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Sushi’s origins traces back to Japan as a method of preservation, where fish fermented with rice to extend shelf life. While the modern version originally gained popularity in the Edo period in Tokyo, its popularity skyrocketed worldwide over the past 30 years.
In the 1990s, the Japanese-Mexican community helped popularize sushi in Mexico’s Pacific state of Sinaloa. The audience wasn’t as keen on raw seafood, so rolls such as the steak-and-shrimp-filled Mar y Tierra gained popularity. Afterwards, creativity with fusion exploded, incorporating ingredients such as carne asada, cream cheese, ceviche, and chipotle mayo.
Later on, in the neighboring state of Sonora, carne asada gained popularity in sushi. Even boneless Buffalo chicken entered the fray. In 2019, Eater dubbed Sonoran sushi as Tucson’s buzziest newcomer.
While a few restaurants and food trucks in Tucson now serve Sonoran sushi, one particular food hall vendor and food truck has our hearts: Samurai Sombrero.
Chef and co-owner Gabriela “Gabby” Delgadillo, a Tucson native, found some standard sushi lacking the spice she craved. She teamed up with her now-husband, Jesus “Chuy” Oleta, an experienced sushi chef. Together, they set out to fuse their heritage’s flavors and sushi know-how.
The menu features rolls labeled for popularity and whether or not it has raw seafood. Thankfully, Samurai Sombrero offers delectable options across the full spectrum.
For a vegan roll, opt for the Death Free Foodie Roll with its combination of avocado, cucumber, tempura jalapeño, and chef’s sauces, lightly charred in the oven for a hint of smokiness.
Spicy tuna fans should go for the Abigail Roll, which also has cucumber and seared salmon on top with the chef sauce.
The namesake Sombrero Roll combines crunchy shrimp tempura, cream cheese, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame, and the chef special sauce. Here, the grassy cilantro and jalapeño help lift the rich cream cheese.
Samurai Sombrero is located in American Eat Co. at 1439 S. Fourth Ave. Keep up with Samurai Sombrero on Instagram.
For more information, read our May 3, 2025 article Samurai Sombrero Fuses Sonoran Roots With Bold Tucson Sushi.
