Taste Test: Sweet Octopus

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IG: @thesweetoctopus
FB: Sweet Octopus Atlanta
sweetoctopus.com

On a night out in Duluth, I stopped into Sweet Octopus, a relatively new Asian-fusion restaurant in Duluth’s food scene. As soon as I walked up to the counter to order, I had to take a step back. They boast a massive selection of Asian dishes ranging from ramen to poke to Thai and even empanadas! (But we’ll get into that later.) I was having a hard time choosing from the broth-based ramen bowls or the rice-based poke bowls, so my boyfriend grabbed the Panko Chicken Teriyaki poke, and I opted for the Shrimp Wonton Ramen. Before I get into what we ordered, let’s break down the menu.

Sweet Octopus’s menu comprises four smaller menus: a poke menu, a Thai menu, a ramen menu and an empanada menu. Each menu has its own starters, entrees and sides. There are also separate beverage menus for bubble tea and the bar. With so many options, the dishes at Sweet Octopus offer a wide range of flavors, textures and protein sources, so it’s likely even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The two-story restaurant offers different items on each floor, with ramen, Thai and poke downstairs and boba, empanadas and drinks upstairs. So, I highly recommend stopping upstairs after ordering at the main counter to browse their menu and grab a drink or an empanada to snack on. If you’re in the mood for something boozy, their sake cocktails are a great choice. Made with sake, a delicious Japanese alcohol comparable to wine but fruitier, they offer something different from traditional mixed drinks.

As far as each of our entrees goes, the ramen, which I dipped into first, featured an aromatic blend of flavors and spices that had me drooling before the first bite. When I finally tried a sip of the broth, it was flavorful without being overpowering. It warmed my entire body after a chilly walk through downtown. The fried onion bits on top added a crunch I wasn’t expecting, which made eating it much more enjoyable. As a seafood lover, the shrimp wontons floating in the pool of broth and noodles were my favorite
part. Still, if you prefer a more traditional version of ramen, the pork belly is a classic I would highly recommend.

I then tried what was left of my boyfriend’s poke, which was served piled high with colorful toppings like lettuce, carrots, cabbage, avocado, spicy mayo and more. The Panko chicken was the star of the show with its saucy-but-crunchy outer layer of teriyaki-soaked panko that added a tangy kick to the entire bowl. Both of our meals were delicious and packed with protein, veggies and nutrients, making this an excellent option for anyone looking to grab something on-the-go without compromising quality. Your body will thank you,
and so will your taste buds!

Find Sweet Octopus. . .
In Duluth: 3559 W Lawrenceville St #600, Duluth, GA
30096