Sushi Katori
We venture to Tanjong Pagar in Singapore to try Michelin Guide Sushi Katori for their lunchtime omakase.
After a big week of F1 in Singapore, I needed a break. My version of a break usually comes in 12 small pieces spaced out over an hour or two and washed down with a few drinks.
This time, Sushi Katori was our chosen venue, located in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore. Helmed by Katori-san, the restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide two years running. It was about time we figured out for ourselves just how good Katori is.
Walking in, you are greeted by friendly staff and a very happy and cheerful Katori-san behind the counter. The first thing you notice about this chef is the amount of happiness radiating from him. He's a bit younger than a lot of the other sushi masters, but you can't help but feel good vibes from his presence.
The restaurant has a long, jagged sushi counter and I believe a private room, but I didn't get a look.
We opted for their omakase lunch, priced at around $250. This includes:
- APPETISER
- SEASONAL DISH
- Nigiri Sushi (12 pieces)
- Cooked Dish
- Miso Soup
- DESSERT
Armed with a fresh and crisp boutique Japanese lager, I was prepared for what was coming.
Sushi Katori Restaurant appetisers
First up, we had a trio of cold appetizers including a tasty yuba (beancurd skin). A fresh plate of katsuo (bonito) was then presented with a side of ponzu dipping sauce. As you can see in the photo, the color of it was gorgeous with a crisp outside, balancing some chewiness with the burnt skin and sourness from the ponzu.
The soup we had shortly after was amazing. A slightly fishy but more neutral dashi broth holding a soft ball of daikon and filled with shredded crab meat. Such a great and hearty palate cleanser.
Sushi Katori Appetisers
Finally, the moment I was eagerly waiting for came. At a very consistent pace, Katori-san laid before us:
- Akami
- Aji
- Tai
- Chutoro
- Skipjack
- Ika
- Otoro
- Akaebi
- Negitoro
- Anago
Sushi Katori Sushi
Of particular note were the ika, otoro, and aji, but everything was superb.
As if that wasn't enough, we were then given a small ikura and uni don with a generous heaping of wasabi. What a great ending!
Accompanied by tea, for dessert we had tamagoyaki with a plate of fresh Japanese fruits (mikan, pear, kyoho grape) and sorbet.
The meal lasted just over 90 minutes.
Sushi Katori Dessert
Gaijin's review
- Food quality: Amazingly fresh seasonal produce,
- Ambience: Traditional setting, yet a very energetic vibe
- Value: On the higher side for lunch
- Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
- Price: $$$$
For some reason unknown to me now, my expectations for Sushi Katori were not sky-high initially. Obviously, hearing about it from multiple sources, I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't quite realize it would be at this level.
Katori-san is a younger chef and brings a very rare trait to his sushiya - personality. Not to hold it against any of the older sushi masters, but you do notice a very different vibe with a younger and more energetic chef at times. There was a great deal of laughing and banter throughout our meal, which was a nice change.
Food quality was exceptional, and I couldn't really see any room for improvement.
In terms of value, Katori is on the higher end (price-wise) for lunch, but the portioning feels beyond generous. Perhaps it's the amount of rice we had, but we left feeling really full.
I've heard good things about the dinner, so I would say we will be back there within the next few months to do a more thorough review.
100% worth checking out.
Sushi Katori
A: 21 Tg Pagar Rd, #01-03, Singapore 088444
