Located along Keong Saik Road, SUSHI ZEN (鮨然) is an intimate 8-seater haute Japanese sushiya helmed by renowned Beijing sushi chef-owner E Ran. Having dedicated himself to the art of Edo-mae sushi from the age of 17, Chef E Ran has cultivated a loyal fanbase of discerning diners. SUSHI ZEN prides itself on using premium quality fresh ingredients specially sourced from Japan’s Toyosu Market, which are flown in four times a week. For their shari, they use Hokkaido’s Nanatsuboshi Rice, ensuring an authentic and superior sushi experience.
For Lunch Omakase, diners can opt for either the $150 menu, which comprises 10 pieces of nigiri, soup and dessert or the $258 menu, which includes 3 additional appetisers. For Dinner Omakase, there are three tiers priced at $258, $388 and $550 – each offering a variety of seasonal appetisers, 10 pieces of nigiri before finishing with soup and dessert.
Dinner Omakase 4/5
During our visit, we had the $388 Dinner Omakase menu, which began with a range of 5 appetisers before progressing to the main course of nigiri, followed by soup and dessert.
Uni
The first dish was a unique steamed Uni dish. The incorporation of ingredients more typically found in Chinese cuisine was an impressive touch, as we saw a fragrant marination for the uni made with tangerine peel, Chinese shaoxing wine and more.
Sashimi
We were presented with Aged Churoto and fresh Sweet Ebi from Hokkaido for Sashimi.
Hotate
After some time on the grill, the meaty Hotate is sliced and seasoned with yuzu and soy, with a side dash of chilli pepper.
Grilled Fish
Next was one of my favourite meals, the Grilled Fish. This was delicately seasoned and expertly grilled, resulting in the fish being impressively juicy with a natural sweetness. I loved the delicate touch of salt and zesty lime which brightened the dish.
Fried Fish
The last of our appetisers was the Fried Fish thinly battered for a lovely crisp. It was luxuriously topped with caviar for an enhanced buttery and seafood flavour.
10 Piece Nigiri
We looked forward to the 10 Piece Nigiri for our next course.
We enjoyed the freshness and cuts of the sashimi and the different flavour profiles and aging techniques applied.
However, we found the rice too vinegary for our liking, which outshone some of the flavours
The pace of the omakase was a little too fast as well, but the chefs were incredibly attentive and ensured that our cups of hot tea were always filled.
The final piece of nigiri, Uni, was absolutely creamy.
Tamago
Dessert was served in two parts. The first was Tamago prepared in two ways: a slice of Tamago Custard and a fluffy Tamago Cake with a delightfully thin caramelised crust.
Dessert
The omakase concluded with a classic wedge of Melon.
While the quality of ingredients was fantastic, we did not find it to rank high in terms of value for money and were expecting a bit more. Reservations should definitely be made prior to visiting the restaurant via https://www.tablecheck.com/en/sushi-zen-singapore/reserve/landing.
Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.
SUSHI ZEN (鮨然)
1 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088379
Tel: +65 6550 2265
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road and turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]