10 Of the freshest chirashi-dons you can get in Singapore

Say Oishii: 10 Drool-worthy chirashi-dons to have in Singapore

Amanda Lim

05 Oct 2015

updated the 12 October 2015 à 16:25

1/10
Chikuwatei
Chikuwatei sets the standard for chirashi. Even with their reasonable price tag (SGD25), the freshness is uncompromised and the serving is generous. What more could we ask for?
9 Mohamed Sultan Road
Picture: Facebook/Chikuwatei
2/10
Manzouku
If you can’t get a reservation at Chikuwatei, then make your way to Manzouku, which is their sister restaurant. There you’ll get the Chikuwatei-standard chirashi at the same price (SGD25). It makes us wonder why these two restaurants don’t share the same name.

18 Purvis Street

Picture: Facebook/Manzouku
3/10
Teppei
You’ll either love or hate this one. In the recent years, Teppei has steadily garnered a cult following. Fans of Teppei-san cannot get enough of his barachirashi (SGD17.60). Unlike others, the slices of sashimi of this don are marinated in Japanese shoyu, giving its unique taste.
1 Tras Link, #01-18
Picture: Facebook/Teppei
4/10
The Sushi Bar
The Aburi Kaisen Chirashi Don (SGD26.90) has a colourful variety of fresh cuts in a single bowl, great if you want a bit of everything. We love the addition of the aburi (torched) salmon that gives this chirashi-don and extra kick.
391 Orchard Road, #05-34/35

Picture: Facebook/TheSushiBar
The Aburi Kaisen Chirashi Don (SGD26.90) has a colourful variety of fresh cuts in a single bowl, great if you want a bit of everything. We love the addition of the aburi (torched) salmon that gives this chirashi-don and extra kick.
391 Orchard Road #05-34/35
Picture: Facebook/TheSushiBar
5/10
Sushi Kou
Just beside Teppei is Sushi Kou, another affordable hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant. Sushi Kou gets their fish directly from Tsukiji market, making their chirashi-don (SGD26) extremely fresh. From scallops to swordfish, you’ll get a great mixture of everything in this bowl.
1 Tras Link, #01-16
Picture: Facebook/SushiKou
6/10
Aoki
You cannot have a chirashi list and not include the mother of all chirashi. Aoki is part of the Les Amis group of restuarants, making it one of the pricier chirashi-dons on the list. Their barachirashi don is a hefty SGD45, but it is definitely worth it for the pristine quality they offer,
1 Scotts Road, #01-19
Picture: Aoki
7/10
Marugoto Shokudou
This chirashi-don is filled to the brim with salmon, mekajiki, tai, ebi and even chutoro. Sprinkled generously with tobiko and ikura, looking at this bowl is enough to have us salivating. Originally SGD43.80, their chirashi deluxe is currently on promotion at only SGD28.80.

4190 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-07

Picture: Facebook/MarugotoShokudou
8/10
Sushi Mitsuya
At SGD50, Mitsuya’s chirashi is comparatively steep, but the lunch set does come with an appetiser, a soup and a dessert. Also, the chirashi-don is served with a range of fish as well as other seasonal ingredients.

60 Tras Street, #01-01
Picture: Facebook/SushiMitsuya
9/10
Hakumai
Hakumai is well known for its value for money omakase, but they also serve up a generous serving of chirashi. The rice is flavourful and the slices of sashimi are thick and fresh. The set (SGD39.80) also comes with a truffle chawanmushi and a soup.
10 Anson Road, #01-50A

Picture: Facebook/Hakumai
10/10
IZZI Izakaya
If you have a budget constraint, then head down to IKKA Izakaya where you have the choice to order a small chirashi-don at SGD14. The set also comes with a small bowl of udon as well as some sides.
9 N Buona Vista Dr, #01-06/07

Picture: Facebook/IKKAIzakaya

Before you salivate over the thought of a big bowl of sashimi and rice, check out our top picks of chirashi!

It is easy to see the appeal of chirashi. Overflowing with a colourful variety of fish, chirashi-dons are probably one of the most visually stunning dishes in the world. There is also something so hearty and homey about eating off a great big bowl.

A chirashi-don is a Japanese rice bowl that is layered with warm Japanese pearl rice and slices of sashimi. While it may sound straightforward, chirashi-dons are more than just slicing up fish and plonking it down on a bed of rice.

The reason why not all chirashi-dons are created equal is that it is a fairly technical dish. Freshness is paramount in the creation of chirashi, as is the slicing skill of the master.

The sashimi must be sliced just right, even a slight too much or too little can make a startling difference. While you might think that this is a cold dish, the rice actually has to be served warm to contrast the cool fish. It retrospect, the perfect bowl of chirashi is all about balance.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite chirashi dons across the island.

Amanda Lim

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