The love for affordable sushi rages on. Queues have only grown longer at reputable Japanese restaurants in recent years, and it’s not stopping there. Here, we list 15 Japanese restaurants where you can attain your sushi and sashimi fix—we just hope you’ve got the patience to wait during peak hours.
En Sushi
All about authenticity and true Japanese hospitality, En Sushi along Middle Road doesn’t disappoint when it comes to contemporary Japanese cuisine. Besides its extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, donburi, maki and hand rolls, also look out for its one-for-one promotions as well as omakase meals for special occasions.
Genki Sushi
Mentaiko Mayo Fries, Seared Salmon with Mentaiko, and Spicy Salmon Handroll; these are just some of the most popular items in Genki Sushi’s menu, which have led to snaking queues at outlets all over our country. If you’ve got the patience to wait (especially during dinner hours), what you get are fresh sushi delivered to your table via their Kousoku Express conveyor belt system at wallet-friendly rates. Plus, with their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) ordering system, simply place all your orders through your own smartphone.
Hakumai
With an emphasis on freshness and tradition, Hakumai Sushi & Omakase only utilises ingredients imported from the motherland. So not only will you receive delicious dishes that showcase their chefs’ skills, but an authentic and creative take on Japanese cuisine too. Just try their Hakumai Sushi Gozen set that features nine pieces of assorted sushi, four salmon mentai makis, as well as truffle sauce chawanmushi; or the Truffle Salmon Bento for all things truffle and salmon.
Itacho Sushi
If you’ve got a thing for makis, give chain restaurant Itacho Sushi a try. Their Lobster & Mango Salad Roll, Avocado & Soft Shell Crab Roll, and even Sakura Shrimp w/Cheese Roll are sure to satisfy your cravings. Otherwise, plenty of other Japanese dishes are available too, like udon, curry rice, and even grilled eats.
JJ Fish Mart
It’s a no-frills, casual eatery hidden away at level one of Clarke Quay’s The Central, but the meals and dining experience here rivals any other sushi restaurant found in this list. Helming the kitchen is Chef Johnson who has trained in Japan as JJ Fish Mart dishes out quality seafood to be enjoyed alongside a bottle of hot sake. In the mood for cooked mains? Try their ramen, udon or even delicious bento sets instead.
Koh Grill & Sushi Bar
Credit: Burpple user Anne Tay
Probably most well-known for their aptly-named Shiok Maki, Koh Grill & Sushi Bar has truly become a Wisma Atria stalwart. But apart from the salmon and eel sushi roll bathed in a creamy, decadent sauce, try the Pitan Tofu, Yaki Udon and Garlic Fried Rice too. The prices here don’t hurt either.
Koji Sushi Bar
Koji Sushi Bar doesn’t boast a large space at either of its two outlets, but that’s what we like about it. It’s a humble, cosy yet trendy sashimi and sushi only joint that focuses on fresh sea produce. Most patrons are congregated at the counter too, which comes with perks—the chefs sometimes hand out treats for those at the bar to try.
Ryo Sushi
Best known for its incredibly affordable omakase sets, Ryo Sushi at Orchid Hotel is one to check out. With prices starting as low as $38 for a 15-course menu, diners will be able to enjoy sushi, sashimi and other surprise eats when they decide to leave it up to the chefs. Call ahead to book your preferred time and date; dinner seatings are available at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm.
Standing Sushi Bar
For years, Standing Sushi Bar has been offering the same incredible promotions like the Monday and Thursday Salmon Madness, where $3 will get you five pieces of salmon sashimi, during both lunch and dinner. But they’re good for other dishes too; order the Kawa Ebi for fried shrimp, Mentai Scallop that features sashimi grade scallops, as well as the in-house made Beef Croquette.
Sushi Airways
Get onboard with Sushi Airways, an airplane-themed restaurant found along Haji Lane. But besides a unique, Instagrammable experience, you’ll also be indulging in quality eats as the freshest sushi and sashimi are offered here. Feel free to try the non-traditional Japanese omakase too, as these options are bound to surprise and delight adventurous foodies.
The Sushi Bar
The thickest slabs of salmon sashimi await at this upscale sushi spot, along with other yummy eats like the Sirloin Steak (100g/200g), Tempura Moriwase and Kaki Mentai. The Sushi Bar has most recently opened their third restaurant at Tampines 1, so check them out in the East too.
Sushi Jin
With a myriad of sashimi, maki and appetisers on the menu, Sushi Jin at Farrer Park is known for its top quality Japanese fare, sans the high price. Set lunch courses are also available here, which includes a daytime Omakase for just $80 as well as donburis and sushi platters—all showcasing fresh ingredients flown in thrice a week from Tokyo’s Toyosu market.
Sushiro
Here to serve us wallet-friendly, fresh and tasty sushi, gunkan, maki and more is ever-popular Japanese kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) chain Sushiro, with the opening of its first outlet in Southeast Asia at Tiong Bahru Plaza. They’ve since expanded to Shaw Centre and Bedok too (and soon, Choa Chu Kang), where long queues have already formed over the last couple of months. Pro tip: reserve a table via their app before heading down to avoid disappointment.
Sushi Tei
Possibly one of the longest-running sushi restaurant franchises in Asia, Sushi Tei provides quality Japanese cuisine in a casual dining setting. Pick whatever sushi you fancy off their conveyor belt, or just order a bunch from their extensive menu. And check out their seasonal menus while you’re there too, as the diner often introduces new and exclusive dishes during Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
Tomi Sushi
Hailing directly from the Niigata prefecture in Japan, Tomi Sushi has made its way to Singapore with its delectable sushi and sake in tow. So enjoy the best of Niigata at any of its four outlets, including Tommy’s Sake Bar which combines traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Apart from promotions, also expect to find a long and ever-changing list of seasonal dishes at the restaurants.
