Masabaga
Permanently Closed
Tuna belly burgers, yakisoba pan, and black sesame crackers.
Tuna belly burgers, yakisoba pan, and black sesame crackers.
"Oakland “Perhaps one of the best things that happened to me during this godforsaken year was Masabaga opening up five minutes from my apartment. Their deep-fried toro burger, made with a cut of yellowfin tuna that’s breaded and deep-fried until flaky, juicy, and tender, is the star of the show at this new takeout-only sandwich spot in Oakland. The golden-brown piece of fish is topped with a tangy yuzu kosho aioli and a mix of pickled onions, mint, and greens, all layered in between a soft roll. It’s undoubtedly the best sandwich I’ve had all year, which is why I insisted on having one on my birthday (also because their massive, airy black sesame tapioca crackers make regular appearances in my dreams).” - Julia Chen, SF Editorial Assistant" - team infatuation
"The sandwiches will make their debut at a pop-up this Sunday, December 6, from noon until whenever they sell out, at Masabaga in downtown Oakland." - Luke Tsai
"He’s the co-owner of Masabaga, whose katsu-style tuna belly burger and yakisoba pan are dishes you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the East Bay." - Luke Tsai
"At star sushi chef Masa Sasaki’s casual Japanese-leaning burger joint, the headliner of the menu is a crispy, katsu-style tuna belly burger that might be the Bay Area’s most luxurious fried fish sandwich. Just as enjoyable, though, is Masabaga’s take on yakisoba pan, the noodle sandwich that is a staple of Japanese convenience stores. Sasaki’s version of this carb-on-carb classic features stir-fried noodles and grilled pork belly tossed in tangy-sweet yakisoba sauce, half a hot dog, Sriracha mayo, and a scattering of scallions and sesame seeds — all served on a nicely toasted hot dog bun. It’s a full-on meal." - Luke Tsai
"Masabaga’s latest offering: yakisoba pan, a kind of Japanese stir-fried noodle sandwich — a staple of Japanese convenience stores and shonen anime. Chef Masa Sasaki started serving the sandwiches last month at his Japanese-leaning Oakland burger shop. Sasaki’s version is a super-premium version of the cellophane-wrapped kind you might find at a Tokyo 7-Eleven. The noodles are loaded with slices of grilled pork belly, with half a hot dog added for good measure. Topped with Sriracha mayo and a zip of ginger." - Luke Tsai