Sushi Airways - Singapore

I have frequented this cosy restaurant several times over the last year and a half. Each time I go I am impressed by how it has improved and grown both in the variety of specials on offer and the quality of the food. Located in the charming Kampong Glam area, it is unique in being a theme restaurant that serves high quality sushi and Japanese food at reasonable prices. Sushi Airways has an interior that resembles that of an airplane, specifically a DC-3. The walls are lined with windows made of sleek stainless steel in the characteristic rectangular shape with rounded corners bearing authentic rivets, and the open kitchen and counter seating sport a similar look. The feel is intimate and cosy without being cramped. At one end of the restaurant a large TV screen plays video clips taken by the pilot of a small aircraft as he landed in places like the Faroe Islands and Naples. Watch them and you will be mesmerised by the beauty of the clouds, sea and mountains as the aircraft approaches land. Much thought has gone into the design of the menus which are illustrated with airplane blueprints, and I spotted two genuine airline trollies and many other features which hint at the attention to detail that has made this place such a memorable dining experience. Nevertheless it is not the interior design but rather the superb food which draws me back time and again. I used to go for the lunch sets which at $15 including miso soup, salad, green tea and ice cream are a steal. My favourite is the kurobuta tonkatsu but there are other choices which include chirashizushi, black sesame soba, salmon teriyaki and wagyu beef yakiniku. However of late I have been lured there by the fresh seafood and specials. The restaurant flies in fresh seafood four times a week and the chef expertly prepares some of the best hotate (live scallops) and uni (sea urchin roe) in town. Shirako (salmon milt) is another of the delicacies they offer. Indeed my recent dinner there was particularly good. My table of four started with the sashimi moriawase which Chef Wong can customise to your preference. Ours included otoro, ocean salmon, matsukawa karei (flounder from Hokkaido), sanma marinaded in ginger and spring onions and hamachi all perfectly sliced and beautifully presented on ice. We paired this with some delicious sparkling cold sake and everything disappeared before you could say “Hold your hotate!”. This was followed by superb oysters freshly shucked and seasoned in the chef’s special ponzu sauce. Sawagani came after, little perfectly formed ‘waterfall’ crabs which are deep fried till they turn a lovely orange. One crab makes for a flavourful, crunchy morsel. In spite of my many visits to Japan I had never before come across these, and my first time was in Sushi Airways. You certainly need to try them if you want to complete your Japanese dining experience! Then came the makis one, two and three. I have a special fondness for these and they are probably the reason I fell in love with this restaurant in the first place. The ebimaki is crunchy tempura prawn rolled in sushi rice, crusted with sesame seeds, and topped with crab mayonnaise, caviar and edible flowers. The double salmon roll is my personal favourite, the slices of salmon are blowtorched then topped with a crispy piece of salmon skin. The combined flavours and textures of the two as they enter the mouth are simply heavenly. Last but not least the lobster mango roll which has a generous piece of mango and lobster in mayonnaise atop wonderful brown sushi rice. I never come here without ordering at least one of these maki rolls and my kids absolutely adore them. We were pretty full after all that sushi but still had room for the chef’s off-menu special, a piece of tender rockfish braised with mushrooms and a hint of ginger in a flavoursome soya sauce, served warm and topped with spring onions and julienned cucumber. Comfort food at its best.  Our meal cost a very reasonable $230 for four, including service. Amazingly they do not charge GST.

Was there with my son and his friends for my birthday. Service from staff and chef was excellent!! Chef prepares a birthday cake and meal knowing my birthday then. Probably my best birthday meal of all. Thanks to chef for making my day. I’ll be back!!

Had my v-day post lunch treat from my wife. It was one of the best japanese food i have ever tried. Waitress was attentive and recommend us the seasonal items. Sashimi was very fresh and goes well with the sake recommended. Lucky to have the main chef cum boss to prepare some of our food. Chef is very jovial and friendly to talk too. Really worth the time spend for lunch. We will definitely come again with our friends next time.

This place has amazing sushi! The food is fresh and the staff are amazing. Can’t go wrong with the whole aviation theme either, well worth a trip when your in Singapore, especially those who love the airline industry

Fresh ingridents and good recommendation by Chef on the seasonal dishes. Nice food presentation. Serving portion is great. Highly recommended for those who loves Japanese food in an aviation environment