Hiryu: My Go-To Spot for Some of the Best Sushi in Singapore
Introduction
I’ve eaten a lot of sushi in Singapore, but every now and then, a place comes along that makes me pause and go, “Okay, this one’s special.” That’s exactly how I felt the first time I walked into Hiryu, a cosy Japanese restaurant tucked along 39 Tras Street, right in the heart of Tanjong Pagar. It doesn’t scream for attention from the outside—just a simple wooden sign and a soft glow that spills onto the quiet street. But once you step in, the vibe instantly changes: calm, elegant, and quietly confident.
The Vibe
Hiryu feels like a hidden sushi sanctuary. The lighting is warm, the counter is sleek, and the minimalist wood tones make everything feel extra polished. It’s not one of those intimidating fine-dining spots where you’re afraid to laugh too loud—it’s intimate but relaxed.
If you can, book the counter seats. That’s where all the action happens. You’ll see the chefs slice, torch, and plate each course right in front of you. The head chef, Raymond Tan, used to helm Sushi Jin and Sushi Murasaki, and you can tell he brings that experience to every detail—his plating is meticulous, but the flavors always come first.
The Food
I went for their omakase lunch, which starts at $128++, while dinner sets go from around $198++ to $268++ depending on the menu. It’s not cheap, but compared to some of the ultra-luxury omakase spots, Hiryu’s pricing feels like that sweet spot between premium and approachable.
The menu changes seasonally, but my meal went something like this:
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A silky chawanmushi topped with ikura
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A trio of sashimi so fresh it practically melted
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A series of nigiri—toro, kampachi, and my absolute favorite, uni
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A rich A5 Wagyu Sendai Don drizzled with truffle sauce
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Dessert and miso soup to end on a light note
Each bite was carefully balanced—the sushi rice was warm and perfectly vinegared, and the fish was at peak freshness. The uni in particular was unforgettable: creamy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of briny.
The Showstoppers
If there’s one thing you must order à la carte, it’s the Uni Tempura. It’s everything you want in a bite—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and lightly salted to bring out the sea urchin’s natural sweetness.
The Wagyu Sando is another stunner: thick cuts of A5 wagyu sandwiched between toasted bread, brushed with truffle butter. Yes, it’s indulgent, but that’s the fun of it.
And for something a little dramatic, try the Uni & Toro Truffle Bruschetta. It’s rich, aromatic, and definitely Instagram-worthy.
What I Loved
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Quality ingredients: You can tell everything is carefully sourced—Hokkaido uni, seasonal fish, high-grade wagyu.
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Affordable luxury: The lunch omakase is a great entry point for those who want the experience without dropping $300+.
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Personal touch: Chef Raymond actually chats with diners, which makes the meal feel more personal and relaxed.
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Ambience: Calm, classy, and never overcrowded—ideal for a quiet lunch date or special dinner.
What Could Be Better
If I had to nitpick, a couple of dishes with truffle leaned a bit strong on the aroma, slightly overpowering the fish. And since the space is small (less than 20 seats), you’ll need to book early—walk-ins are almost never available, especially for dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for some of the best sushi in Singapore, Hiryu is absolutely worth adding to your list. It’s a beautiful mix of Japanese precision and modern flair—where the focus is on craft, not flash.
I’ve been back twice since my first visit, and it still feels special every time. Whether it’s the clean, buttery slices of sashimi or the quiet satisfaction of watching a master at work behind the counter, Hiryu reminds me why I fell in love with sushi in the first place.
So if you find yourself near Tanjong Pagar and want to treat yourself, skip the usual lunch rush. Step into Hiryu, sit at the counter, and let the chefs surprise you. Trust me—you’ll walk out already planning your next visit.
Practical Information
Here’s everything you’ll want to know before going:
🕐 Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Last order 2:00 PM)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last order 9:00 PM)💰 Price Range:
Lunch Omakase: from $128++
- Dinner Omakase: from $198++ to $268++👗 Dress Code: Smart casual💡 Tip: Request the counter when reserving—you’ll get the best view and the most interaction with the chef.
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