Sushidan Singapore: Michelin-Quality Edomae Sushi at Entry-Level Prices
While celebrating my sister-in-law’s birthday in Singapore, we found ourselves in the middle of a peak lunch rush at Raffles City. She had a craving for sushi, but almost every restaurant was packed. I happened to join a growing queue at Sushidan, and it turned out to be a very lucky “stumble.”
The Tokyo Pedigree
As I waited, a quick search revealed that Sushidan isn’t just any sushi joint—it’s an affordable concept from Tokyo founded by Chef Hiroyuki Sato.
Does the Michelin star follow the shop? To clarify: while this specific casual outlet at Raffles City does not currently hold its own Michelin star, Chef Sato is a world-renowned master who earned a Michelin star as the head chef of Sushi Tokami in Ginza. He is also the founder of the high-end Hakkoku, and Sushidan is his way of bringing that same elite expertise to a wider audience.
Their seafood is sourced directly from the famous Toyosu Market, with their salmon air-flown fresh from Norway daily. While Chef Sato remains based in Tokyo, the Singapore kitchen is entrusted to Chef Yusuke Kawana, a veteran with nearly three decades of experience at top-tier spots like Sushi Sato and Sushi Ayumu.
💡 Pro-Tip: What is “Edomae-style” Sushi?
You’ll notice Sushidan is associated with the term Edomae. This refers to the traditional Tokyo style of sushi (“Edo” was Tokyo’s old name). Historically, before refrigeration, chefs used techniques like curing, marinating, or simmering to preserve fish and heighten its “umami.”
At Sushidan, this is most evident in their Red Shari—sushi rice seasoned with premium red vinegar (Akazu). This gives the rice a distinctive brownish tint and a deeper, more savory flavor than the sweet white rice found in standard sushi chains.
The Menu: Simplified Omakase
Currently, they don’t offer an a la carte menu. Instead, you choose from four streamlined sets (available in both non-aburi and aburi/seared versions):
- Goshoku Set (4-piece nigiri): SGD 19.90++
- Nanairo Set (6-piece nigiri): SGD 29.90++
What’s included? Each set is surprisingly hearty for the price. Along with your nigiri, you get:
- Zuwaigani Chawanmushi: Silky steamed egg with ginkgo and scallop.
- 3 Ochoko-don: Three adorable mini-bowls (Chirashi, Aburi Salmon, and Anago).
- Negitori Handroll & Miso Soup.
Our total bill for two people came to SGD 64.03.
My Experience
While “Omakase” usually implies a piece-by-piece serving at the counter, our sets were served all at once—likely because we were seated in a table to accommodate our group.
- The Highlights: The rice is truly the star—perfectly seasoned, textured, and clearly handled with care. The 6-piece Nanairo set is the clear winner; for the extra few dollars, you get Chutoro, whereas the 4-piece set focuses on Akami.
- The Quirks: I found it a bit strange that Inari (tofu skin sushi) was included as part of a “Chef’s Choice” Omakase set. It felt like a cost-cutting measure, but at this price point in the heart of City Hall, it’s hard to complain.
💡 Kid-Friendly Note: The staff were incredibly gracious. Since my 5-year-old nephew wasn’t up for a raw fish set, they allowed us to order just two sets for the adults. They didn’t pressure us to order a third for him, especially since he had already had a small snack while we were waiting for the table.
New Additions & Location
Since our visit, they have expanded their menu to include sashimi courses:
- 5 Types Chef’s Choice Sashimi: SGD 9.90++
- Bluefin Tuna Trio (Akami, Chutoro, Otoro): SGD 19.80++
📍 Fast Facts
- Location: Raffles City Shopping Centre, B1-44C (Right next to Marks & Spencer).
- MRT: City Hall.
- Policy: Walk-in only (no reservations). Expect a queue during peak hours!
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Instagram: @sushidan.sg
