Kansas City Asian restaurant closed in March. Now it has a new Johnson County location
Almost 10 years ago, Zhen Liu opened Saki Asian Restaurant in Kansas City.
The hibachi and Asian fusion restaurant combined the experience of Liu, who’s from China, and his then-business partner from Thailand. That restaurant served Northlanders at 5225 N.W. 64th St. until late March, when Liu decided to close the space.
His brother, who was a big help at the restaurant, moved back to China. Then Liu moved his family to Overland Park for “several reasons,” including educational opportunities for his children, he said.
But good news for fans of its drunken noodles and sushi boats: Saki Asian Restaurant reopened in Overland Park last week in a smaller space at 12084 W. 135th St. The menu is mostly the same, just without the hibachi.
Liu and his partner for the new location, his brother-in-law, Miao Jian, are serving egg rolls, fried rice, sushi and other Asian dishes.
His expansive sushi menu features dozens of cooked, raw and vegetarian-friendly rolls. Signature sushi options include the pink lady roll: shrimp tempura, crab meat and spicy tuna wrapped in soy paper and drizzled in a creamy sauce.
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He hopes to get his liquor license soon so he can serve “sake at Saki,” he said, referring to the Japanese rice wine. Once he can serve alcohol, he wants to host a grand opening party.
Saki moved into the former China Panda, near Pizza Shuttle and Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh.
Liu said it’s been a struggle getting the word out about the new place. Regardless, he hopes his new Overland Park customers will enjoy old menu favorites.
“We’ve very confident,” he said. “I think we’re going to do well.”
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