16 Japanese places for fresh chirashi don in Singapore

In a place renowned for its culinary diversity, few dishes capture the vibrancy of Singapore’s food scene quite like the chirashi don – and we mean that quite literally. 

The average bowl features a colourful medley of fresh sashimi artfully scattered atop a bowl of sticky sushi rice seasoned with vinegar. The result? A tantalising display of yellows, reds and pinks. It is oft-confused with the very similar looking kaisendon, which comes with plain steamed rice instead. 

When it comes to such simple, unadulterated ingredients like in the chirashi don, freshness is key. We’ve often heard that it’s a “pay-to-win” meal where the pricier your meal, the better it tastes. To some extent, we suppose that is true, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some decent chirashi don gems lurking in Singapore’s little nooks. 

Being chirashi don lovers ourselves, we’ve curated a list of 16 Japanese restaurants in Singapore that balance quality and affordability for your chirashi don fix.

1. Omote

Thomson Plaza, 03-24A, 301 Upper Thomson Road
Open: Monday (11.30am to 2pm), Wednesday to Sunday (11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 9pm) 

Velocity @ Novena Square, 03-9/10, 238 Thomson Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 9pm)

Raffles City Shopping Centre, B1-44C, 252 North Bridge Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 9pm)

Why visit? With the number of folks raving about its well-priced and innovative chirashi bowls, Omote certainly needs no introduction. The restaurant prides itself in its fusion menu and while all three of its outlets bear the same name, they all have slightly different concepts: The Novena outlet is a Izakaya concept whilst the Raffles City outlet is a Japanese-Korean fusion concept. 

Not to worry, as its signature chirashi dons are available at all three concepts. We still recommend heading to the Thomson Plaza outlet as it has the most extensive selection there. 

Crowd favourites: Make a beeline for the upsized chirashi don (S$22.80) which features a heaping mountain of diced sashimi resting on a bed of fluffy Japanese rice. The portion is huge and might be one of its most value-for-money options.

If you aren’t a fan of the different sashimi types featured in a classic chirashi don, Omote’s salmon ikura don (S$25.80) is also another crowd favourite that’s easy to enjoy. 

Alternatively, opt for the sushi rolls available here. Omote’s got some quirky renditions like the Holy Cow maki (S$19.80) — sushi rice wrapped in wagyu beef, topped with tomatoes and french sauce, or the Superstar Lobster maki (S$16.80), which features crispy prawn and spicy lobster sushi roll topped with peri peri sauce.

2. Chirashizushi Shou 

Bukit Timah Plaza, B1-55A & B1-60, 1 Jalan Anak Bukit
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30 am to 4 pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm)

The Hillford, 01-55, 182 Jalan Jurong Kechil
Open: Wednesday to Monday (12pm to 3pm, 5.30pm to 11pm)

Thomson Plaza, 02-09, 301 Upper Thomson Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 4pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm)

Why Visit? A haven for sushi aficionados seeking value without compromising on quality, Chirashizushi Shou is known by its regulars for fresh, chunky pieces of sashimi in its rice bowls. Another frequent feature in its recommended dishes is its truffle-infused rice base which is a more modern take on the traditional vinegared sushi rice. 

Aside from its generous servings and value, Chirashizushi Shou also brings the hospitality of Japanese dining to our little sunny island. Once seated, you’ll be offered a complimentary plate of salad and miso soup, taking your dining experience just a little further.

Crowd favourites: Kickstart your meal with the very affordable chawanmushi (S$2.90) or share the innovative caramelised salmon maki roll (S$14.90) with a friend.

Given that everyone raves about its substantial portions, we suppose the kaisen don (S$20.90) is the most pragmatic option. This chirashi bowl features ikura and tamago on a layer of sushi rice, including salmon, hamachi, hotate and amaebi sashimi. What a literal mouth full.

If you’d like to go back to basics, the salmon ikura don (S$19.90) or negitoro ikura don (S$18.90) are both very decent options too. Though it features a smaller assortment of fish, it’s a little bit more affordable and still of excellent quality. 

