Sushi-Dai Review

Sushi-Dai in Tsukiji Fish Market: A Review

Sushi-Dai Review....On our last trip to Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, we looked around until we found a line filled with what seemed to be the largest number of Japanese locals, which is always a good clue as to where to find the freshest sushi to be found.

The restaurant they were waiting to get into, located right outside the market, was a little sushi bar called Sushi-Dai. After a server from the shop came out and told us there would be a 1 1/2 hour wait, we thought about bolting for a less-crowded shop, but since it was early and hunger had not quite set in, we decided what the heck and joined the back of the line. A couple of hours later, we were glad we did.

It was definitely worth the wait. By the time we sat down at the cozy 12-seat bar, our stomachs were rumbling and we were ready to eat! We ordered what everyone else seemed to be ordering: the Omakase Set, which in English means the chef's choice.

The Omakase Set, which costs a shade over 3,000 yen, includes 10 pieces of nigiri sushi featuring the catch of the day chosen by the chef, one additional piece of nigiri of our choice, a few pieces of rolled sushi, a bowl of delicious miso soup with clams, and hot tea.

After we sat down, we wiped our hands of impurities using the provided oshibori steaming hot towel. First came the hot tea and miso soup. Then the chef placed a heaping pile of pickled ginger directly on the elevated wooden counter in front of our seat.

And last but not least, the sushi. One piece at a time. Placed right on the wooden counter. The first piece, a generous deep-red slice of maguro, absolutely melted in our mouths. The bed of vinegar rice, called shari, was perfectly formed so as to provide a light, airy sensation to the bite.

The katsuo (bonito), hotate (sea scallops), anago (conger eel), and other goodies that followed were equally delicious. And even the uni (sea urchin) and ikura (roe) that we usually avoid ordering elsewhere were stunningly tasty.

An hour or so later yet still a few minutes shy of 9:00 am, having reached sushi nirvana, we made our way happily back toward the station to begin a full day of Tokyo sightseeing.

Needless to say, if you can deal with the lengthy wait, Sushi-Dai in Tsukiji Fish Market promises sinfully fresh, artfully prepared sushi at reasonable prices, which earns this sushi joint an EJG thumbs up!