What is Omakase? Why Do Japanese People Willingly Spend on This Culinary Experience?
- Torikami Singapore
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Omakase is a distinctive Japanese dining style where diners entrust the entire menu to the chef, allowing them to experience dishes crafted with absolute creativity and meticulousness. With its advantages in ingredient preparation and the dining experience, Japanese cuisine has been steadily winning the hearts of food lovers worldwide.
Japan is a country known for its incredibly diverse and unique food culture, and Omakase is considered one of the highest forms of culinary art in the Land of the Rising Sun. Let’s explore with Torikami Singapore what Omakase is and why the Japanese are willing to spend on this exquisite dining experience.
What is Omakase? Its Origin?
Omakase is a distinctive Japanese dining style where diners entrust the entire menu to the chef, allowing them to experience dishes crafted with absolute creativity and precision. The term "Omakase" originates from the Japanese verb “Makasu - 任す", meaning trust or entrust. In culinary terms, it signifies “Trust the chef to decide what is best.”
Instead of ordering from a menu, diners place their complete trust in the chef, allowing them to select and prepare the dishes. The principles of Omakase dining are: No ordering, no asking for prices, and no being picky.
Omakase as a dining style emerged around the 1990s. Before that, sushi was considered an expensive delicacy. As people became more affluent, they visited sushi restaurants more frequently but often lacked knowledge about fish and seafood. Omakase was introduced as a way to solve this dilemma.
Why Is Omakase Expensive?
Currently, an Omakase meal at restaurants in Singapore ranges from SGD 200 to over SGD 600 per person. According to Saif Siddiqui, three main factors determine its value: premium ingredients, chef expertise, and limited seating capacity.
Premium Ingredients
Japanese Omakase restaurants source ingredients locally, while in Singapore, fresh seafood is imported directly from Japan, undergoing strict quality checks. The ingredients follow the principle of "seasonality" and are transported periodically to maintain freshness. Common ingredients include tuna, salmon, sea urchin, scallops, abalone, caviar, and Wagyu beef, all preserved under strict standards.
For Yakitori Omakase, which focuses on charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, the main ingredient is high-quality chicken. At Torikami Singapore, carefully selected breeds like Jidori chicken from Japan are used, known for their firm texture and rich flavor. Rare chicken parts are also masterfully prepared to offer a unique dining experience.
Chef’s Expertise
The chef is the key factor determining the quality and prestige of Omakase. With extensive skills and deep knowledge of ingredients, Omakase chefs understand how to maximize flavors and textures.
Chef Alexander Moranda, a graduate of Tokyo Sushi Academy, has years of experience in Japanese cuisine. He believes that Omakase is the ultimate expression of a chef’s talent.
"Some people think dining Omakase is a gamble, but customers usually get the highest quality at a lower cost than à la carte dining because the chef’s role is crucial here. If the chef fails to deliver the best dining experience, Omakase becomes a disaster."
Limited Seating Capacity
Omakase restaurants traditionally have small and intimate spaces, typically serving 10 to 16 guests per session to ensure the highest quality. Some highly-rated restaurants listed in travel guides for European visitors only have eight seats, requiring reservations in advance.
Being seated close to the chef in an open kitchen allows diners to observe every step: from ingredient selection, preparation, plating, to serving. Diners can also interact directly with the chef, sharing their preferences so the chef can tailor the dishes accordingly.
"Don’t hesitate to communicate your dietary preferences to the chef," says Chef Alexander Moranda. He adds that if diners cannot eat raw food, chefs can lightly sear or grill it so they still experience authentic Japanese flavors. Chefs often share cultural and culinary stories during service, enriching the dining experience.
Why Do People Willingly Pay for Omakase Despite Its High Cost?
While Omakase dining often comes with a hefty price tag, many food enthusiasts consider it a worthwhile investment. The appeal of Omakase lies in the unparalleled quality of ingredients, the expertise of the chefs, and the exclusivity of the experience. Unlike traditional à la carte dining, where diners choose their own dishes, Omakase offers a curated journey of flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is a masterpiece.
No Need to Decide What to Order
For those who struggle with menu choices, Omakase is an ideal option. You don’t have to think about what to eat; simply trust the chef.
Expertly Crafted Dishes
Omakase chefs possess exceptional skills and expertise. By entrusting them, you’re guaranteed a gourmet experience with the best ingredients and techniques.
Element of Surprise
Omakase dining offers an element of surprise—you never know what you’ll be served next. This sense of anticipation makes the meal more exciting and engaging.
How to Enjoy Omakase the Right Way?
Each diner is assigned a seat at an open kitchen counter, provided with chopsticks and a spoon. Drinks are served according to preference. Unlike traditional Japanese restaurants, soy sauce is not available at the table because each dish is already seasoned, or it comes with a specific dipping sauce.
The most important rule is to wait and respect the chef. Avoid any negative reactions that might disrupt the experience.
"You should eat sushi in one bite, without cutting it in half, to maintain its texture," advises Chef Alexander Moranda.
Focus on the food and eat immediately after the chef prepares it. If you take too long to photograph your food, the chef may remind you to eat before it gets cold.
Experience Torikami Yakitori Omakase
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine and eager to explore the delicate flavors of Yakitori Omakase, Torikami is a must-visit destination. More than just simple charcoal-grilled skewers, the Yakitori here is a perfect blend of masterful cooking techniques and the freshest ingredients, delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Let’s dive into what makes Torikami Yakitori Omakase truly special!
About Torikami Singapore
Torikami is a Yakitori Omakase restaurant located at 34/35 Duxton Road, Singapore. Founded and operated by a Japanese chef trained at one of Tokyo’s most exclusive yakitori restaurants, Torikami delivers an authentic charcoal-grilled Omakase experience.
Torikami’s Omakase Menu
Torikami offers a unique 11-course Yakitori Omakase menu, featuring special chicken parts like neck (Seseri), skin (Nami), thigh (Kashiwa), along with fresh vegetables and other high-quality meats. Each skewer is grilled over premium Binchotan charcoal, enhancing its deep, smoky flavor.
Unique Ambience at Torikami
The restaurant features a beautifully designed space with a Noh-style counter, resembling a traditional Japanese performance stage. Diners can sit at the counter and observe the chef in action, making the meal an immersive experience.
Torikami Contact Information
Torikami is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Thursdays.
Contact for Reservations:
Address: 34/35 Duxton Road, Singapore
Phone: +65 9022 1423
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Instagram: TORIKAMI SINGAPORE
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