A bubble of joy, with an eagle’s eye view of Singapore, Sushisamba seems to transport you to another world the moment you step in.
The entry is dramatic enough. Going up the busy elevators of Capital Towers surrounded by dark financial services suits, I may have felt out of place in my breezy, tropical dress. But the moment I stepped out at the 52nd level, with the welcome sign asking, “Ready to Samba?, the tables turned. It was them who needed to fit in, and in the lush surroundings, I was home.
The Vibe at Sushisamba, Singapore
Sushisamba opened its famed doors in Singapore close to two years ago. Being a fan of their Covent Garden location in London, I was one of the first people to dine here in the Red Dot. And if there is one thing that I can attest to, it is their consistency.
Sushisamba is very clear on what it is and what it is not. It is not an authentic Japanese, Peruvian or Brazilian restaurant. But they take inspiration from each of these cultures. It is a place that seamlessly transforms from a bright afternoon work lunch spot where you can take your clients, to a buzzy atmospheric hang out come evening. Weekends are vibrant, with Samba dancers lifting the vibe during the Saturday Copacabana Brunch. It wears so many hats (albeit with feathers) with ease. And that in itself isn’t easy.
Food Ethos at Sushisamba
The food takes a cue from the ethos and keeps it fun. With inspiration from Japan, miso finding its way onto roasted eggplant, and a range of fun maki rolls, there are plenty of options for people with dietary preferences. As Senior Executive Chef Paul Hallett shared, the new and refreshed menu also has a variety of vegetarian options as those seem to be in high demand with their clientele.
Chef Hallett’s favourite appetizer is the Uni & Tuna sitting atop a cube of crispy nigiri rice. Very photogenic and showcasing fresh uni, it is definitely a strong contender. But my vote for a quick bite goes to Crispy Salmon in the Samba Rolls section. Unlike most other crispy salmon maki rolls I have eaten elsewhere, the version here offers a crunchy tempura nori as the outermost layer, keeping the ingredients neatly tucked in while ensuring that it doesn’t lose its crisp texture. A definite winner.
New & Refreshed Menu
The new menu also includes Pork Chorizo Empanadas, served with a black garlic aioli. Reminiscent of Singapore’s curry puffs, this is a great accompaniment to their exceptionally crafted beverages, and as my fellow diner agreed, best eaten with your fingers, not manoeuvred with chopsticks!
Unlike other restaurants, the dining experience at Sushisamba doesn’t necessarily follow a linear pattern of appetisers, mains, and dessert. There are plenty of sections to choose from, depending on your appetite and preferences. The small plates are great for sharing around the table, as are the Aperitivos or even the ceviche selections. We tried the Seafood Ceviche, a citrusy and bright dish that defies the norm by adding texture, such as fried calamari, to what is typically a cured dish. The result is surprisingly delicious, with a spot of oomph from the pineapple bits, jalapeno slivers, and crispy beetroot garnish.
The Main Act
I’ve always been a fan of Cazuela, but this time we tried the Grilled Seabass. Sitting atop a tangy red pepper aji amarillo sauce, the seabass was deboned and perfectly flaky. The crispy kale on top added a textural element, which the kitchen seems to do well here. However, it is the Black Cod from the Charcoal Grill section that I was remiss not to try on this visit. I will earmark it for my next one.
Why Dine at Sushisamba, Singapore
The refreshed à la carte menu at Sushisamba adds yet another compelling reason to return to this high-energy destination. A favourite among weekday office crowds and weekend vibe-seekers alike, it offers far more than just its undeniably stunning panoramic views. If anything, the new menu simply raises the bar. So, ready to Samba?
a. 168 Robinson Rd, Level 52 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912
e. reservations@sushisambasg.com
