded by how old most of the fish was. The tuna was absolutely gray. Much of the fish has old, dry, rounded edges. I would be so embarrassed (and scared) to serve this to customers. The restaurant changed ownership, and the good reviews no longer apply unfortunately. read more

I love you, Maluken & Sushi Express!!!!! I've eaten in and taken out. Inside, it's small and you can watch preparation as you would in a traditional Japanese sushi bar. The older, short, dark-haired woman (who may be one of the owners) served us and she was so sweet. The sushi chefs are quiet masters of the blade. Talented and practical. Their maki combos are unlike any other place I've ever been to, especially in Boston. I don't even understand any review below 4 stars. The quality for the price is UNMATCHED. Fresh and packed with flavor--they even let you customize spice levels for sushi and for a spice-lover like me, that's major brownie points. I have yet to try any of the hot food besides the takoyaki and spring rolls (I don't even like spring rolls but these were good), but their beef udon is next on my list! Thank you for your quick and committed service, Maluken. read more

Let's start off with what 4 stars means. to me this means that in this class of restaurant, (a fast in fast out sushi place) it exceeds my expectations. I am NOT saying that this place is better than Duzo or Oishii. But it does a damn good job for getting in and out of a sushi place in A. under 5 minutes, and B. under 10-12 bucks. My friend and I walked right in, no line. We ordered 3 roles each. We also had some sides; He had miso soup, I had the edamame. While we watched the guys make our dinner, we talked to the waitress and guys making the sushi. They were all very nice and jovial and even gave us some samples of a few new things the one chef was working on. (an interesting concoction of fish with a slightly citrus sauce) Presto Change-O! SUSHI, and all this for under 25 bucks for 2 people. I am SOOO glad I live in Cambridge or I would be here for half my meals and Anna's for the other... (just kidding I do need a bit more variety... on the other hand...) When we got home we sat down watched the Pats pull a squeaker out and ate. The rice was actually quite decent, as some had mentioned it not being, and the fish was not fishy and seemed fresh. It was more meaty than Bluefin but not as much as at a high end place. The only thing I wish they would have done, and would actually still fit in this price range, is fix how they serve the spicy tuna etc. I feel that spicy anything needs to have been diced up a bit with the sauce mixed in, versus just putting some of the spicy mayo on the fish as it is rolled. I shall return... oh yes... i shall return... read more

