If you’re obsessed with sushi then a visit to Tokyo is a must. Forget everything you know about sushi and get back to where it all began. During the 18
th century, back when the city was still referred to as Edo, the tradition began as a form of quick street food. Freshly caught fish from the Tokyo Bay would be easily wrapped in dried seaweed (Nori) or vinegared rice and there you have it. It started as a simple tradition that has grown into an international phenomenon. True sushi lovers might even refer to it as an art form. In Japan, you will be in the presence of true sushi masters who spent their entire lives in pursuit of the perfect sushi. There are 5,000 sushi restaurants in Tokyo. You probably cannot go wrong with any of them, but here’s our pick for the absolute best ones. The Japanese have a knack for perfection and it shows in their delicious cuisine. A sushi trail around Tokyo will not be cheap, but absolutely worth it.
Sushi Yoshitake
Located in the upscale Ginza district of Tokyo,
this small sushi shop (or sushi-ya) offers a
complete culinary experience.
The talented chef has a unique way of mixing flavours that make him stand out from his fellow competitors. Chef Masahiro Yoshitake pairs slices of abalone with sauce made from abalone liver and uni as well as oyster with shiso and oyster juice jelly. His fish is personally ordered, so freshness is guaranteed. There are only two seaters a night and the shop has a capacity for just 7 people. So, advance reservations are necessary. The 2-hour
omakase set menu course will cost you
around 23,000 Yen (about 750 AED) plus tax.
Chef Yoshitake speaks some English.
Sushi Sawada
Sushi Sawada is another mind-blowing small Ginza sushi shop. The restaurant is run by Chef Sawada and his wife. They excel at creating a beautiful cozy atmosphere that makes customers feel right at home. Chef Sawada has become famous around Tokyo especially for the way he ages his tuna. He is known to be a master of sushi and will teach you how to eat the pieces properly so as to indulge the entirety of delicious tastes. The actual menu is personalized too. He will surprise you with something prepared just for you. This 2.5-hour omakase set menu will take quite a chunk out of your bank account at 35,000 Yen or 1130 AED, plus tax, but this is what can be referred to as a “meal of a lifetime.” There are only 6 seats in the shop, so book in advance. The popular chef is so friendly, but speaks very little English.
Sushi Iwa
If you’re looking for a top-quality sushi experience in Tokyo and you want to pay less than the above options then Sushi Iwa is the answer.
Also within the Ginza district, the catch here is the choice at lunch between his 10-piece or 13-piece excellent
nigiri set. Experience the range of flavours the young but quite masterful chef has to offer from his rich fatty
chū-toro tuna to the outstanding
uni (urchin) and the lighter
kohada (shad) perfection. His signature items include the
tsumami (seafood appetizers) like sashimi. The 10-piece nigiri course at lunch costs 4,750 yen (around 150 AED) and the 13-piece set costs 8,400 yen (270 AED). Sushi Iwa has an esteemed branch in Hong Kong. Booking in advance is recommended.
Sushi-sho
Another one of Tokyo’s highly regarded sushi shops is Sushi-sho located in Shinjuku. The local legend Chef Nakazawa is known for his amazing 35-dish omakase set menu course. He blends his nigiri (sushi) with tsumami (appetizers) in a unique way which defines him from other restaurants. He is very skilled in aging techniques of his sushi pieces. If you’re lucky, some days at lunch the chef serves just 20 bowls of delicious Bara-Chirashi Don at just 1500 Yen per bowl (50 AED). The omakase set menu course will cost you around 20,000 yen (650 AED) plus tax. It’s a 10-seat sushi shop, so early reservations are required.
Happy sushi-ing!
Find out on how you can experience Tokyo
By Amal Ahmed
