Omakase for First-Timers in Singapore

New to omakase? You are in good hands

Omakase can sound formal, but it is one of the gentlest ways to begin with Japanese fine dining. The word means “I leave it to you” — a quiet act of trust in the chef. You do not need to know the fish, the seasons, or the etiquette in advance. You arrive, take a seat at the counter, and let the meal unfold. At MIYU, Chef-Owner Ng Kam Kwan leads every guest through the season with warmth rather than ceremony. If you would like the full background first, our complete guide to omakase is a good place to start.

How a sitting flows

An omakase is a sequence of small courses served one at a time, usually building from lighter sashimi through hand-pressed nigiri to a warm dish, with the pacing set by the chef. Each piece is best eaten soon after it is placed in front of you, while the rice is still at its ideal temperature. There is no rush and no wrong move — the counter is a conversation as much as a meal, and questions about the fish are always welcome.

A few simple courtesies

There are only a handful of things worth knowing, and none of them are strict. Arrive on time, since the meal is prepared to a rhythm. Go easy on strong perfume, which can compete with delicate aromas. And trust the chef’s suggestion on soy and wasabi — the nigiri is often seasoned already. For a fuller primer, our omakase etiquette guide covers first-timer questions in more detail.

A relaxed first visit at Dempsey Hill

MIYU sits at 13A Dempsey Road, in the greenery of Dempsey Hill rather than a hotel lobby — an unhurried setting that suits a first omakase. Lunch begins at $128 and dinner at $228, at sincere prices, so a first visit need not be a once-a-year occasion. Verified diners rate MIYU 5.8/6 on Quandoo and 4.6/5 on Google. When you are ready, view the lunch menu or simply reserve a table.

Frequently asked questions

Is omakase suitable for first-timers?

Very much so — the chef guides every course, so no prior knowledge is needed. Just arrive, sit at the counter, and enjoy the season.

What does a first omakase cost at MIYU?

Lunch from $128, dinner from $228, at 13A Dempsey Road. Reservations: +65 8028 3168.

Reserve your first seat at MIYU, Dempsey Hill →