After a brief lull, it seems like my love for omakase has been reignited.
I’m now back to trying out omakase restaurants all over Singapore, and Mizuya, a Japanese restaurant specialising in authentic omakase in Tanjong Pagar, was the first on my list.
Those on a budget will be happy to hear that they’ve got an enticing Promo Menu, which consists of a 13 Course Lunch for S$68 and a 15-course Dinner for S$88. It’s available for walk-ins only, so you’ve got to try your luck. Such a good deal, though.
But of course, those looking to splurge a little can go for the regular Grand Menu, which features fixed menus for both lunch and dinner, with prices starting from S$138 per person.
There’s even a premium Mizuya Omakase (S$250 per person), or “Chef Special Arrangement”, for those who want to go all out.
My dining partner and I decided to meet in the middle and try the Mizu Dinner Omakase (S$188) at the Tanjong Pagar (Orchid Hotel) outlet, which commenced with a Seasonal Appetiser of baby glass eels and a sea snail.
You’re likely to be served different varieties of seasonal fish you may have never tried, like our second course of chicken grunt, or isaki (yes, it’s a white fish that has nothing to do with chicken) with two topping combinations: uni and ikura; and caviar with incredibly umami smoked bonito.
It was followed by a platter of Seasonal Sashimi, comprising sea bream (tai), kinmedai, geoduck, akami, and my favourite, plump and melt-in-your-mouth otoro.
Two slices were honestly just enough — any more, and it would’ve been way too rich.
Oh, and I’ve got to give the unique soy sauce, which was served with fragrant flower petals, herbs, and leaves, a special shoutout.
We took a break from raw seafood with a Cooked Dish of well-battered shrimp, scallop and mushroom tempura from Mizuya’s sister restaurant, Tempura Udon by Mizuya, located just one unit away.
We then got to try soft and buttery white tuna wrapped in seaweed, which was directly handed to us, before being served the Steamed Dish — deep-fried Japanese yam with unagi.
Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the mushy texture of the yam, I can definitely see taro (or even orh nee) fans enjoying this a lot more than I did.
Afterwards, we moved on to the highly-anticipated Nigiri Sushi course, which was composed of five nigiri, ranging from the common amberjack (kanpachi) and pacific squid (surume ika), to the slightly more “unconventional” butterfish and even barracuda (kamasu).
I particularly enjoyed the intricate-looking kohada (gizzard shard), which involves the fish being thinly sliced, and then braided. As someone who enjoys mackarel and herring, this was right up my alley, with its savoury, umami, and mildly sweet flavour. Some may consider it to have an overwhelming “fishy taste”, which I happen to really enjoy.
With the omakase almost coming to end, it was then time for the Chef Finishing Dish, which I had high hopes for. I mean, how can one go wrong with the sure-fire combination of rice, negitoro, uni, ikura, and seaweed that always leaves me wanting more?
It was presented with a spray of edible gold glitter, which seems to be a trend these days.
You’re meant to mix everything together and enjoy it wrapped in seaweed, so get ready for an explosion of flavour.
Finally, it was time to wind down with a comforting soup of maitake mushrooms, and lastly, a dessert of seasonal fruits.
We recommend ending the evening with a glass (or two) of their signature housemade umeshu (Japanese plum wine) — floral, well-balanced, and most importantly, not too sweet.
Here’s the best part — Mizuya is having 20% off both the regular omakase courses from now till 7 February 2024, which means that you’ll only need to fork out S$110.40 for lunch (U.P. S$138) and S$150.40 (U.P. S$188) for dinner!
There’s not a lot of time left to enjoy this special promotion, so don’t hesitate any longer. Reservations can be made via Whatsapp or by contacting +65 6980 8099
In the meantime, let me clear my calendar so that I can make plans for a revisit…
Mizuya
Facebook | Instagram
📍 Tras Link, #01-12 Orchid Hotel Singapore, Singapore 078867
🕒 12pm–2.30pm, 6.30pm–10.30pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