Brand NEW Omakase Restaurant, Wa-i Sushi opened its doors on 24 December 2020. With a cosy, convivial interior, this 14-seater is decked in wooden furnishings. Helmed by two experienced chefs, Simon and Steven, the restaurant takes pride in executing innovative specialities using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients air flown from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market three times a week.
Chef Simon and Chef Steven are veterans in the Japanese culinary scene and have honed their skills in the kitchens of Shima, Magosaburou, Sushi Nogawa and Fish Mart Sakuraya. Priced at $200++ per person, Wa-i Sushi’s Signature Omakase was value for money, considering the food portions and the extensive variety. Comprising two appetisers, sashimi selection, assortment of premium sushi, grilled seasonal fish, A5 Wagyu Beef, soup and dessert, every creation showcased the freshness of the ingredients and the culinary dexterity of the chefs. Items are rotated daily to offer diners a refreshing and unique experience. To elevate your dining experience, pair the exquisite creations with the restaurant's extensive selection of high quality sakes and whiskies.
My Omakase experience at Wa-i Sushi was a feast for the senses, it was a visual treat watching the chefs slice and assemble the ingredients at the Omakase counter. My gastronomic journey commenced with the refreshing Kani (crabmeat) with Seaweed, topped with Tobiko (flying fish roe), accompanied with Zucchini stuffed with Moromi Miso (a mildly, salty, chunky miso, added with grains of rice or barley). Healthy and refreshing, it helped to whet my appetite and tantalise my taste buds.
The Sashimi comprises of Kanpachi (amberjack) Yuke, Hirame (flounder) topped with caviar, Madai (red sea bream), Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) and Otoro (fatty tuna). It is always recommended to start with fish with lighter flavours such as Kanpachi, Hirame and Madai followed by the heavier flavours including Chutoro and Otoro. Exquisitely assembled, every bite was a lovely burst of freshness in my mouth.
Next, I was served the Japanese Tomatoes which were very sweet, plump and juicy, helping to cleanse my palate.
The next course, the Kanpachi (amberjack) Carpaccio comprised of thinly sliced amberjack drizzled with a mix of yuzu, soy sauce, mirin and more and topped with ikura (salmon roe). Very delightful to the palate and senses!
Grilled to perfection, the Hokke (Atka Mackerel) was luscious and meaty and ideal for anyone with a penchant for mackerel.
Finely marbled, the A5 Wagyu Beef, the most premium of Japanese beef had a rich, smooth, succulent taste with a melt-in your-mouth consistency.
The Radish, Tofu, Asari Clam Miso Soup was wholesome and simply bursting with umami flavours.
Sushi is a vital part of any Omakase meal. The repertoire of sushi which I savoured during the dinner included Isaki topped with Mentai Sauce, Caviar and Crispy Lotus Root, Kanpachi (amberjack) belly, Foie Gras Sushi, Tai (Japanese sea bream) with Truffle and Hobo (red gurnard) with creamy Uni (sea urchin).
Every morsel was a marvellous work of art and perfect balance of fresh fish and warm Japanese rice.
The divine Omakase meal concluded with the Azuki Red Bean with Mochi and fresh Japanese Honeydew.
Overall, our dining experience at Wa-i Sushi was a sublime one with unique and delectable creations curated using fresh, premium ingredients. Service was immaculate too. The best part is that it is a good value 8-course meal with great variety.
Wa-i Sushi is located at The Scarlet Singapore, 33 Erskine Road, #01-01, Singapore 069333. The restaurant is open for Omakase dinner from Mondays to Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
For reservations, call +65 9724 0123.