The Place Japanese omakase is very popular in Singapore and there is a constant demand for new restaurants offering omakase menus. I checked out a relatively new omakase restaurant Wa-i Sushi located in The Scarlet Hotel, a cosy 14-seater space where most seats are directly at the counter. Behind the counters are Chef Simon and Chef Steven, whom are well-versed in Japanese cuisine from their previous culinary stints.

The Food There is only one dinner menu at the moment, priced at S$200++ per person for Wa-i Sushi’s Signature 8-course Omakase. It consists of two appetisers, sashimi selection, assortment of premium sushi, grilled seasonal fish, A4 Wagyu Beef, Dobin Mushi (Teapot Soup) and dessert. The dishes rotates based on availability of ingredients, where the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients air-flown from Tokyo three times a week. For beverages, there is a variety of sakes and whiskies.

My meal started with the Appetiser, a Lobster Salad with Fugu Mirin Boshi (Dried Puffer Fish). The Fugu Mirin Boshi reminds me of dried cuttlefish, quite an interesting pairing with the lobster salad.

Next up is my favourite Sashimi, where I had an assortment of Otoro (fatty tuna), Hotate (scallop), Kanpachi (amberjack), and Chutoro (medium fatty tuna). This course is a test of the freshness of the ingredients here, and glad to say the sashimi is fresh and satisfying.

The next course is a Carpaccio dish, and I had the Kanpachi (amberjack) Carpaccio topped with Truffle and Ikura (salmon roe).

For the Grilled Dish, I had the Gindara (Cod) with Saikyo Miso Sauce. The dishes this far has been quite varied, and this cod dish has that elevated flavour from the miso sauce.

The next course is the Wagyu Beef, where the tender beef is lightly torched. Expect succulent flavours from the sliced beef!

A Soup dish before the sushi courses, I had the Anago (Sea Eel) and Asari Clam Soup. Most soups I have encountered so far have clams, and it is the first time I have Anago in the soup. I guess this is chef’s way of making the ordinary soup course slightly more luxe.

Moving on to the Sushi courses, I had a variety of five sushi – Kodai (sea bream), Hobou (Red Gunnard), Aji (Horse Mackerel), Isaki (Japanese Grunt Fish) and Hirame (Flounder). I do like the Hirame topped with a tinge of Uni (sea urchin).

For desserts, fruits were served and I am happy with the fresh Japanese Honeydew and Pear.

Rants Small and intimate space, hence there is not much privacy for couples if you are going to indulge in deep conversations.

Will I Return Again? Overall, the price point of Wa-i Sushi is relatively value for money for a dinner omakase meal in Singapore. The space is cosy, and it is most ideal if you have a group of 8 to occupy most of the counter seats for a great night out.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Wa-i Sushi
33 Erskine Road
#01-01, The Scarlet Hotel
Singapore 069333
Tel: +65 9724 0123

Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 6pm to 10pm

Ranted by The Ranter