3. The Sushi Bar 

Plaza Singapura, 04-68, 68 Orchard Road 
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 2.45pm, 5pm to 9pm), Friday to Sunday (11.30am to 9pm)

17 Stanley Street
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.15pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm), Saturday (5.30pm to 9.30pm)

Far East Plaza, 04-28, 14 Scotts Road
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 3.30pm, 5pm to 9.45pm), Friday to Sunday (11.30am to 9.45pm)

Ngee Ann City, 05-34/35, 391A Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 9pm)

Why Visit? With outlets situated in the busiest parts of the city, The Sushi Bar is a prime spot for those seeking quality, but more importantly, variety. It’s one of the few chirashi don spots that have more than five different types of sashimi in their bowls whilst still being relatively affordable.

Aside from chirashi dons, the menu here is also rather extensive. It covers sashimi, sushi and also temakis (hand rolls) too, so there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Crowd favourites: Opt for the kaisen chirashi don (from S$27.90) for the most no-frills experience. This dish features salmon, tuna, yellowtail, swordfish, sea urchin, red prawn, seared salmon belly, scallop, ikura and tamago on top of sushi rice so there’s already plenty of visual and textural variation. 

We already find the chirashi don on its own to be quite substantial, but if you have the stomach for it, the salmon aburi roll (S$18.90) is generally quite a crowd pleaser. The salmon is topped with mentaiko and torched to give it that smoky, wok hei perfection.

4. Chirashi King Kong 

Millenia Walk, 02-17, 9 Raffles Boulevard
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9pm)

Biopolis Way, One North (Jtc), 01,14, 8 Biomedical Grove
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 4pm)

Taste Orchard, 01-03, 160 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 9pm)

Why Visit? If you’re as big a fan of truffle as you are of chirashi dons,  you will find yourself thoroughly enjoying Chirashi King Kong. Every rice bowl features its signature truffle rice that’s mixed with sesame seeds and bits of fish roe. While it’s not a traditional bowl of chirashi don per se, it sure smells appealing to anyone just strolling past. 

With its bright neon lights and funky logo, Chirashi King Kong also presents a liberal take on the average Japanese dining experience. The one thing it has in common with other Japanese restaurants, though, is its limited seating — we recommend skipping or getting takeout if you’re dining in very large groups. 

Crowd favourites: There’s a good variety of bowls to choose from and Chirashi King Kong is painfully transparent about what you’ll be getting. For example, the most affordable salmon bowl (S$12.90) comes with exactly six slices of salmon sashimi.

Opt for the assorted bowl (S$16.90) while you’re here. For an additional four dollars, you get 12 slices of seasonal sashimi which is much more value for money. 

If raw fish isn’t your jam, there’s also the unagi bento (S$14.90) or honey duck don (S$12.90), both of which also feature the signature truffle rice.

5. Hana Hana

Orchid Hotel Singapore, 01-17, 1 Tras Link
Open: Monday to Friday (11.45am to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm), Saturday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Hana Hana’s central location in the CBD makes it an excellent spot for a midday pick-me-up or an affordable indulgence after a long day at work. You’ll likely be met with swathes of hungry office workers though, so a prior reservation is highly recommended. 

While it’s best known for its value-for-money omakase set, Hana Hana also serves up chirashi dons of exceptional quality. It’s not really a spot for sharing plates, as the menu mostly features individually portioned rice bowls. 

Aside from the chirashi bowls, it’s got classic Japanese dishes like oyako don (S$15.80) and katsu don (S$17.80) so there’s sure to be something for everyone at the table. 

Crowd favourites: The most basic chirashi don on its menu is the kaisendon (S$15.10) or salmon kaisendon (S$15.20). However, you’ve got the option to jazz up your rice bowl with more indulgent ingredients like in the uni kaisendon (S$21.20) or the beef tataki kaisendon (S$17). 

There’s also an option to include sides like tofu salad or salmon sashimi for an additional S$5 — a pretty good deal for a meal in the CBD area.

6. Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi

Harbourfront Centre, 01-76A, 1 Maritime Square
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 9.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 9.30pm) 

Clarke Quay Central, 01-68/69, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10pm)

Why Visit? A lowkey but nonetheless highly rated spot, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi belongs to the Hitoyoshi group. The establishment is a well-loved, dependable spot for quick Japanese food cravings for dishes such as ramen or yakiniku.The restaurant does both traditional sushi, as well as more trendy takes on sushi like aburi and mentaiko.

