By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Blending fresh sushi and homemade Asian dishes, Saiko Asian Express is quickly carving out a place in Hays with affordable flavors.
Ceaser Vargas has lived in Hays for 20 years, but is originally from Mexico, bringing decades of restaurant experience in international foods as he comes from a family of restaurant owners.
"I've worked in American, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican restaurants," Vargas said.
Saiko opened Dec. 19 and has continued to see strong community support. Vargas said his restaurant stands out from other Asian eateries in the area because of its affordability and quality.
"We have the best prices," he said. "We cook with love and passion."
Its sushi menu features the Saiko roll, dragon roll, spicy tuna, spicy crab roll and sushi on a stick. Other Asian dishes include sweet and sour chicken, teriyaki chicken and beef, broccoli shrimp and rock shrimp.
Its most popular limited-time item is the Korean corn dog, available in spicy, regular and potato varieties. The dish comes with a flour-battered corn dog filled with cheese and sausage, deep-fried and finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
"Nobody else has Korean corn dogs in Hays," Vargas said.
The building is undergoing interior remodeling to create an Asian-inspired, family-friendly atmosphere. Before opening Saiko, Vargas supplied sushi to nearby grocery stores in Russell and Hoisington.
In Mexico, Vargas has family members who operate sushi restaurants, while his parents own a taco shop that serves more than 500 customers each day.
"This is a product of what I've learned over 20 years working in restaurants," Vargas said.
Saiko is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with plans to expand to full-day service once employees are trained and ready to serve Hays.
Vargas said the restaurant plans to introduce daily promotions soon.
The restaurant's website is under construction, but delivery and takeout orders are available through DoorDash. You can follow Saiko Asian Express on Facebook.