[Review] Sushi Yujo Unveils a Playful and Refined Omakase Experience

Sushi Yujo, the contemporary omakase restaurant tucked within Amara Hotel Singapore, has unveiled a refreshed menu that balances creativity, value, and visual flair.

Helmed by Chef Desmond Fong, the new offerings highlight indulgent wagyu courses alongside his signature cooked dishes and aburi sushi, with lunch menus starting from $68 and dinner from $148.

The experience is elevated with a playful touch of theatre. Diners can expect glittering gold-dust finishes and whimsical smoke bubbles that float gently above the sushi, adding a sense of delight and surprise that feels both fun and sophisticated.

We experienced the Ai Omakase Lunch Menu, a value-for-money seven-course meal priced at just $68. Aptly named, Ai means love (爱) in Chinese, and the menu offers a thoughtful introduction to Sushi Yujo’s omakase which is refined yet approachable.

The meal began with a refreshing appetiser of hamachi (yellowtail) paired with a delicate yuzu jelly cube and fresh kombu (kelp). Light, citrusy, and clean, it was the perfect way to awaken the palate and set the tone for the meal.

Next came the sashimi course, featuring maguro (bluefin tuna), kanpachi (Japanese amberjack), and hamachi. Each slice was impeccably fresh, with a natural sweetness that spoke to the quality of the fish. The sashimi was presented with shiso leaves and edible flowers which was really pretty and elevated the dish.

The third course was ikura chawanmushi. At first glance, it might seem understated, but the egg custard was silky and rich, and the briny pop of ikura added a satisfying depth. Hidden at the bottom were tender pieces of prawn, a small surprise that brought a smile and added extra texture to the dish.

Then came the nigiri sequence, served one piece at a time. Watching the chef prepare each piece only after the previous one was finished made the experience feel personal, and ensured that every bite arrived perfectly.

The sequence began with hamachi nigiri, lightly brushed with nikiri to enhance its natural sweetness, followed by kanpachi nigiri with freshly grated wasabi.

The third piece was maguro nigiri, creamy and smooth, before moving on to shiromi nigiri, lightly drizzled with mayonnaise and gently aburi-ed in front of us. Topped with toasted sesame seeds, it delivered an unexpected burst of flavour and aroma.

My personal favourite of the sequence was the final piece, hotate nigiri (scallop sushi) topped with caviar. Juicy with a touch of ocean sweetness, it was indulgent yet elegant.

The second last course was a generous chirashi-don, layered with kanpachi, hamachi, maguro, crisp radish and cucumber, then finished with a hearty spoonful of ikura. Subtly lifted with citrus zest, it was light and refreshing and a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the nigiri.

To conclude the meal, we were served a scoop of yuzu ice cream, made with real yuzu slices. It was a refreshing finale that wrapped up the omakase experience beautifully.

For those seeking a more indulgent lunch, Sushi Yujo also offers the Rikai menu meaning “understanding” at $98, a seven-course experience that includes two cooked dishes. At the top end is the En menu, meaning “fate”, priced at $148. This nine-course lunch is ideal for wagyu lovers, with three courses dedicated entirely to premium wagyu preparations.

For more information, visit Sushi Yujo’s website.

Sushi Yujo at Amara Hotel

Address: 
165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Hotel, #02-26
Singapore 088539

Opening Hours: 
Monday to Sunday
12pm – 3pm (last order: 2:30pm)
630pm – 1030pm (last order: 9:30pm)