If you’re working around the area, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi also has lunch sets starting from S$11.80.

Crowd favourites: There’s a huge assortment of kaisen donburi available at Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi. The giant chirashi don (S$42.90) is the most value-for-money as it feeds about three to four persons. 

The menu has some interesting sides for sharing, like the truffle chawanmushi (S$7.80) or the scallop carpaccio (S$17) which features a tray of thinly sliced raw scallops.

7. Koji Sushi Bar

Raffles City Shopping Centre, 03-28A, 252 North Bridge Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Cross Street Exchange, 01-42, 3 Pickering Street
Open: Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm) 

Why Visit? With its rustic wooden furniture and cosy bar seats, Koji Sushi Bar is the perfect spot for a casual but intimate date night. What’s more, you can impress your partner with a fun little tidbit of information: Koji (cooked rice that has been inoculated with fermented culture) is actually a crucial ingredient in many Japanese cooking ingredients and has even been hailed the “national fungus” of Japan.

Rather than focusing on quantity, the restaurant has a limited menu focusing on the quality of its items. While we wouldn’t go out of the way to say that it’s budget-friendly, it’s definitely value-for-money.

Do note that the restaurant has two outlets, and certain items seem to be slightly cheaper at the Pickering branch. However, it may be easier to get seats at the more lowkey Raffles City outlet.

Crowd favourites: You can opt for the basic sashimi rice bowl (from S$21) and even top-up S$13 to have uni in your don. It’s a pretty decent deal, and relatively affordable by most chirashi don standards. 

If you’re willing to splurge a little more, there’s also the assorted tuna rice bowl (S$53) which includes fatty tuna, raw egg yolk and yam. This is a little more unique and visually appealing. The extra creaminess and decadence from the yolk is definitely a welcome touch.

8. Age Ya  

Far East Plaza, 05-99, 14 Scotts Road
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (11.45am to 3pm, 5.45pm to 10pm), Sunday (11.45am to 3pm)

Why Visit? A lowkey spot located in Far East Plaza, the hidden Orchard food enclave, Age Ya prides itself in its quality Japanese dishes. It’s located on the top floor where popular eateries like New Station Snack Bar reside.

The humble restaurant may look unimpressive on the outside, but the lovely presentation of the food will quickly dispel any doubts you may have had about this spot. Age Ya’s menu is also quite impressive with lots of inexpensive options.

Do note that all meals are cooked to order so be prepared for some wait. If it’s any consolation, once your order has been placed, you’ll be served with a comforting bowl of miso soup with bits of salmon in it to fill your tummy first.

Crowd favourites: Age Ya might be one of the best places to get a bara don (S$16). The dish is served in a stacked bento box and, when unpacked, will yield a box brimming with an assortment of cubed sashimi and tamago. The second box is filled with a generous portion of warm rice mixed with furikake and tempura bits.

We can’t rave enough about this dish. The rice was savoury but also had an interesting textural element to it. The sashimi had a slight zesty kick to it, elevating the flavours of the fresh sashimi.

Compared to other restaurants, this was rather affordable and we appreciate that Age-Ya has elements that help it to stand out from its competitors.

9. Akashi

Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, 01-01A, 1 Tanglin Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Why Visit? Despite being a bit pricier, Akashi has been a staple for many Singaporeans over the years when it comes to Japanese food. The eatery, founded by the Goh brothers, first opened in 1995 and is still going strong nearly three decades later.

The restaurant has a very old school, classic Japanese restaurant vibe, with wooden tables and bar seats to accommodate all sorts of diners. A quick glance over the menu and you’ll also see that you have a relatively large selection to choose from.

Crowd favourites: Aside from the chirashi don ($55.80), another interesting and more affordable alternative rice bowl would be the Hokkaido shake oyakodon (S$24). While oyakodon (parent and child bowl) in Singapore is typically made with chicken and egg, the toppings used at Akashi is slightly different, as it adopts the norm in Hokkaido where salmon (parent) and salmon roe (child) is used instead. 

