5 Restaurants in Penang to Experience Omakase if You’d Like to “Leave it to the Chef”
Omakase is a Japanese phrase used when ordering sushi in restaurants, which literally means “I’ll leave it up to you” as opposed to ordering ala carte. The chef will use his creativity to present a series of plates, beginning from the lightest fare proceeding to the heaviest dishes based on seasonal specialties. The omakase experience is not limited to sushi but can also incorporate grilling and other cooking techniques. With Omakase you will be spoilt with undivided attention from the chef.
Omakase is not new but still trending in Penang. There are an increasing number of non-Japanese restaurants offering this exclusive experience. Here are 5 restaurants in Penang to experience Omakase if you’d like to leave it to the chef.
1. Kazumasa Sushi Omakase
Located at Fettes Park Tanjung Bungah, Kazumasa Sushi Omakase is close to celebrating its 1st anniversary since opening. Kazumasa is headed by the energetic Chef Ron who has 20 years experience in Japanese cooking learning his trade from Japanese chefs. He is fluent in English and Japanese language.
Kazumasa prouds itself with its freshest ingredients, selected, packed and directly shipped from Japan including premium Oturo, Chotuto and Uni.
The Omakase experience comes in 4 different packages, starting from Basic Moegi RM288 to the Chef Special priced at RM788. Kazumasa also offers an ala carte menu for those who prefer to make their own choices.
Kazumasa Sushi Omakase
Address: 50C-1 JALAN FETTES TANJUNG BUNGAH 11200, TANJUNG BUGAH, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 018-297 1886
2. Wako Sushi Omakase
Newly opened in October 2020, Wako Sushi Omakase is located at Gat Lebuh Aceh in Georgetown, Penang.
Wako Sushi Omakase is helmed by the highly acclaimed Chef Damien who started his career in 2002. Chef Damien made his name in Singapore winning several awards along his culinary journey.
Woka Sushi Omakase source their fish from the Toyosi market, arguably one of the most famous place for purchasing the freshest and most delicious seafood in Japan. They have 2 open kitchens and menus which are Omakase sushi course menu and Food Tasting kappo set menu .
Their Omakase set starts from the Kokoro at RM298 to the Omakase Magokoro at RM618.
Wako Sushi Omakase
Address: 16, Gat Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-262 6363
3. ChinChin Gastropub
Chinchin is an izakaya-style gastropub and bar located at Pulau Tikus Georgetown. It is an open concept kitchen with bar seating and provides patrons with a chance to witness the chefs in action. They offer modern small plates served with premium ingredients.
The omakase is priced from RM250 onwards and will change depending on seasonal fresh ingredients.
ChinChin Gastropub
Address: 25-G, Lintang Burma, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 011-2743 0417
4. De’Secret Kitchen
De’ Secret Kitchen is operated by the talented young chef Joe Lee specializing on Asian Fusion cuisine with a knack for the adventurous palate. Diners are introduced to unique ingredients indigenous to certain countries highlighting the array of materials at the chef’s disposal.
This is a private dining experience as prior reservation is needed and the menu is decided by the chef “omakase” style. You will not be able to walk-in to the place as it is password protected and which you will be provided on the day of your patronage.
De’Secret Kitchen
Address: 163, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Facebook: www.facebook.com/desecretkitchen/
5. A.Maze
A Maze the brain child of Chef Wei, is a rather small restaurant, sitting only 8 pax per night, however this allows for a rather intimate affair as you will be seated alongside the Chef as he guides you through course by course.
A Maze has moved to Taman Pekaka, Sungai Dua. Serving Alternative Cuisine, Chef Wei draws inspiration from the vibrant backdrop of the island he resides in, from it’s rich heritage and culture to the interesting produces that are found in and around this area, working with the seasons, a new course of meal is served every month.
Pulling apart, reconstituting, reinterpreting, reinventing and innovating, A Maze’s ambitions are to break expectations, challenge conventions and leave you lost in wonderment on a culinary experience. There are no menus and no ordering here, go with an open mind and an appetite, and allow Chef Wei to bring you on a journey a spoonful at a time.
A Maze
Address: 2-G-5, Bangunan Lip Sin, Lebuh Pekaka 1, Taman Pekaka, Sungai Dua, 11700 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMAZE.PG/
