Singapore's Wooshi Opens First International Branch in the Philippines

(SPOT.ph) Wooshi has officially landed in the Philippines, opening its first store outside its home turf in Singapore. The concept leans into a fresher, build-your-own approach to maki rolls and rice bowls—and it's still very much in the same “healthier eating” image as SaladStop! and Heybo (Wooshi's sister companies under the SaladStop! Group)—just ever so lightly rebranded for those who’d rather eat their proteins and greens tucked inside rice and seaweed.

Wooshi’s Philippine debut lands in very familiar territory—its first branch is at Central Square in Bonifacio Global City, and shares the same space with the country’s first SaladStop! The two concepts coexist in one store, with Wooshi establishing its own corner, marked by a vibrant mural by local artist Jill Arteche—a not-so-subtle hint that this Wooshi isn’t any traditional sushi shop.

Hence, the Wooshi name.

If you're also trying to figure out the meaning behind the name, Wooshi is designed to break free from the traditional Japanese dining image—here, it takes a more playful, modern, and energetic approach to traditional sushi.

“Wooshi” is a word play that can be interpreted in two ways: the whoosh of grabbing a roll and eating it mid-errand or mid-commute. The other reading is less subtle but funnier—“woohoo! sushi!”—which tells you everything you need to know about the brand’s energy.

Wooshi keeps things tight and to the point: maki rolls, eight pieces per box, priced from P280 to P480. The lineup mirrors the core menu from Singapore, with options like the Big Bang Tofu (P280)—vegetarian-friendly but also meat lover-approved—with tofu, enoki, almonds, and basil pesto. There's also the Cali Crush (P280), a more familiar mix of crab sticks, avocado, ebiko, and wasabi mayo. Both come wrapped in locally sourced purple rice, which leans earthier and a little more textured than your standard white, making the simple flavors stand out with each bite.

If you’re an indecisive orderer—the type who can't choose between seafood dishes, then Wooshi's lineup will really test you. You'll have to choose between the Ebi-Thing (P300), which goes for crunch, pairing tempura ebi with a bright yuzu teriyaki glaze, and the Tuna Turner (P350), which layers yuzu-shoyu tuna with crushed peanuts for texture and a chili crab for some heat.

At the higher end, the Salmon Sensei (P420) keeps things relatively simple with salmon sashimi, tamago, bonito flakes, cheese, and mentaiko. The same goes for the Dragon Hug (P480), which leans fully into indulgence with sweet, smoky unagi as its centerpiece.

The Salmon Sensei (P420) plays it simple with salmon sashimi, tamago, bonito flakes, melted cheese, and mentaiko. On the other hand, the Dragon Hug (P480) goes the opposite direction and pairs the sweet unagi with kimchi, pomelo, and teriyaki sauce—plus tempura puffs for more bite.

And if you’re the kind of person who needs control over what food goes into your mouth—rather than surrendering to a pre-rolled, one-bite destiny—go for the bowls instead. There’s the Torinik-ooh! (P290) with chicken, the Seoul-mate (P400) with bulgogi, the Ebi Every After (P400) with tempura, and the Sensei Unagi (P660) for when restraint is no longer part of the plan.

If, however, you don’t just prefer control, and you want control over everything else, Wooshi's items are customizable, too. Just like every brand on the SaladStop! universe, you can create your own Maki or bowls from scratch, just the way you like them.

Wooshi has two items on the menu that are very "Uy Pilipins!"—that is, if you look beyond their names. There's the Pork N' Roll (P350) that represents the classic adobo, but as a handy, portable rice roll. The adobo they developed for this roll is on the sweeter side, and is given a tangier overall profile with the added mango strips and white radish pickles, but then is balanced out by the cilantro mayonnaise. And because if you have never tried adobo with chicharon, now's your chance to acquaint yourself with this tasty combination that you'll eventually always look for.

There's also the Banana Mochi (P100) for dessert. This is a lovechild of two Filipino merienda favorites: It has the flavors of maruya, but with the chewy, gummy texture of palitaw. This is served with a thin caramel sauce that you can dip the Banana Mochi in—but, frankly, we'd argue it's optional. The Banana Mochi is pretty good with or without the caramel.

Interestingly, the Korea-inspired Seoul Sister (P350) is a Philippine-exclusive, too. Maybe it's because Filipinos are still obsessed with K-everthing, or we just generally have a soft spot for anything bold, punchy, and fermented. And if that is the case, this roll doesn’t hold back with its beef, tamago, melted cheese, charred corn, kimchi, and a Korean chili vinaigrette, all competing in one bite.

Like SaladStop and Hey Bo, Wooshi will eventually roll out limited-time flavors, too. Which basically translates to: There will always be a reason to come back for a second, third, fourth, and tenth time.

In the meantime, while we collectively wait for Wooshi to expand within Metro Manila, those from the North and South will have to come to terms with going all the way to BGC for a filling maki or a rice bowl—best paired with a Good Poison drink and ended on a sweet note with the Banana Mochi.