Omakase, this expression is used by patrons at sushi restaurants to leave the food selection to the chef, as opposed to ordering ala carte. The chef will generally present a series of dishes, beginning with the lightest fare and proceeding to the heaviest fare.

Customers ordering omakase style expect the chef to be innovative and surprising them in the selection of dishes. The entire meal is an experience and can be likened to an artistic performance by the chef. Typically, the chef will prepare the dishes based on the freshest ingredients in his kitchen.

So far, I have the privilege to try out omakase in 2 such restaurants and probably there could have many more out there.

The first restaurant that I tried out is located at International Plaza, Hakumai Sushi & Omakase by Chef Gary.

The second restaurant that I have tried is located at Holland Village, Yuzu by Chef Tadashi.

Hope the above food pictures are sufficient to whet your appetite and give you a strong desire to experience Omakase anytime soon.

How much does it cost for an Omakase meal?

An Omakase meal typically ranges from $150++ per pax onwards.

Recently, I found another value for money omakase which is worth a consideration.

Hana Japanese Restaurant located on Level 1 at Forum The Shopping Mall offering 3 different kinds of omakase menu with prices ranging from $38++ to $88++.

Food quality is of standard even with their basic omakase menu. Below is a typical menu for their $88++ omakase meal.

Lobster Mayo Salad and Chilled Japanese Somen

7 Kinds of Fresh Sashimi

Grilled 1/2 Boston Lobster with Mentaiko

Jumbo Ebi Katsu

Wagyu with Yuzu Kosho

4 Kinds of Sushi; Fresh Hiroshima Oyster with Ponzu, Minced Otoro Sushi with Fresh Ikura, Hotate Sushi with Foie Gras and Unagi Sushi with Golden Tanuki

Japanese Steamed Egg with Seafood

Shimeiji Mushroom Soup

Hana Premium Bara Chirashi

Yuzu Ice Cream Dessert

What you can get if you go for their $58++ omakase meal.

Shisamo Salad and Chilled Japanese Somen

4 Kinds of Fresh Sashimi

Grilled 1/2 Boston Lobster with Mentaiko

Battered Hiroshima Oyster

Beef Tenderloin

4 Kinds of Sushi; Ikura with Tobiko Sushi, Caramelised Aburi Salmon, Yellowtail with Housemade Plum Sauce and Foie Gras with Golden Tanuki Sushi

Japanese Steamed Egg with Truffle

Hotate Kushi Donburi

Shimeiji Mushroom Soup

Cheesecake Dessert

Their basic $38++ omakase meal comprising of….

Chuka Hotate and Chilled Japanese Somen with Sesame Dressing

2 Kinds of Fresh Sashimi

Grilled Hokkaido Scallop with Mentaiko

Tempura Shisamo

Pan Fried Asari Butter Clams with Garlic

4 Kinds of Sushi; Cooked Ebi with Aburi Tobiko Mayo, Shiro Maguro with Wafu Sauce, Caramelised Aburi Salmon Sushi and Yellowtail with Housemade Plum Sauce

Japanese Steamed Egg with Truffle

Ebi Kakiage Donburi

Shimeiji Mushroom Soup

Cheesecake Dessert

Recently, Hana opened another restaurant 2 shops away known as Hana Izakaya and it offers omakase course as well. I tried out the $58++ course…..

2 appetizers comprising of Chilled Japanese Somen and Shisamo Salad.

4 types of Sashimi comprising of Salmon, Tuna, Swordfish and Salmon Belly.

Followed by Okra with Tare Yaki, Negima Shio Yaki, Pork Belly with Enoki Yaki and Baked Garlic Butter Lobster.

Hotate Mentai Sushi Roll, Salmon Belly Sushi Roll, Foie Gras Sushi with Apple Slice and Hamachi Sushi with Truffle Kombu.

Kisu Tempura and Unagi Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf. Uniquely tasty. Just like 荷叶饭.

Arajiru Soup. A nice bowl of miso soup with leek to end the main meal.

Finale dessert for the finishing touch, cheese cake ball ice cream. Yum yum😋

Well, so what do you think of the various omakase meal option being put forth?

Definitely an alternative place where you can consider should you decide to go for an omakase meal in future should you not want to burn a big hole in your pocket. 😊