Little Nishi opened as a food truck in September 2023, serving premium hand rolls, fresh sashimi, and Japanese-inspired small plates that lean on local ingredients. The menu centers on modern temaki, combining traditional Japanese technique with an Austin sensibility.
Chef/owner Joel Taylor's path started with a sushi apprenticeship in Chico, California, sparked by childhood exposure to Japanese exchange students his family hosted. He went on to train under chefs Takehiro Asazu and Masaumi Saio at Uroko, spent three years as head chef at Roll On Sushi Diner, and trained for five years at Kome Sushi under chefs Toshiake Irie and Kazuaki Shimizu.
The concept now runs two Austin trailers — the original in Bouldin Creek and a second at Teddy's Bar on Manor Road. Regulars point to the quality of the fish and the craftsmanship behind the hand rolls as reasons they keep coming back.
Chef/owner Joel Taylor's path started with a sushi apprenticeship in Chico, California, sparked by childhood exposure to Japanese exchange students his family hosted. He went on to train under chefs Takehiro Asazu and Masaumi Saio at Uroko, spent three years as head chef at Roll On Sushi Diner, and trained for five years at Kome Sushi under chefs Toshiake Irie and Kazuaki Shimizu.
The concept now runs two Austin trailers — the original in Bouldin Creek and a second at Teddy's Bar on Manor Road. Regulars point to the quality of the fish and the craftsmanship behind the hand rolls as reasons they keep coming back.