Junryo Sushi Bar - Build Your Own Omakase With Sushi From $1

In Singapore's increasingly saturated omakase scene, finding a restaurant that delivers both quality and value can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter Junryo, a modest eight-seater sushi bar tucked away in Orchard Plaza that's quietly revolutionizing the way Singaporeans experience Japanese cuisine.

Junryo emerged in 2024 as the sister establishment to Yuta, another beloved hole-in-the-wall eatery on the same floor of Orchard Plaza. What sets Junryo apart isn't just its intimate setting, but the pedigree of its head chef, Samuel Lau. With over a decade of experience behind the sushi counter, including time at the Michelin-starred Shinji and the prestigious Les Amis group, Chef Samuel brings serious credentials to this unassuming space.

The restaurant's aesthetic is deliberately austere—minimalist in every sense. The eight-seat counter setup features simple laminated walls and basic furnishings, creating an atmosphere that puts the spotlight squarely on the food. There's no flashy kitchen equipment here, just a rice cooker, a small induction stove, and Chef Samuel's expert hands crafting each piece of sushi with precision.

What truly distinguishes Junryo is its innovative "build-your-own omakase" concept. Unlike traditional omakase where the chef decides your meal, Junryo offers diners the freedom to curate their own experience from a menu of approximately 40 different sushi varieties. The genius lies in the execution—once you've made your selections, each piece is prepared fresh and served omakase-style, creating a personalized yet authentic Japanese dining experience.

The pricing structure is remarkably accessible, with individual sushi pieces starting from just $1. Budget-friendly options include natto, tamago, inari, ebi gunkan, and tako wasabi gunkan. Mid-tier selections like salmon belly, ikura, and hamachi are priced at $3 each—a steal in today's economy. Premium options such as uni and otoro top out at $10 per piece, ensuring there's something for every palate and budget.

For those preferring a more traditional approach, Junryo also offers set omakase menus. The 12-course lunch menu featuring nine pieces of sushi is priced at $78++, while the 16-course dinner menu with 12 pieces of sushi costs $118++. Both menus include seasonal appetizers, the signature Kaisen Don, soup, and dessert.

Otoro - The fatty belly tuna represents the pinnacle of sushi luxury, featuring the most marbled and richest part of the bluefin tuna. Chef Samuel's preparation highlights the fish's natural buttery texture and intense umami flavor, melting effortlessly on the palate.

Uni Gunkan - Sea urchin served gunkan-style (battleship roll) with nori wrapped around seasoned rice. The creamy, oceanic sweetness of premium uni creates an indulgent experience that showcases the ingredient's natural brininess and luxurious texture.

Chutoro - Medium fatty tuna that strikes the perfect balance between the lean akami and rich otoro. At $6, this represents exceptional value for such premium tuna, offering a harmonious blend of meaty texture and subtle fat marbling.

Shima Aji (Striped Jack) - A prized white fish known for its clean, sweet flavor and firm texture. Despite its name including "aji," it's considered one of the finest white fish varieties, offering delicate flavors without any fishiness.

Negitoro Uni Ikura - A creative combination featuring minced tuna, sea urchin, and salmon roe at $7, creating a symphony of textures and oceanic flavors.

Salmon Belly, Ikura, and Hamachi - This represents incredible value in today's market. The salmon belly offers rich, buttery flavors, while ikura provides bursts of briny sweetness, and hamachi delivers the signature richness of yellowtail.

Hirame (Fluke/Flounder) - A super mild fish with clear, white appearance, enhanced by Chef Samuel with subtle seasonings to bring out its natural sweetness. The prized engawa (fin muscle) represents the ultimate shiromi experience when available.

Shiro Ika (White Squid) - Often served as a seasonal appetizer, featuring fresh strands of squid that highlight the ingredient's natural sweetness.

Tamago - Chef Samuel's interpretation of the classic sweet egg omelet, often considered a test of a sushi chef's fundamental skills.

Natto, Inari, Ebi Gunkan, Tako Wasabi Gunkan - These $1 options provide an accessible entry point into Junryo's offerings, perfect for those wanting to sample multiple items without breaking the budget.

Junryo Kaisen Don - The final savory course features a mini bowl of ikura, tuna, and ebi served over seasoned rice, providing a satisfying conclusion to the sushi progression.

Warabi-mochi Dessert - Handmade traditional Japanese dessert that cleanses the palate, demonstrating the restaurant's attention to traditional omakase structure.

House Sake - Reasonably priced at $10 for 100ml, perfectly paired to complement the delicate flavors of the sushi selection.

The sushi rice itself deserves special mention - prepared from Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice mixed with Chef Samuel's own vinegar blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, creating the perfect foundation for each piece.

Junryo represents a refreshing approach to Japanese dining in Singapore. In a market where omakase experiences often come with hefty price tags, this unassuming restaurant proves that authenticity and affordability can coexist. It's not about elaborate presentations or luxurious settings—it's about respecting the ingredients, honoring traditional techniques, and delivering an honest, satisfying meal.

Junryo operates Tuesday through Sunday, with lunch sittings at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm, and dinner services at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. However, there's a catch that adds to its exclusivity—Junryo only accepts walk-ins, and with just eight seats available, queues are common.

Food enthusiasts are advised to arrive early, ideally before opening time, to secure a spot. Some diners report waiting up to an hour during peak times, but most agree the experience is worth the wait. The restaurant's Instagram account (@junryo_orchard) occasionally provides updates, and reservations can be attempted by calling +65 8088 0254.

Junryo
150 Orchard Road #02-54, Orchard Plaza
Singapore 238841
Tel: +65 8088 0254
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm (Closed Mondays)
Walk-ins only | 8 seats available