Omakase for Beginners: What to Expect on Your First Omakase Experience

Trying omakase for the first time can feel a little intimidating.

What will you be served? Is everything raw? And how is an omakase meal different from simply ordering à la carte?

At Hana Japanese Restaurant, our approach is deliberately relaxed. Our 15-course menus give you an idea of what you’ll be having before you order, while individual ingredients may occasionally change depending on availability.

If you’re thinking about trying your first omakase in Singapore, here’s what you should know.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHAT DOES OMAKASE MEAN?

The Japanese word omakase traditionally means “I’ll leave it up to you,” referring to leaving the selection of dishes to the chef.

Today, you’ll find many different styles of omakase in Singapore.

At Hana, our version is less formal and more structured. You’ll have a good idea of the menu before you begin, with occasional ingredient changes depending on availability.

WHAT MAKES HANA’S OMAKASE DIFFERENT?

At Hana, our omakase is designed as a relaxed and accessible 15-course experience, combining cooked and raw dishes.

Unlike traditional counter-style omakase, ours is served at your table, making it easy to enjoy as a couple, with friends or together as a family.

Our service team also introduces each course as it arrives.

IS OMAKASE ALL RAW FISH?

Not necessarily.

At Hana, our 15-course menus include both cooked and raw dishes, with different flavours, textures and styles of preparation throughout the meal.

This makes it a good option for diners who enjoy Japanese food but don’t necessarily want an entire meal centred around raw fish.

WHAT IF MY DINING PARTNER DOESN’T WANT OMAKASE?

At Hana, not everyone at the table has to order omakase.

If you want the 15-course omakase while your dining partner prefers to order à la carte, you can still dine together at the same table.

You can also add à la carte dishes if there’s something else you’d like to enjoy or share.

This makes it especially convenient for couples, families and groups with different preferences.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON YOUR FIRST OMAKASE?

There isn’t a correct amount.

Omakase varies considerably in price depending on the restaurant, ingredients and style of experience.

If you’re trying it for the first time, you don’t necessarily need to begin with the most expensive option.

At Hana Japanese Restaurant, our 15-course omakase starts from $38++, with $58++ and $88++ menus also available.

Choose according to your budget and the kind of experience you’re looking for.

WHAT IF THERE’S SOMETHING I DON’T EAT?

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, just let us know and we’ll be happy to offer substitutions where possible.

YOUR FIRST OMAKASE SHOULD BE FUN

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your first omakase should be fun.

For us, omakase is simply a different way of enjoying Japanese food — trying a selection of dishes you might not otherwise have ordered individually and perhaps discovering a new favourite along the way.

Hana Japanese Restaurant

Forum The Shopping Mall

583 Orchard Road, #01-17

Singapore 238884

15-course Omakase: $38++ | $58++ | $88++