What is Omakase?
Omakase in Japanese actually means “I’ll leave it to you”, and it is used when ordering foods in restaurants. In Japanese restaurants, omakase is a method where customers leaves it up to the chef to select and serve seasonal specialties.
Customers ordering omakase style expect the chef to be innovative and surprising in selecting dishes, and the meal can be likened to an artistic performance.
Aside from cases where a guest has an allergy or intolerance to a specific ingredient, an omakase chef determines at the spur of the moment what will appear on the plate. This is typically driven by the ingredients available to them, which are customarily selected based on both quality and seasonality.
That being said, the philosophy of the chef will also guide what they serve, and this is important for diners to keep in mind. The omakase experience can vary dramatically depending on the philosophy and cooking style of the chef.
Many Malaysians are actually quite open to the omakase concept, and have experienced satisfying meals from some of the best Japanese chefs serving them.
Here’s some of the list that you might want to try out.
Yukibana at Shook! Starhill Gallery
Yukibana ゆきばな at Shook! presents the best of Hokkaido with authentic Japanese recipes from its sister restaurant, Yukibana at
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Japan. Savour Hokkaido’s natural bounty of land and sea through the seasons with finely crafted sushi, teppanyaki and tempura where each creation tells of a compelling story that celebrates Hokkaido’s culinary heritage.
Starhill Gallery,
181, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
enquiries@thestarhilldining.com
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Kazu
Executive Masterchef Norikazu Shibata is the culinary force behind the innovative dining experience at Sushi Kazu. His journey began 36 years ago in a sushi-ya in Tokyo. He would later hone his skills under the watchful eyes of extraordinary chefs in Hong Kong.
His unwavering quest for perfection has led to this one principle: “Simplicity is the best test of quality.” Specializing in Edomae sushi, Masterchef Shibata’s cuisine is a showcase of superb techniques, perfected over time.
The Five Lot 54303 & 54304,
Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur.
kazu.my | Instagram | Facebook
Ed.ju Omakase
With only ten seats, guests are free to observe and engage with the chefs. Their food, though fundamentally Japanese, incorporates techniques and flavours that represent diverse experiences and backgrounds. The ingredients that they uses are sourced with great care. This reverence for tradition combined with an openness to new ideas allows for an exciting dining experience.
Born and raised in Malaysia, Eddie spent his formative culinary years in the kitchens of London. This time abroad greatly informed his food philosophy, contributing to his individual interpretation of omakase dining.
G-19, Ground Floor, Damansara City Mall,
6, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara Heights,
50490 Kuala Lumpur.
+6012 301 3060 | info@edjuomakase.com
Did You Miss This? Chill Yourself With Kakigōri at this Cafes in Kuala Lumpur
Sushi Azabu
Lauded for its elegance to sushi that is now rarely seen with rapid commercialization, Sushi Azabu takes pride in offering a menu that comprises many of Japan’s time honoured delights, prepared with only the freshest ingredients available.
Seafood is flown directly from the coasts of Japan twice a week to ensure utmost quality, while the selection is impressive in itself, spanning common favourites such as salmon and tuna, to less common amberjack fish, big-eyed snappers and more.
4F Lot 10 Shopping Centre,
50, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
+603 2119 2624
Sushi Hibiki
Makoto Saito is the executive owner chef of Sushi Hibiki. He has been a sushi chef for more than 20 years, having worked in countries such as Japan, Australia, Italy, and Malaysia. Prominent restaurants that he has worked in include The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto in Japan.
Saito emphasises that the most valuable attribute of a sushi chef is the ability to create a comfortable environment for customers.
Lot B1-04(A), Basement 1 Shoppes at Four Seasons Place KL,
No. 145, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
03-2391 9008 | info@hibiki4s.me
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Sushi Oribe
Sushi Oribe specialises in traditional and authentic Edomae sushi in omakase dining style. Their team of 3 Japanese chefs are available to tailor your meal to your personal preferences and palate for a delectable experience to be savoured.
The team offers Mino, Omakase, and Special Omakase featuring a variety of exquisite dishes made using traditional Japanese techniques and seasonal premium ingredients.
Vipod Residences, Ground Floor
Block C-1, No 6, Jalan Kia Peng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
+603 2181 4099 | info@oribe-sushi.com.my
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Sushi Taka
Sushi Taka which is located at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur serves Edomae-style sushi. Edomae-style refers to sushi made with fish caught in Tokyo Bay and cooked and cured with a special technique before serving.
The St. Regis, TAKA, Level 3A,
6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2,
Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur.
taka-ushi.com | Instagram | Facebook
Sushi Ryu
Sushi Ryu is run by a team of young but knowledgeable chefs. Its omakase menus consist of fresh seasonal ingredients flown in directly from Japan.
The team of Sushi Ryu honour the traditional preparations of indigenous ingredients from the “Edomae” period with the bountiful luxuries of the new world. They curate exceptional plates with treasures of the water in pristine Japan & the unparallel aromas of the all-secretive fungi, truffles.
Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC,
Kuala Lumpur City Centre,
50088 Kuala Lumpur.
+603 2181 1533
Sushi Ori
Sushi Ori is established by a husband-and-wife duo from Japan. Each piece of sushi is enhanced with sushi rice marinated in red vinegar, which is a common practice in traditional Edo-style sushi.
Unit PG-01,Ground Floor Podium Block,
Menara Keck Seng,
203 Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
+603 2110 0068
