Ryo Sushi: One of the Best-Value Sushi Spots in Singapore

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Ryo Sushi: One of the Best-Value Sushi Spots in Singapore




Exterior of Ryo Sushi

I’ve eaten my way through a lot of omakase spots in Singapore — some fancy, some flashier than they need to be. But few places surprise me quite like Ryo Sushi, a tiny counter tucked inside Orchid Hotel along 1 Tras Link. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t scream luxury from the outside, but once you sit down at that eight-seater counter, you realize you’ve stumbled onto something special — a genuine sushi experience that doesn’t break the bank.

A Hidden Gem in Tanjong Pagar

If you’ve walked past Orchid Hotel, you’ve probably seen the rows of Japanese eateries lined up near Tanjong Pagar MRT. Ryo Sushi sits quietly among them, a minimalist sushi bar that easily blends in — until you notice the steady stream of regulars walking out, satisfied and smiling.

The space itself is tiny. Eight seats. A wooden counter. Soft lighting that keeps things calm and focused. There’s no elaborate décor or Michelin-style theatrics — just sushi, served fast and fresh, right in front of you. And honestly, that’s exactly what I love about it.

Affordable Omakase That Overdelivers

Let’s get straight to the part that made Ryo Sushi a cult favorite: the price.

In a city where omakase easily starts at S$150, Ryo Sushi offers a 12- to 18-course menu starting at just S$38. Even their premium set, complete with sea urchin, rarely crosses S$100. It’s one of the best-value omakase experiences in Singapore, hands down.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • S$38 Lunch Set – Light omakase (great for first-timers).

Light Omakase

  • S$68 Set – About 18 courses, with sushi, salad, and truffled egg.

18 courses, with sushi, salad, and truffled egg.

  • S$98 Premium Set – Adds uni (sea urchin) and extra premium cuts.

I went for the S$98 version — and it was worth every bite.

Highlights from the Counter

The meal started with a few small bites: edamame, hijiki salad, and a silky truffled onsen egg topped with ikura. The truffle aroma was subtle, not overwhelming, just enough to make you pause before diving in.

Then came the main act — sushi, one perfect piece at a time.

Chef Roy moved with quiet focus, brushing nikiri sauce on each slice, placing it gently on the plate, then giving a small nod that said, “Go ahead.” The progression went from clean to rich:

  • Hirame (flatfish) – delicate and translucent.

  • Ika (squid) – chewy with a touch of yuzu zest.

  • Aburi hotate (torched scallop) – slightly smoky, almost buttery.

  • Shima-aji (striped jack) – crisp texture and depth of flavor.

  • Otoro (fatty tuna) – melt-in-the-mouth, easily my favorite of the night.

The meal wrapped up with a mini uni-ikura rice bowl and a crab handroll — comforting, balanced, and full of umami.

What Makes Ryo Sushi Special

There’s a certain honesty to Ryo Sushi. You won’t find gold flakes or dramatic dry ice smoke here. What you get instead is solid craftsmanship — clean cuts, fresh fish, and an omakase that feels both personal and approachable.

At many high-end sushi restaurants, the chef drives the entire experience — chatting, explaining, performing. Here, Chef Roy is more reserved, but his food speaks volumes. Every bite feels intentional.

And perhaps the most refreshing part? You can walk out satisfied without feeling like you’ve just burned a hole in your wallet.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

Because of its small size, reservations are absolutely necessary. The counter fills up fast — usually weeks ahead, especially for dinner. They run two seatings per night, and walk-ins are almost never possible.

A few quick tips from my visit and other diners’ experiences:

  • Book early — some regulars reserve a month ahead.

  • Be punctual — late arrivals might lose their slot.

  • Photography is limited — Chef Roy prefers guests enjoy the food rather than the camera.

  • Seats are tight — so travel light and keep expectations realistic.

Ryo Sushi is best enjoyed when you lean into its simplicity — go in hungry, focus on the food, and let the meal flow naturally.

Verdict: A Must-Try for Sushi Lovers in Singapore

If you’re hunting for the best sushi in Singapore that won’t cost a fortune, Ryo Sushi deserves a spot on your list. It’s an omakase that delivers on flavor, freshness, and value — the rare trifecta that keeps people coming back.

For me, it’s become one of those “secret recommendation” spots — the kind I tell friends about only when I know they’ll appreciate good sushi done right.

So the next time you find yourself around Tanjong Pagar, skip the ramen queues and step into Ryo Sushi. Just remember to book early — or risk missing out on one of the city’s most satisfying sushi experiences.

Practical Information

📍 Address: 1 Tras Link, #01-06 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
📞 Contact: +65 6443 3463
🕒 Hours: Lunch 11:45 AM – 2:45 PM, Dinner 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
💰 Price Range: S$38 – S$98 per person
🎟️ Reservation: Required (no walk-ins)

Location: Singapore

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