For food lovers looking for exceptional dining experiences, Singapore is a paradise. I've started a culinary journey that has taken me to the centre of Japanese culinary artistry, Omakase, as an expat who has the privilege of calling this culinary paradise home. Omakase is a Japanese dining custom that means "I leave it to you," allowing the chef to create a unique dining experience.
I've had the pleasure of exploring the complexities of Omakase dining in this bustling city-state, discovering both undiscovered gems and famous establishments. Each location offers a distinctive fusion of history and innovation, tantalising the taste buds of both locals and foreigners. This is a monument to the careful artistry and passion of its chefs.
Be prepared to visit a world where food is more than just a meal; it creates memorable experiences by combining fresh, in-season ingredients with time-honoured cooking methods. This culinary journey promises to stimulate your senses and inspire your next dining experience, whether you're a sushi connoisseur, a fan of delicate sashimi, or someone who is just curious about the magic that transpires behind the counter of an Omakase restaurant. Main Image Credit: Ki-sho Facebook Page
Hashida
More than just a sushi restaurant, Hashida Singapore is a true sensation. The culinary genius behind the magic is Chef Kenjiro 'Hatch' Hashida, who’s creative Edomae-style sushi is just the beginning of his talent.
Watch as the sushi chef expertly cuts those melt-in-your-mouth, fatty tuna pieces, then tenderly arranges them on a bed of rice. It is a mind-blowing one-bite wonder.
Fans of wine and sake, rejoice! Hashida is a Krug Ambassade-approved restaurant, and Chef Hatch is passionate about matching his dishes with the ideal beverage.
Hashida serves up top-notch, authentic omakase-style sushi in an elegant, warm atmosphere, drawing on his more than 20 years of experience. Image Credit: Hashida Facebook Page
a. 77 Amoy St, Singapore 069896
w. hashida.sg
KOMA
Discover KOMA, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar from Tao Group Hospitality, where Japanese cuisine receives a contemporary twist. You can anticipate dishes at KOMA that redefine Japanese flavours.
Through a spectacular 20-meter hallway adorned with bright orange arches reminiscent of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, enter their world. Unwind in a cosy lounge and enjoy inventive drinks or browse the vast sake menu.
Treat yourself to a new, premium Omakase experience available only at KOMA, featuring the chef's latest innovations as well as signature dishes made with premium seafood, fresh seasonal ingredients, and wagyu meat.
A dining experience unlike any other is promised at KOMA, where excellent food and conversation flourish in a spectacular setting created by the renowned Rockwell Group. Image Credit: KOMA Facebook Page
a. 2 Bayfront Ave, B1 - 67, Singapore 018972
Hamamoto
Prepare yourself for a unique omakase experience at Hamamoto! For those who enjoy Japanese cuisine, this 12-seat oasis is a sanctuary.
Every amazing meal is the creation of chef-owner Kazu Hamamoto, who uses only the finest ingredients and is unflinching in his pursuit of excellence.
Uni lovers, this place is your paradise. The uni (sea urchin) dishes offered here are a wonderful work of art, with a variety of preparations and ample portions.
Every meal created by Chef Kazu represents his belief in the ability of food to elevate the spirit. With each taste at Hamamoto, prepare to be immediately transported to Japan. Image Credit: Hamamoto Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 58 Tras St, Singapore 078997
Imamura
Imamura, which is tucked away in the calm and green end of Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, instantly takes you to Japan with its serene ambiance.
The environment is a blend of relaxed warmth and affluent charm, and attention to detail is in their DNA. Every seat has a view of the open kitchen, providing a front-row seat to the culinary genius in action.
Hirofumi Imamura, the restaurant's chef-owner, is a seasoned veteran with 20 years of expertise at some of the most exclusive dining establishments in the world.
Prepare to experience authentic Japanese omakase and a unique culinary journey at Restaurant Imamura. You won't soon forget this experience, which is a symphony of flavours. Image Credit: Imamura Facebook Page
a. 14 Gunner Ln, at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Singapore 099566
Oumi
Oumi, which means "sea" or "ocean" in Japanese, is a modern Japanese Australian Kappo restaurant with a stunning view of Marina Bay, located on the 51st floor of CapitaSpring.
Diners at Oumi are welcomed into an open kitchen where they can watch the culinary magic happen and interact with the chef. At Oumi, dishes are skillfully prepared with the freshest ingredients available.
By fusing robust Australian flavours and cooking techniques with traditional Japanese Kappo cuisine, head chef Lamley Chua creates a gastronomic symphony.
The distinctiveness of Oumi comes from its reinvention of tradition, "nose-to-tail" philosophy, and use of ingredients not only from Japan but also from Australia, Singapore, and the nearby 1-Arden Food Forest, the highest sustainable urban farm in the world. Image Credit: Oumi Facebook Page
a. 88 Market St, 51-01, Singapore 048948
w. www.oumi.sg
Sushi Sato
Sushi Sato, a superb omakase experience delivered by a chef with excellent intuition, is tucked away in a little Zen Garden on Dempsey Hill.
The Hinoki Counter, an ancient masterpiece that was carefully constructed from the finest hinoki wood imported from Japan, is located at the centre of the restaurant.
Chef Yuji Sato, a seasoned chef with more than 20 years of experience and a native of Obihiro, Hokkaido, is in charge of the culinary expedition. The finest ingredients for the season, including Hokkaido uni, aji, and kamasu (barracuda).
The scene for an intriguing gastronomic voyage is this restaurant's little Zen Garden, complete with bonsai nooks and feature wall inspired by abstract leaves. Visit Sushi Sato to experience the fusion of the splendour of nature and top-notch cuisine! Image Credit: Sushi Sato Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 6B Dempsey Rd, Singapore 247662
BAM! Restaurant
BAM! emerges as a pioneer in Singapore by bringing the idea of "Modern Shudo," a modern method of enjoying sake. This ground-breaking method of dining and drinking is becoming more and more well-liked in the world of gastronomy.
BAM! provides a varied experience inside two quaint shop house flats at 38-40 Tras Street. Omakase-style dining at BAM! guarantees a continually changing culinary experience.
This tapas-sake bar features a cosy dining space that is warmly lit, a towering sake cellar that is packed with an astounding variety of sake and wine labels.
They skilfully guide you through each course, providing a smooth transition from one pour to the next. They have a menu of delicious foods and qualified sake sommeliers at your disposal. Image Credit: Bam! Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 38 Tras St, Singapore 078977
w. www.bam.sg
Ki-sho
Ki-sho, which translates to "aristocratic craftsmanship," highlights a value that permeates every aspect of the dining experience that they want to provide for its customers.
As one of Singapore's top Japanese omakase restaurants, Ki-sho, which is housed in a colonial building on Scotts Road, is widely regarded among foodies. Here, an L-shaped hinoki wood counter welcomes 11 guests.
Two dining rooms on the upper deck that seat eight and twelve diners each provide a private setting for those looking for a special meal.
Ki-sho is a showcase of Japanese creativity served with the highest hospitality, or omotenashi. At Ki-sho, savour authentic Kappou food that complements Chef Nakatake's own philosophy. Image Credit: Ki-sho Facebook Page
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