Dau Sushi’s Liberty Hill roll ($24) features shrimp tempura, avocado and Japanese A5 wagyu beef, a nod to Texas ranching. (Daniel Schwalm/Community Impact)
After more than 15 years in Central Texas kitchens, chef Dau Maran is putting his own spin on Asian cuisine at Dau Sushi, serving fresh fish flown in from Japan and original sushi rolls inspired by Texas ranching to diners in Leander and Liberty Hill.
What’s on the menu
Dau Sushi is best known for its sushi, nigiri and sashimi, which Maran said are its best sellers. The restaurant uses fresh fish to ensure the food is made with only the best ingredients, Maran said.
Maran said he is constantly innovating, frequently offering new sushi rolls and other dishes as specials. Some of his original creations stay on the permanent menu as the chef’s signature rolls, like the Liberty Hill roll, which features shrimp tempura, avocado, smoked sweet onion, microgreens, homemade crunchy garlic and Japanese A5 wagyu beef—an homage to Texas cattle ranching, Maran said.
The kitchen also serves teriyaki proteins, bulgogi and katsu—a popular Japanese dish of breaded, deep-fried meat cutlets.
The menu features Katsu dishes ($20), known for their Japanese-style fried chicken or pork served with Asian slaw and steamed rice.Daniel Schwalm/Community Impact
Appetizers include crowd favorites such as edamame and gyoza, as well as unique finds like shrimp wrapped in potato strings and takoyaki—octopus fritters served with sweet and spicy sauce. The menu also includes Asian alcoholic beverages such as sake, wine and beer, alongside nonalcoholic drinks including Ramune.
Meet the chef
Originally from Myanmar, also known as Burma, Maran attended culinary school before living in Singapore and eventually moving to Central Texas. He and his wife moved to Texas 16 years ago in pursuit of the American dream, he said.
“Now I have two kids, so this is for them,” he said. “I work hard because this is for their future.”
Maran spent 15 years working in different restaurants around the area before deciding to open his own in 2025.
“When I came here, I worked hard, worked in different kinds of restaurants and then finally I was just like, ‘Everybody can do it. Why not me?’” he said.
Owner and chef Dau Maran opened Dau Sushi in northern Leander in 2025. Daniel Schwalm/Community Impact
Staying local
For the past six years, Maran and his family have lived in Liberty Hill, which he likes for its close-knit community. Many of Dau Sushi’s customers are regulars, and Maran enjoys stopping to talk to returning diners, he explained.
With his restaurant, Maran said he aims to give Leander and Liberty Hill locals a place to get together without having to travel too far.
“You don’t have to go downtown [Austin] or to Cedar Park,” he said. “This is a local place for dates or family outings or just to hang out with friends on the weekend.”
