Sushi Dai

When in Tokyo, food lovers must make the pilgrimage to the Tsukiji Fish Markets. If, unlike us, you happen to be able to crawl out from the comforts of your tatami at the crack of dawn, do attend one of the famed tuna auctions here. We’ve been told that it is an experience to remember!

Right in the heart of the Tsukiji Fish Markets is Sushi Dai. Our expectations are high as we’ve been told Sushi Dai showcases the freshest seafood in Tokyo. And, judging from the long line of locals and tourists waiting to park their bums in the Sushi Dai’s tiny space, it may well live up to expectations.

Greeted by a chorus of irasaimase’s as we were finally invited to enter, the first thing that struck us was how many people they manage to cramp into that tiny space! The menu in front of us was well-used and translated (English). We were immediately tempted by the sound of the seto (set course including tuna, eel, shrimp, and other yummy-looking seafood morsels, plus onigiri). But, we decided to “journey off the beaten path” and ordered a’la carte.

We had our own sushi chef (poor guy had to squint as we pointed at pictures on said tattered menu). There are also no “sushi plates” – chef plops everything including the ginger and freshly grated wasabi on the raised counter.

I am glad to report that Sushi Dai lived up to expectations (and then some). Understatedly described at “tuna sushi”, the chu toro was awesome. Each piece perfectly marbled with omega-3 rich fat. The sea eel sushi, drizzled with what we assume was teriyaki sauce(??), was also amazing.

The simplest things are often the hardest to perfect. And, one of our all-time favourites happen to be tomago (egg sushi). The ones at Sushi Dai were exquisite – very little rice, a thick slab of melt-in-your-mouth sweet omelet and just enough nori to hold it all together. YUMMMMM…..

“Scallop sushi” was yet another understated translation – what chef plopped in front of us was yummy rice wrapped in seaweed and topped with not one, not two, but THREE fat, succulent scallops. If there was a sushi heaven, we’ve been there.

A note of caution though – like most of Tokyo, they don’t take credit cards. Bring a wad of cash, because Sushi Dai is not cheap – but we think it’s worth every penny.

Where: Tsukiji Fish Markets
Style of food: Japanese
Price guide: $$