Akashi also has quite a few premium offerings that are typically more difficult to find a la carte. For example, it offers shimaaji sushi (trevally sashimi, S$22) and otoro sushi (fatty tuna belly, S$52.80) on its menu, too – albeit at a higher price point.

10. Kaunta

Onze building, 01-12, 11 Kee Seng Street
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9pm), Monday (6pm to 9pm)

Why Visit? Kaunta shot to fame after it brought in its own recreation of Tsujihan’s famed kaisendon to Singapore earlier this year. For the uninformed, the kaisendon at Tsujihan rose to prominence for the unique way one enjoys it. Half the bowl is meant to be eaten as is, or with soy sauce, while the other half is meant to be enjoyed with a sea bream broth poured over the rice.

Kaunta does it a little differently, using a wasabi and egg yolk mix instead of just soy sauce. However, it retains the element of ending the meal with a comforting bowl of seafood broth with whatever’s left of your bowl.

While both Kaunta and Tsujihan’s renditions aren’t quite your usual chirashi bowls, we’re sure any raw fish lover will enjoy both their takes on this well-loved dish.

Crowd favourites: Kaunta’s signature kaisen don is a highlight, with its artful presentation and fresh, generous portions of sashimi, topped with uni, ikura (salmon roe) and crab. The bowl is available in three sizes: Ume (S$19.90), hana (S$29.90) and tokujo (S$39.90).

There are 10 different varieties of sashimi minced and served together on sushi rice and topped with kani, ikura and uni. Even better, the rice bowl comes with a side of three slices of seasonal sashimi. Talk about value for money!

11. Umi Nami

8 Lorong Mambong 
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10.30pm)

Why Visit? Umi Nami is a frequent haunt for those looking for an affordable, no-frills chirashi don. It’s got student friendly prices with the bara chirashi don starting from S$12.

With its convenient location just a five minute walk away from the Holland Village MRT station, Umi Nami provides a straightforward dining experience for those just looking for a quick, budget friendly meal. As a little bonus, there are plenty of spots to hit afterwards to get your dessert fix. 

Crowd Favorites? Folks have raved about the more premium chirashi dons such as the aburi scallop salmon don (S$21) or the salmon belly carpaccio don (S$24).

However, basic salmon don (S$14) or aburi salmon don (S$16) is good enough if you really want something fuss-free. As portions can be on the smaller end, consider having a comforting big bowl of clams in broth (S$11) to share.

12. Hanashizuku

Cuppage Plaza, 02-01, 5 Koek Road 
Open: Monday to Thursday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm), Friday (12pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 11.30pm), Saturday (5.30pm to 11.30pm), Sunday (5.30pm to 11pm)

Why Visit? Hanashizuku translates to “Dew of the Flowers”, a fitting name for this elegant spot tucked away in the quieter corner of Orchard. The restaurant is located on the second floor of Cuppage Plaza and is helmed by Chef Steven Lee who’s had over 28 years of experience preparing Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients are freshly flown in thrice a week from Toyosu Market, one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world, so you know what you’re getting is of the highest quality. Still, prices are quite reasonable, especially if you’re heading down for its lunch set.

Crowd favourites: The bara chirashi don, served with a bowl of miso soup, is only S$22. If you’re looking for something more premium, Hanashizuku does a lovely rendition of the negitoro uni ikura don (S$48) for a rather reasonable price, considering its quality. 

Hanashizuku is an Izakaya-style restaurant, so there are plenty of smaller dishes to share with your dining partner here. From the zuwaigani chawanmushi (steamed egg with Japanese snow crab, S$18) to the izakaya classic grilled rice ball (S$11), you’ll feel absolutely spoiled for choice.

13. Shinjuku Restaurant 

Cuppage Plaza, 01-01/02, 5 Koek Road 
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.45am to 2.30pm, 5.45pm to 11pm)

Why Visit? Another well-known Izakaya spot located in the quieter part of Singapore, Shinjuku Restaurant places a heavy emphasis on its affordable sake selection. Exuding the same energy as a traditional Japanese izakaya, the restaurant is a great place for catch-ups.

