Khagan Mongolian Grill & Sushi: A Unique Combination

Khagan Mongolian Grill & Sushi, featuring a unique combination of Asian cuisine, has opened in Simsbury. Owned by West Hartford residents Jin and Spencer Yang, the restaurant offers two all-you-can-eat choices: Mongolian grill only or a sushi and grill combination.

“It’s a bonus to have the grill while waiting for the sushi,” Jin Yang said regarding the combo option. “This is a new concept in Connecticut.”

Spencer Yang said the trend has been popular in states such as Texas and California the past several years, and they wanted to bring it to the Greater Hartford area. The China-born couple previously owned a sushi-only restaurant.

For Mongolian grill dining, patrons go through a buffet line to select their desired starches, vegetables, proteins, sauces and spices, which are then brought to a chef for showman-style stir frying on a large round grill.

There are no seats surrounding the Mongolian grill, unlike a Benihana style restaurant where customers sit and watch the chef cook. Diners can stand to observe the process, however, or they can take a seat and be served by staff.

Decision-making at the buffet can be a challenge because of the cornucopia of fresh vegetables, meats, seafood and fish.

“Our emphasis is on healthy eating,” Spencer Yang said.

He said the variety of ingredients offered makes the restaurant a family-friendly place, given that children can be picky eaters. Gluten-free menu options are available, and there are sections of the grill where cooking is done for those with food allergies.

The list of sushi choices is also copious, including signature rolls with names like Angry Bird, Crazy Tuna and Dynamite. Some of the rolls contain no raw fish but rather, tempura shrimp, sweet potato, mango or peanut avocado. A few seats are available at the sushi bar for customers who want to watch their selections being created or to dine.

In addition to the two buffet options, an a la carte menu is available featuring soups, salads, appetizers, side dishes, sushi bar starters and sushi bar entrees. Also, take-out only lunch bowls can be ordered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Khagan offers an extensive selection of Japanese imported beers, cold and hot Sakes, wines, and an interesting cocktail list. During Happy Hour, which runs daily from 3-6 p.m., selected beer, wine and martini specials are buy 1, get the second for a penny.

The restaurant was created in the space of two former storefronts, allowing for a dining room that seats 150 and a separate party room for 24. It is located at 530 Bushy Hill Road in Simsbury Commons, anchored by Simsbury Hoyts Cinema and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For information call 860-413-2330 or visit www.khaganmongolian.com.