5 Places to have Omakase in Singapore

Kama-Otoro Nigiri at Hashida Sushi

Let’s face it. We Singaporeans love Japanese cuisine and those who are serious about it will pay hundreds of dollars for an Omakase meal without blinking an eye. Be it for a special occasion or to simply pamper ourselves, there is nothing like sitting at a Sushi counter and having a chef who has trained for years to personally mould sushi right in front of us before we pop the little orgasm bombs that give us a glimpse of what heaven can taste like.

The term “Omakase” means “to entrust”. Simply put, you sit down at the counter and the chef will serve you a menu course-by-course (similar to a degustation) featuring the restaurant’s signature items or specials of the day. Although an Omakase can feature appetizers and side dishes, it is the Sushi that takes centre stage. A typical Omakase costs about $150, but depending on your appetite and wallet, it can go up to as high as $300 so do not be afraid to enquire on the prices first.

With many establishments available here in Singapore, the choices and possibilities are endless. So here are 5 places to go for an Omakase.

Otoro Nigiri

1)         Shinji by Kanesaka

With 2 branches here in the Raffles Hotel and St Regis Singapore, “Shinji by Kanesaka” is the eponymous overseas extension of the original Sushi Kanesaka in Tokyo, Japan. Aside from the unquestionable quality of the food which is simply sublime, the good folks here pay great attention to the minute details like the material of the sushi counter (which is made from prized ‘hinoki’ or cypress wood), the wares used for the preparation of their sushi, and the ambience itself to ensure a complete experience. Rumour has it that a Japanese diner was reduced to tears after he laid his hands on the cypress wood sushi counter, saying that it reminded him so much of his home which he badly missed.
It feels almost ritualistic dining in here, and the whole atmosphere can feel quite formal if not for the friendly and jovial chefs whose life mission is to ensure that you are served only the best of what they have to offer.

Shinji By Kanesaka
#02-20 Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
http://www.shinjibykanesaka.com/raffles/index.html

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Uni Gunkan

2)         Nogawa Japanese Restaurant

This is undeniably the pioneer restaurant for sushi and Omakase in Singapore. The place was opened in 1978 and was formerly run by Sushi Master Yoshio Nogawa (who has since returned to Tokyo). Nogawa is still often regarded as the forefather of Japanese Cuisine in Singapore, and he took in many students who went on to become specialists in their own right, most notably Chef Ronnie Chia of Tatsuya. Step into his restaurant and you will find many pictures showing Nogawa-san standing beside prominent political figures like Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and former President S R Nathan. But aside from the fame, this is the place for the die-hard traditionalists and purists of Edomae Sushi.

Nogawa Japanese Restaurant
#03-25 Concorde Hotel
100 Orchard Road

http://www.sushinogawa.com.sg/e-index.php

 

Aburi Botan Ebi with Foie Gras Nigiri

3)         Hakumai Sushi & Omakase

Look no further than Hakumai Sushi and Omakase if you seek a modern twist to your sushi. Owner Chef Gary Ng (also a student of Master Nogawa) has finally settled down at his new restaurant located in International Plaza after moving from his previous places at Hinoki and Kome. The signature of Hakumai lies in their “Aburi” or “blowtorched” sushi.  It brings the sushi to a whole new level with a process of experimentation that yield results such as the “Aburi Botan Ebi and Foie Gras” sushi shown above. It is basically a large botan ebi which is first butterflied and topped with a sexy piece of goose liver and blowtorched to give off a smoky aroma. The freshness of the prawn together with the creamily sinful foie gras is guaranteed to make anyone fall in love with Aburi Sushi. This is just one of the many more unique Sushi here at Hakumai and the possibilities are only limited by the creativity of the chefs here.

Hakumai Sushi & Omakase
#01-50A International Plaza
10 Anson Road

http://www.hakumai.com.sg/

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Uni and Ikura mini donburi

4)         Hashida Sushi

Another heavyweight Japanese import from Tokyo,  Hashida Sushi is run by the 35-year old Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida, son of Master Tokio Hashida. Chef “Hatch”, a graduate of the prestigious ‘Tsuji Culinary Institute’, makes frequent trips between Singapore and Japan to ensure operations and supplies are smooth and consistent in order that Hashida delivers top end sushi to its guests.
Hashida Sushi takes exceptional pride in the quality of their tuna, importing a whole fish that can weigh up to a 100 kilograms at a time. Needless to say, their otoro (Tuna belly) sushi is a must-try here. If you are feeling indulgent, the beverage list here features high end sake, Champagnes and vintage wines to go along with your Omakase.

Hashida Sushi
#02-37 Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road

http://hashida.com.sg/index.html

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"Hamburg Sushi".
 Flying Fish Roe, Winter Bamboo shoot, Salmon, Tuna, and Surf Clam Sushi. 

5)         Meii Sushi

Unlike the previous restaurants which are more famous, Meii takes on a more quaint and exclusive demeanour. The only marketing tool employed here is word of mouth, and it was not really featured in online articles until recently. This is not your typical sushi joint because the sushi here is rustic, unpretentious and sometimes a little unglamorous. Basically, the only aspect not compromised here is the taste and quality of their products and Chef Hong loves to cut his fish into large, thick slices so when you sink your teeth into that highly marbled Otoro, the flavours are amplified dramatically, and if you are not careful you might just let out a moan or a sigh of pure ecstasy. Chef Hong here does take a break from tradition once in a while and comes up with unusual creations for his regular customers like the “Hamburger Sushi” shown above. It features different types of fish and other ingredients all in one nigiri, and the taste is simply unimaginable and indescribable. You have to try it for yourself.

A note of caution: Chef Hong is a man who shuns away from the limelight and loves his privacy in his humble abode. He has chased people away before who were being unreasonable and over demanding. So do reserve a seat in advance, inform him of your dietary restrictions beforehand, and ask for permission before you take photos. Just follow these rules and you'll be treated to a spectacular array of overflowing sushi.

Meii Sushi
#02-54 International Plaza
6220 3346

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Final Notes

An Omakase is truly the best way to enjoy Japanese cuisine at its finest because it showcases the skills and techniques of the Chef and it also features seasonal produce that are only available in certain periods of the year. The next time you have extra cash, go to any of these 5 restaurants for an unforgettable Omakase experience.