Sushi Kou @ Orchid Hotel

Mentioned Omakase and Orchid Hotel, probably the first to come to mind is Teppei. One of the hottest Japanese restaurants in Singapore offering affordable omakase sets that has a reservation list up to at least 4 months. However not known to many just a door away is Sushi Kou which also offers affordable Omakase sets ranging from as cheap as $50 which is available for both lunch and dinner.

Homemade Pickles 4.2/5

Sushi Kou has a more spacious and cosy ambience compared to Teppei. The 50 seater restaurant is managed by Chef-Owner Koda Naokatsu who has over 15 years of culinary experience. Setting themselves apart is the complimentary jars of Homemade Pickles. Besides the pickled tomatoes and cucumbers, I also got to tried the pickled seaweed.

Appertiser 3/5

We have the $80, 7-course Omakase Set starting with the appertiser. The two appertiser items were
Tako Suinomo (fresh octopus) and Tamago Tofu with Tobiko (steamed egg with flying fish roe). A light entry to the 7 course dinner while leaving you anticipating what is upcoming.

Sashimi 4/5

Next up is the fresh Sashimi that is flown in twice a week from Japan. From the oceanic catch during my visit, I had the Otoro, Hamachi Hirame, Yukowa Maguro, Mutsu, and Matako. Kindly note this is a sharing portion for 4 pax, the chef simply served them together.

Yaki (Grill) 4.5/5

From the grill, I had the Kimiro Gindara and Manaji (cod fish and organic Kyoto chillies with shrimps). The gindara was glazed with a layer of egg which accentuated the whole flavour of the cod fish.

Age (Fry) 3.5/5

I do have a liking for food presented in a different twist. The Unagi Nasu Tempura (tempura of unagi rolled in eggplant) is one such dish I enjoyed. The batter, eggplant and unagi forms the three different layers of texture enjoyments while not throwing the dish out of balance.

Nimono (Braise) 4.2/5

The light and refreshing bowl of Gai Inaniwa Udon is served with scallop, shrimps and pumpkin. The udon was smooth and silky which was slurping good. In a way, I like the timing of this dish. It sort of helps to cleanse the palate after the fried tempura.

Sushi 4/5

Next up is the finale where an assorted of Sushi is served.  The platter consisted of Otoro, Shimaji, Shime Saba, Anago, Egawa, Tori Gai and Ikura. My favourite is the otoro which simply melted in the mouth. Least favourite is the tori gai which was a bit tough and chewy.

Sea Salt Ice Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up the wonderful 7 course omakase dinner is the Ice Cream Dessert. There is a choice of yuzu, green tea, sesame, sea salt flavours as well as chocolate bar. I had the sea salt ice cream which comes with a lovely sweet and salty combination to finish the dinner on a high note.

Personally having visited both Teppei and Sushi Kou for their affordable omakase sets, the difference is really down to the ambience. Do you prefer cramping into a tiny sushi bar with 21 counter seats capacity rubbing shoulder to shoulder with your diners or a cosy and spacious 50 seats restaurant. I have to say the experience is totally different. One should experience both.


Sushi Kou 
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-16
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 64448433
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sushi-kou/410548335720089
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]