Omakase (お任せ) is a Japanese phrase used when ordering sushi in restaurants, and it roughly translates to “I'll leave it up to you”. It’s a true celebration of a sushi chef’s expertise when a diner trusts the chef enough to completely leave the menu up to them. It also allows these expert chefs to showcase their skills and personal style when it comes to the art of sushi.
Omakase-style dining as we know it may still be unavailable (although we’re eagerly counting down to June 21, when dining in can resume), but we can still celebrate International Sushi Day on June 18 and honour this centuries-old tradition with these extravagant takeaway omakase sets at home.
Nozomi
Nozomi is an offshoot from Yoshi, a Japanese restaurant specialising in Kyoto-style kaiseki fine dining. Owned by award-winning chef Yoshiyuki Kashiwabara, Nozomi sources its produce from Japan’s Toyosu Market to create high-quality bentos and donburis that can be eaten from the comforts of one’s own home. At $108 per box, their multicourse omakase bento is an absolute steal and comprises a smorgasbord of items ranging from yakimono to unagi kabayaki to bamboo wrapped sushi, and more.
Order here.
Hiryu
Located along Tras Street, Hiryu is a relatively new kid on the block and combines the best of traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques. Their omakase set may seem a little steep at $448, but it is enough for two to three people, possibly even four with the amount of food included.
The set features 10 pieces of seasonal sashimi, abalone, 10 pieces of sushi, as well as six pieces of negitoro maki. Choose from wagyu, iberico pork, or anago for the main course. The sheer amount of quality selection makes it a truly memorable meal.
Order here.
Saint Pierre
What does a French restaurant have to do with sushi, you may wonder? Well, this isn’t just any regular old French restaurant on the block. At Saint Pierre, you’ll find French cuisine inflected with an Asian flair. What’s on offer here is Chef Stroobant’s exquisitely curated, two-tier bento box filled with 18 items, each focusing on one key ingredient.
The menu may change depending on what’s in season and availability. Just because it’s a takeaway doesn’t mean the experience you’ll be getting is any less than spectacular. To complete the package, Chef Emmanuel hosts a group zoom conference call to speak about his dishes and answer any questions diners may have. Menus starts from $220 per box.
Order here.
Shoukuwa
If you want to get real fancy, we’ve got just the thing for you at Shoukuwa. As the only two Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Singapore, Shoukuwa is a collaboration between Hong Kong’s three Michelin-starred Sushi Shikon and the Emmanuel Stroobant restaurant group.
Ingredients are flown in from Tsukiji Market daily, and only the freshest, most premium ingredients are used — expect only the best. Similar to its sister restaurant, Saint Pierre, it comes in a two-tier bento box with 18 items, and starts from a casual $420 per box.
Order here.
Shinsora
Unbeknownst to many of us, the sushi we all know and love is only one of many styles from Japan. Before refrigerators were a mainstay in all restaurants, sushi chefs were experimenting with preservation techniques to extend the life of fresh fish. Thus, edomae sushi was born. Helmed by Chefs Sky Tai and Leon Yap, both World Sushi Cup champions, Shinsora is an edomae sushi experience in omakase form.
While we can’t travel to Japan right now amidst the pandemic, their takeaway omakase will transport you there as soon as you indulge in your first bite of its signature creations. Beautifully presented in an ekiben, their omakase is a delight for all senses. Prices start from $78 per box.
Order here.
