Sushi Zushi opens its second outlet in the West with binchotan grills and boozy pairings

West-siders, rejoice: Sushi Zushi has made its way to the West!

The well-loved sushi spot opened its first outlet at Funan in December, 2024, where it drew instant queues. It has now launched its second location at Westgate, bringing with it the same intimate, omakase-style experience at wallet-friendly prices.

It also prides itself on its special shari (vinegared sushi rice) that’s freshly hand-beaten twice daily.

And now, it is levelling up even further.

The Westgate outlet keeps everything you already loved — the same sushiya-style counter seating, fresh ingredients, and approachable prices.

But it adds a fiery new star: An open charcoal grill, inspired by a traditional Japanese firepit, and fuelled by fragrant binchotan.

The grill sits proudly behind a glass panel, so you get dinner and a show. Watch the chefs sear your food over glowing charcoals.

Alongside the grill comes a lineup of sake and cocktails designed to complement your meal, too.

What to try from the new charcoal-grilled menu

A standout was the fugu mirin boshi (S$10.80), a dried pufferfish dish grilled to perfection, delivering a balance of sweet and savoury with just the right amount of smoky char. The texture is satisfyingly chewy — almost like seafood bak kwa — making it really snackable. 

The unagi kabayagi (S$18.80) was one of my favourites of the night. The freshwater eel is soft and buttery inside, with a crispy char on the outside.

The teriyaki sauce ties it all together, coating the eel in a glossy, umami-rich glaze that complements the natural richness of the eel.

The yaki kaki (S$12.80 for three pieces) — grilled oysters with gochujang miso sauce — is another must-order. The oysters are fresh, briny, and full of oceanic sweetness. 

The fermented kick from the gochujang, brightened with a squeeze of lemon, creates a tangy, spicy contrast that elevates the dish perfectly.

The hotate karatsuki butteryaki (S$6.80) features a scallop grilled in its shell with butter and topped with cherry tomato, shiitake mushroom, and leek. 

The butter adds a mellow richness, while allowing the sweetness of the scallop to shine, resulting in a smooth, briny mouthful that is quite comforting.

We also tried the sake shioyaki (S$12.80) — a straightforward grilled salmon served with salmon roe. It is a decent choice if you enjoy clean, classic flavours. While well-executed, it faded a little into the background when pit against the other more indulgent dishes.

Classic handrolls return

The much-loved handroll selection remains unchanged at the new outlet, which means Westgate diners can look forward to the same expertly rolled favourites.

We went for a couple of returning favourites from the Funan menu — and they’re just as good here.

The torotaku handroll (S$4.50) combines ruch, buttery negitoro (chopped tuna belly), crisp yellow pickles, spring onion, and sesame seeds, all tied together with a delicate and slightly sweet tosa shoyu.

A standout for me was the spicy tuna handroll (S$5), where akami (lean tuna) meets the signature house-made spicy mayo for a satisfying kick of heat and umami. The fresh tuna, creamy spice, and crisp nori came together so perfectly, I nearly placed another order.

New cocktails menu

Sake and cocktail pairings are exclusive to its Westgate outlet — and it feels like a natural evolution alongside the new charcoal-grilled dishes on the menu.

The grapefruit highball (S$14) combines Suntory Kakubin whisky, grapefruit, and soda for a light, citrusy, and refreshing drink that cleanses your palate and cuts through the brininess of seafood dishes.

For something with more depth, go for the Smokey apple (S$14). This whisky-based drink is rich and earthy, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of tartness. It is an ideal companion to charcoal-kissed skewers or anything glazed with miso.

If you want to skip the long Funan queues, head to its Westgate outlet. You’ll find all the same fresh offerings that made it popular, with the added bonus of charcoal-grilled dishes and an extensive drinks menu — turning a quick meal into a more complete dining experience.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read on popular Korean bakery Yoon Yeon Dang’s pop-up at Suntec City and the new menu of Michelin one-starred restaurant, Nae:um.