One of the most difficult decisions in life is when you’re tasked with deciding on places to eat. The ability to choose what and where you want to consume is a good thing, though. After all, Malaysia is filled to the brim with a multitude of cuisines at your fingertips. However, if making decisions isn’t your thing, here’s a dining concept that might ease your trouble—omakase.
In Japanese, omakase translates to “I’ll leave it up to you” and that’s self-explanatory. The head chef curates and crafts your dinner, with dishes changing mid-way sometimes. Omakase is centred around the freshest, most unique, and seasonal ingredients. Don’t be intimidated (it’s a possibility) by the formal dining experience. You will have the chef’s full attention as guests’ happiness are of utmost importance. As opposed to à la carte or okonomi in which you choose what you want (#decisions), omakase transfers all autonomy to the chef.
One more thing—don’t forget to let the chef know if you have any allergies. Omakase chefs are known for their culinary talents and will be able to form dishes suitable for your dietary restrictions. On a totally unrelated but somehow still related note, okonomi and autonomy sound so similar but cannot be more different.
Alright, back to serious (foodie) business. Fortunately for Malaysians, especially those in Kuala Lumpur, there are several establishments serving omakase. Check out some of the best spots you can go to satisfy your submissive dreams, food-wise.
1. Sou
Located at the entrance of The Gardens Mall, this is where you go to taste produces that are air-flown from Nagano Prefecture in Japan. There is no à la carte menu so be prepared to be surprised by what you’ll be served.
Address: G247 Ground Floor, The Gardens, Midvalley City
Website | 03 2202 1133 | [email protected]
2. Sushi Oribe
If you’re a fan of a focused menu and delicious sushi, this is the spot for you. Rice, ginger, and soya sauce are the three featured ingredients and play major roles in the creation of the dishes here. Beginning 19 June 2020, Sushi Oribe has new course menus which you can check out here.
Address: Ground Floor, Block C-1, Vipod Residences
Website | 03 2181 4099 | [email protected]
3. Taka by Sushi Saito
Three Michelin stars. Yes, sushi master Taka’s restaurant in Japan is internationally revered. Come here for the intimate setting and the 300-year-old Hinoki wood counter. Takashi Saito, the youngest sushi chef to be awared three Michelin stars, trained all sushi chefs himself, including Masashi Kubota.
Address: The St. Regis, Kuala Lumpur
Website | 03 2727 6688 | [email protected]
4. Ginza Sushimasa
Ginza is a name synonymous with opulence and luxury. Here in Malaysia, Chef Hiroyuki Murakami utilises his skill of whimsical art with a selection of seafood coming in directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo.
Address: Level 7, Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur
Website | 03 2260 1686
5. Sushi Azabu
You know a restaurant is worth checking out when it already has one Michelin star for the New York outlet. Similar to the other omakase dining spots, you get uniquely crafted sushi and fresh sashimi.
Address: Isetan Japan Store, Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur
Website | 03 2119 2624 | [email protected]
6. Sushi Kazu
Meet one of the newest omakase joints in Kuala Lumpur. You will be quick to notice aesthetics that are stripped back. This is intentional: to allow the back-to-basics ethos of Master Chef Norikazu Shibata to take centre stage. What he specialises in is Edomae sushi; with Sushi Kazu being his first ever culinary concept.
Address: Lot 8-A, Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights
Website | 03 7490 2208 | [email protected]
It is always fun to add a little spice to your life. With omakase, expect mystery and brilliance. Here’s an advice if you’re an omakase virgin, with your hands (or chopsticks) eat nigiri in one bite. Have you been to any of these spots? What did you think of the omakase experience?
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