Quiet Omakase at Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu

Post by Chiefeater Emily Johnson

First time

There’s a certain calm I noticed once I got six floors above Orchard Road. The building feels old, the lift lobby is plain, and the long corridor feels like it hasn’t changed in years. I walked all the way to the end and found Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu, quietly tucked away and easy to miss. It honestly feels like one of those places you only find if you’re actually looking for it.

Inside, it’s very simple: eight seats, one counter, and a chef who doesn’t talk much — and doesn’t need to. The more I eat out, the more I notice how many places try hard to impress with bold flavours, big concepts, and long explanations. Sushi Masa doesn’t do that. Everything feels calm and intentional, from the pacing to the knife work to how the ingredients are handled. Nothing here is trying to show off.

First bite. . .

The meal started quietly. I caught a light scent of vinegar and yuzu from the counter, and within a few bites, it was clear this omakase was about skill, not performance. Even the simpler dishes felt carefully thought out. It was the kind of meal where the food speaks for itself.

Yes, the ingredients are flown in daily from Toyosu, but that’s not something they push or advertise loudly. What stood out more was how balanced everything was. Raw and cooked dishes worked well together. Rich flavours were matched with brighter ones. The amae ebi was creamy but not heavy, and the lightly smoked katsuo had just enough depth without overpowering the fish.

Nigiri, must-try. . .

When the nigiri started, I felt confident right away. The rice was warm and nicely seasoned, and the fish was cut with care. Each piece made sense as soon as it hit the counter. The chef moved at a steady pace  not rushed, not slow — and that rhythm made the whole experience feel relaxed.

The cooked dishes were where things got more interesting. Instead of sticking to the usual, the chef added small twists without going too far. A grilled fish had a subtle sweetness from seasonal fruit, and a clear broth tasted clean and comforting. Nothing felt trendy or forced! Just well-executed food with thought behind it.

Even though Sushi Masa is in Cuppage Plaza, it reminded me of small omakase counters tucked away in Tokyo. The kind of place where you’re not rushed and not distracted. The room stays quiet, conversations stay soft, and even the sake, served ice-cold from a minus-5°C chiller — tasted clean and refreshing.

If you’re into loud restaurants and dramatic storytelling, this probably isn’t your kind of place. But if you appreciate well-made food, a calm setting, and an omakase that doesn’t try too hard, Sushi Masa is worth sitting down for.

It’s not trying to be the best omakase in Singapore.