Discovering Chiyoda Sushi: Japan’s Famous Takeaway Sushi Lands in Singapore
A Taste of Japan, Right in the Heart of Orchard
As someone who’s constantly on the hunt for good sushi in Singapore (without breaking the bank), I was thrilled when I heard that Chiyoda Sushi — one of Japan’s most popular takeaway sushi chains — finally opened its first outlet here at Plaza Singapura (#B2-56, 68 Orchard Road).
For those unfamiliar, Chiyoda Sushi has been around since 1959 and runs over 200 outlets in Japan. It’s known for serving fresh, convenient, and affordable sushi that still captures that authentic Edomae touch — a style of sushi that focuses on simplicity and freshness.
The Singapore branch keeps the same concept: handcrafted sushi made fresh daily, with seafood air-flown directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. It’s casual enough for a quick lunch or takeaway, but the quality is noticeably a step above the usual mall sushi kiosks.
My First Visit: Bright, Neat, and Very Tokyo
When I first walked up to Chiyoda Sushi’s stall at Plaza Singapura, it immediately reminded me of sushi counters you’d find in Japanese train stations — clean, efficient, and fuss-free.
The counter displays rows of beautifully arranged nigiri, sushi sets, inari, and rolls. The setup is minimalist but precise, and even though it’s takeaway-style, you can sense the Japanese attention to detail.
The staff were friendly (and yes, at least one of them spoke Japanese), which added to the authenticity.
What I Tried — And What You Should Too
I went for a few classics and one seasonal item:
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Salmon Nigiri Set (S$12.90) – You can’t go wrong with salmon, and theirs was buttery, fresh, and clean-tasting. The rice was lightly seasoned and packed just firm enough to hold together.
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Saba Bozushi (Pressed Mackerel Sushi) – A Kyoto-style pressed sushi that was surprisingly fragrant and flavorful. You don’t often find this outside of Japan.
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Seasonal Iwashi (Sardine) – A limited item that stood out for its richness and slight umami tang.
Everything came neatly packaged, and though prices are slightly higher than typical takeaway sushi, the quality easily justified it. You could tell the fish hadn’t been sitting out for long — each piece still had that glisten and texture that screams “fresh.”
Price vs Quality: Worth It?
Let’s be honest — “affordable” is relative, especially when we’re talking about Japanese imports. Some might find it pricey for takeaway, but I’d say Chiyoda Sushi bridges the gap between cheap conveyor-belt sushi and full sit-down omakase.
If you’re used to grabbing sushi from chains like Sushi Express or Genki, this is a definite step up in freshness and craft. It’s not fine dining, but it’s fine sushi — the kind you’d happily eat on a park bench or at your office desk and still feel a little fancy.
What Makes Chiyoda Sushi Stand Out
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Japanese Heritage: Over 60 years of sushi-making experience back in Japan.
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Air-Flown Seafood: Fresh ingredients sourced from Toyosu Market in Tokyo.
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Seasonal Specials: They offer rotating items based on what’s in season — something rare for casual sushi spots.
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Takeaway Convenience: Perfect for busy mall-goers who still want quality sushi.
There’s also something charming about seeing a slice of Japan thrive right in the middle of Orchard. It’s unpretentious but polished, and that’s exactly what makes Chiyoda Sushi special.
Final Thoughts
Would I come back? Absolutely. Especially when I want a quick sushi fix that doesn’t taste mass-produced.
Chiyoda Sushi may not replace your favorite omakase counter, but it’s a solid, authentic and affordable Japanese option that delivers on freshness, quality, and value. It’s a taste of Tokyo you can bring home — and in Singapore’s ever-growing sushi scene, that’s something to celebrate.
If you’re craving for an affordable sushi in Singapore that feels closer to the real deal (without the omakase price tag), give Chiyoda Sushi at Plaza Singapura a try.
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