Sushi lovers are die hard addicts with a refined palate, and the most discerning of diners will know that the best of the best when it comes to sushi is an omakase experience. Ho Chi Minh City is brimming with sushi options, but here is the shortlist for the crème de la crème.
Omakase is the Japanese culinary tradition where the chef takes you on a journey of their own devising, as each masterfully crafted mouthful is chosen by the chef. Not just sushi, the meal is a carefully thought out flight of appetisers, sashimi, grilled fish, miso soup and more.
Directly translated as “I leave it up to you” , omakase may seem intimidating for picky eaters, but rest assured it is an unforgettable dance of seasonal ingredients, artistic flair, and impressive skill. For those who choose to serve omakase, one must be able to source the finest of ingredients, usually directly from Japan, and truly master the art of sushi and Japanese food.
Maguro
Renowned for their in-house butchered fresh cuts of tuna, this restaurant is a tuna lover’s paradise. Intimate and cosy, this basement level venue is sleek and well-lit for an evening of unwinding. Showcasing decadent flavours of truffle, chutoro and other seasonal fish from Japan, every bite is simply divine. Firm favourites in the omakase were the tuna with pickle sushi, and the truffle-topped otoro sushi.
Sushi Rei
Not just an architectural wonder, Sushi Rei is a work of art from every angle and in every mouthful. Serving a premium omakase with exclusively Japanese ingredients, Chef Tomo is a friendly host to a masterclass of sushi before your very eyes. Boasting the finest of ingredients, rare and well-loved, your tastebuds will journey to Japan in a show stopping display.
Kasen
Inheriting the cooking techniques of top sushi master Murata Shinji, Kasen combines tradition and innovation to serve you a seasonal omakase that is out of this world. From the exquisite sashimi at the beginning, to the deliciously rich and crisp handrolls at the end, this is a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Kiyota Sushi Sake
The most affordable choice of the bunch is Kiyota Sushi Sake, a cosy restaurant serving you guessed it, omakase. The freshest fish of all colours and textures are served one at a time, in a slow dance of the senses, high after high. Savour the tastes of Japan, expertly prepared to your satisfaction. This is truly a hidden gem worth visiting, but make sure you book early.
Roka Fella
Revered by some as the best omakase in Ho Chi Minh City, Rocka Fella is a seductively lit venue with a premium omakase that is gastronomic. Flying their ingredients from Japan to the heart of the city weekly, their ingredients are top notch. Displaying modern twists on Japanese tradition, you will see flavours of truffle and caviar sumptuously adorned on your mouth-watering pieces of sushi, in a dazzling demonstration.
