The Soulful Return of Sushi to Central Market

How two brothers are bringing high-level Japanese cuisine to the downtown

BY JEREMY SLAGLE | CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Upon entering Downtown York’s Central Market before typical lunch hours, one feels “a calm before the storm,” with vendors busily prepping for the day’s customers. This is especially true of the bamboo lined stand towards the center of the over 125-year-old market house, where visitors are greeted by hanging lit lanterns and the sounds of music pulsing positive vibes. The people behind the stand are slicing avocado, prepping fresh fish, mixing tempura batter, and cooking a large container of rice. This stand is home to Nama Sushi

Nama, meaning “raw” in Japanese, is the name given to the sushi and Japanese cuisine stand run by Roberto Katindig and his brother, Errol. Both originally from Philadelphia, it was here that Roberto, the stand’s main chef, started his culinary journey training under Masaharu Morimoto at the Iron Chef’s contemporary Japanese cuisine flagship restaurant, Morimoto.

The partnership of Nama Sushi and Central Market, however, is actually a reunion story, dating back to 2011 when the brothers originally called the market home. Under the same name, the stand then was a bit ahead of its time as sushi hadn’t quite broken into the mainstream audience yet.

After closing the original stand, Roberto went to Houston, Texas where he worked and trained in fine culinary restaurants with often “Hell’s Kitchen” type environments. He then continued his career working at and managing sushi locations within the airport. It was through these experiences that Roberto fine-tuned his culinary and business skills, and aimed to create dishes of the highest standards.

Errol, on the other hand, remained in York and grew a business of his own, Diggiefit. Maintaining a pulse on York’s food scene, he noticed the interest for sushi had grown over the years, and finally persuaded his brother to return to York to give his dream a second chance.

A perk of the market house that appealed to them was the sense of community within its walls, from the support of the market itself with events and activities, to the connectedness between the vendors. “Everybody pulls for each other,” shares Roberto. That factor, and the feeling of starting where they left off, made Roberto decide Central Market was the perfect environment to grow a following. “I wanted to establish myself and my business in a growing downtown,” said Roberto. “I want to be a part of an evolving York.”

Errol, Kristin, and Roberto of Nama Sushi

Nama Sushi’s return to Central Market has been a strong one, with business growing steady since their opening in early April. The brothers were even able to reunite with Kristin, a former employee of theirs who worked the original market stand. “I saw that they were bringing back sushi to York and I wanted to work with them again,” shared Kristin. “The timing just worked out right to work with them again after all these years.”

Everything at Nama Sushi is fresh and made to order, with a regular menu offering your basic and traditional sushi rolls, as well as an extensive offering of Specialty Rolls full of unique creations, like the “Tiger Roll” which is wrapped in spicy Cheetos. In addition to sushi, they also offer rotating specials like Poke or Pepper Tuna Bowls, Salmon Teriyaki, and Miso Baked Cod.

For his customers, Roberto strives to offer not only a high-quality, delicious product at an accessible cost, but dishes that showcase the art of sushi and Japanese cuisine. “This is not your typical sushi bar,” stated Roberto. “I want people to know my culture and style, and experience my unique training. I bring the soul of sushi.”

DISHES TO TRY:

Twin Roll - Shrimp tempura, softshell crab, Cajun crawfish, cucumber, soy wrap, tempura flakes, spicy aioli, sweet soy crunchies

Shaggy Dog Roll – A returning favorite to Central Market: Shrimp tempura, avocado, topped with crab, eel sauce, spicy aioli

Pepper Tuna Bowl - Crack peppered tuna with seaweed salad, avocado, nori, masago, and citrus soy, over white rice.

Nama Sushi | Inside Central Market - 34 W. Philadelphia Street, York, PA 17401 | 717.418.2929