We recommend making a reservation before heading down to the restaurant to avoid any disappointment. In its almost four decades of operation, Shinjuku Restaurant has developed a loyal fan base and you’ll scarcely find the place empty, even during seemingly off-peak hours.

Crowd favourites: High quality ingredients are indispensable to a good bowl of chirashi don (S$31.50) which makes Shinjuku Restaurant’s impeccably fresh version a shoo-in on our list. The restaurant also serves a spicy bara chirashi don (S$35.50), something you don’t often find. 

For a lighter dish, try the kitsune udon or soba (S$12). You can pair it with smaller side dishes such as the jyaga mochi cheese (S$10.50) or even the mental cabbage cheese (S$14.70) for a savoury start to the meal.

14. Kuro Maguro

Guoco Tower, 01-04, 7 Wallich Street 
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2pm, 5.30pm to 10pm), Saturday and Sunday (11.30am to 2pm, 5.30pm to 9pm)

Why Visit? Kuro Maguro is the place to go if you’re a fan of all things tuna. The fish is freshly flown in thrice a week by a wholesaler specialising in tuna fish from Miura Misaki Port in Japan so any dish with tuna fish here is a must-try.

Located conveniently at the heart of the CBD district at Guoco Tower, the restaurant caters to the office crowd and offers value for money lunch sets, too. Every rice bowl comes with miso soup, chawanmushi and fruits to end your meal.

Crowd favourites: We highly recommend going for any dishes featuring the tuna sashimi, including its barachirashi (S$18.80 for lunch, S$19.80 for dinner). During dinner, the chirashi don will be accompanied by miso soup, two side dishes and fruits for a balanced meal. 

If you’re there during lunch, make sure to try Kuro Maguro’s negitoro meshi (S$17.80) which isn’t available on its dinner menu. The minced tuna belly has a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that blends perfectly with the sticky sushi rice.

15. En Sushi

Midland House, 01-00B, 112 Middle Road 
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm), Friday to Saturday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm), Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm)

Why Visit? A cosy spot in the midst of the busy Bugis neighbourhood, En Sushi is a warm and comfortable restaurant with authentic Japanese flavours. The eatery prides itself in its competitive prices on its fresh sashimi and its extensive menu.

En Sushi takes a more modern approach to Japanese dining whilst still paying homage to traditional Japanese dishes: Think dishes such as the sakana hotate aburi mentai maki (S$23.40), a torched scallop rice roll with deep fried fish cheese stick inside, or futomaki (S$18.40), a traditional thick rice roll that recently gained popularity again for its sheer size.

Crowd favourites: The chirashi teishoku (S$29.90) and bara chirashi don (S$25.90) are both available on the lunch menu. The former features sliced sashimi, whilst in the latter, the sashimi is cubed and marinated in En Sushi’s in-house sauce instead.

The lunch sets are served with salad, Japanese pickles, soup and an ice cream to end your meal on a sweet note which is arguably a value-for-money experience especially in bustling Bugis.

16. Kei Kaisendon

Multiple stores islandwide
Open: Operating hours vary across stores

Why Visit? With over 20 outlets in Singapore, including locations in the heartlands, Kei Kaisendon is one of the most easily accessible spots in our list.

It’s got a huge variety of toppings to choose from, including cooked options and optional add-ons. All things considered, the chain does well if you’re in need of a quick Japanese meal or just have a sudden kaisendon craving.

Crowd favourites: The kei signature kaisendon (from S$14.90) is one of the most affordable items on its menu. The eatery recommends consuming it in four ways — on its own, with chilli powder and mayonnaise, with its Sakurai chicken soup and finally, by wrapping the sashimi with the special cut nori seaweed. 

You can also get ikura seafood chawanmushi (S$4.90) and homemade tamago mentai (S$6.90 for four pieces) at relatively affordable prices here.

For the latest on the food scene, read our story on Cafe Manna, a chill cafe nestled in a former chapel, and the bars that made it to the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. 

All eateries, except for Age Ya and Kaunta, are on the GrabFood Delivery Service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited.

 Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.  

Alternatively, book a ride to get your hands on these chirashi dons in Singapore.