Excellent cheap sushi. I find that the quality of sushi does somewhat correlate with price, and this place is a good deal. You can stuff yourself food on pretty decent stuff. Defintely try their salmon melt. It's something I've never seen anywhere else. They have a piece of salmon nigiri and they take a blow torch to just cook the outside so when you eat it, it's warm and melts in your mouth. Yum!! They also have other special rolls like soft shell crab rolls and spicy shrimp tempura rolls. The place is very very small though so I wouldn't bring a party of more than 3 people. I think the whole place only seats about a dozen. They do take-out though too. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - open late until about 10pm - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Ordered a chirashi dinner and the salad is with in the order and ended up the dinner itself is even small then lunch portion plate....and they charge for a full dinner! . read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This place was special to me because this was the place I usually went to for good sushi at reasonable prices when I was a student on a really tight budget. Whenever I had lunch appointments with friends that wanted sushi, we usually went to this place, and I did not spend more than $20 on average for a sushi meal here, especially for lunch. During my most recent visit, I got four orders of nigiri sushi, a pair of Yellowtail and a pair Salmon, along with a Spicy Tuna Roll. I also got a Home Run Maki, which is a combination of cream cheese, eel, avocado, and it is deep fried. I would say that they make a decently good Spicy Tuna Roll. It's not the best Spicy Tuna Roll I had, but it sufficed and it had a good flavor. The Yellowtail was fresh, and I liked the slight juiciness of the fish. As for the Salmon, it was decently fresh as well, and tasted all right. The wasabi was reasonably strong, but not too strong and it did give some additional kick to the flavor of the nigiri sushi. The gari was also pretty good, and made the Yellowtail and the Salmon tastier. A pair of Yellowtail nigiri sushi and a pair of salmon nigiri sushi, along with a Spicy Tuna Roll should be enough for a light lunch, and should not cost more than $15. The Home Run Maki, although it is a little expensive, is a great choice to share with two people along with a generous portion of good sushi. Each mouthful had this incredible combination of creaminess, crispiness, and tenderness, and it's probably worth spending the $12. I spent about $26 total including tip, which is an average price, but I was really full after eating this much sushi. I was actually surprised by the service, because the sushi came in fairly quick, probably under 15 minutes. Overall, this is probably the place I would recommend if you want decently good sushi at a reasonable price along with decently good service. It is also the place I would recommend if you are actually looking for sushi and if you do not want to spend more than $30 for a generous amount of sushi in Brookline. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Yellowtail, Salmon, and a Spicy Tuna Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Talk about YUM! I needed to grab a quick bite before catching a movie with a friend and I was scouring GrubHub for my next meal as I rode the train. I remember seeing Sushi Express on my friend's block so I quickly browsed the menu and ordered a Geisha Roll (salmon, cumber, avocado, & roe for $6.95), Yellowtail Scallion Roll ($4.95), and Spicy Squid Nigiri ($3.55 for two pieces). I walked inside Sushi Express to pick up my order (it's right near the St. Mary T stop folks) and the interior has a dive bar feel - very dark and it was empty - but the people were friendly. When I opened my tray at my friend's apartment, she immediately commented that whatever I ordered smelled good. It was the Chef's Special Spicy Squid Nigiri - squid is lightly broiled in a spicy sauce - and it is not only delicious but so fragrant! I relished each bite of sushi which tasted very fresh and at prices that can't be beat, I can't wait until I move into the neighborhood. Sushi Express will definitely be my go-to for take out sushi! read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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The valentine maki w/ shrimp & mango & mango sauce is amazing! I'm now having it once a week. I don't know if you should get anything else, but that....really. Ok maybe the eel & avacado. And I guess the tuna & salmon are really good too. I've even dabbled in the friend pork gyoza. Prices are cheap, the sushi is good & it usually pretty quick. Just make sure you have cash. I think they charge ya extra if you use a credit card cuz they get charged fees and all. read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I'm a big fan of the food here. The interior is nothing to rave about, simple tables but great service. The food is always fantastic and miso soup comes out piping hot. The don bowls are delicious and the sushi is always great. read more

The lady working at night (might have been manager) tried yelling at me. I laughed in her face and I turned around and walked out. I'll give another place my $$. she needs to learn customer service. read more

The sushi was okay. We ordered the fujisan maki, Red Sox maki, and sake roll. The place is small but it wasn't too crowded when we went. It seemed like everyone was just getting their food to go. The service was pretty good but that may be attributed to the emptiness of the place. Definitely affordable sushi! read more

Maluken & Sushi Express - Sushi Bars Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Good lunch prices for sushi! I got the deluxe chef's and I feel like the sushi choices were very fair. The fish all tasted fresh and they didn't have too much rice. I especially liked the miso soup! The beef don was great as well. I have to say though, having tried both eating in and take out, their take out is not nearly as good. read more

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Not all that bad. Food comes out a lot quicker than Shino's on Newbury St. You get unlimited ginger which is great too and a greater variety of rolls to choose from which I liked as well. Shino only gives you so much but their presentation is very nice. Sushi Ex the presentation is a little less on the presentation but the quality was pretty good too. It is crowded though and has only like 5 tables from what I remember unless there's something int he backroom I didn't know about. Wasn't very happy with that seeing as people kept bumping into my chair and you're already sitting up on these high stools you feel you're going to fall off of. The prices were great! We paid $25 for one miso soup, four rolls, one specialty roll and three peices of nigiri! You just cannot beat that! Definitely a good place for when you want sushi fast and cheap! read more