Everything You Need to Know About Omakase Yakitori
- Torikami Singapore
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
Omakase Yakitori is a perfect fusion of two iconic Japanese culinary concepts: omakase and yakitori. To truly understand the origins and unique qualities of Omakase Yakitori, we need to explore both elements individually and how they come together to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Omakase Yakitori with Torikami Singapore.
Yakitori: A Traditional Japanese Dish
Yakitori (焼き鳥) is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of skewered chicken grilled over hot charcoal. At Torikami, we use binchotan charcoal— This is considered the highest quality and most valuable type of charcoal in the world, an ancient, traditional Japanese charcoal that dates back to the Edo period (17th century). Yakitori can be made from various parts of the chicken, including breast, thigh, neck, and even less common parts like liver, heart, and gizzards. It’s typically seasoned with salt (shio) or tare sauce (a sweet and savory soy-based sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar) to enhance the flavor.
Yakitori originated during the Edo period (1603-1868), when street vendors began grilling skewers of chicken. Initially a simple street food, yakitori gradually became a beloved dish in restaurants throughout Japan.
Omakase: A Special Dining Experience
Omakase (おまかせ) means “I leave it up to you” in Japanese. When dining omakase-style, guests don’t choose their dishes; instead, they trust the chef to decide. The chef prepares a special menu based on the freshest ingredients available that day, offering a refined and often surprising dining experience.
The omakase style started in sushi restaurants in Japan in the early 20th century, but it has since expanded to include other types of cuisine, including yakitori.
Omakase Yakitori: A Special Fusion
Omakase Yakitori is a combination of yakitori, the traditional Japanese grilled chicken, and omakase, the unique dining style. In an Omakase Yakitori meal, the guest does not choose the dishes. Instead, the chef selects the freshest skewers of yakitori and grills them right in front of you.
What makes Omakase Yakitori special is the careful selection of each chicken part (or other ingredients), and grilling them to perfection to bring out their best flavors. This grilling process takes place over hot charcoal, creating a distinct flavor that cannot be achieved with any other method. Each skewer is served one at a time, offering a refined, unhurried dining experience.
The Evolution of Omakase Yakitori
Omakase Yakitori first appeared in high-end yakitori restaurants in Japan, where chefs didn’t just serve typical grilled chicken skewers but also selected premium ingredients such as the finest chicken meat, liver, and rare parts like the neck and heart. Each dish is prepared with great care, making the meal not only delicious but also an artistic experience.
In recent years, Omakase Yakitori has gained popularity in other countries, especially in major cities like Tokyo, New York, and Singapore. These yakitori omakase restaurants have become luxurious dining experiences, where guests can enjoy unique, chef-selected skewers served to perfection.
The Omakase Yakitori Experience at Torikami
At Torikami, Omakase Yakitori is not just a meal but a journey of discovery through the meticulous and creative art of cooking. Unlike traditional restaurants, Torikami’s service is designed to provide a unique and refined experience. Each skewer of yakitori is chosen from different parts of the chicken, such as thigh, breast, liver, neck, and heart, offering not only a variety of flavors but also different textures.
The grilling process at Torikami is a true art. The chef uses binchotan charcoal to grill the chicken, infusing it with a distinct aroma and preserving its natural sweetness. Throughout the grilling process, the chef carefully adjusts the heat and cooking time, ensuring that each skewer reaches the perfect balance of tenderness, crispness, and flavor.
Each skewer is not only grilled but also seasoned with special spices, from fine salt to tare sauce—a rich blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. These seasonings are carefully applied to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, creating a depth of flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
Why You Should Experience Omakase Yakitori at Torikami
If you're a food lover looking for a unique dining experience, Omakase Yakitori at Torikami is a must-try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the refined art of Japanese cuisine, where every detail is crafted with care. Here’s why you should choose Torikami for your Omakase Yakitori experience:
Perfect Grilling: Each skewer is grilled over binchotan charcoal, ensuring the natural flavor of the chicken is preserved, with a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
Subtle Flavor Combinations: From fine salt to special tare sauce, each skewer is carefully seasoned to highlight the natural flavors of the chicken.
Chef’s Creativity: The chefs at Torikami offer thoughtful and creative selections, combining various parts of the chicken to provide a diverse and exciting dining experience.
Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Torikami creates an upscale yet cozy environment where you can enjoy each skewer of yakitori in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
A Unique and Memorable Journey: Omakase Yakitori at Torikami is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey, where you can enjoy the thoughtfulness and attention to detail in every dish.
Contact for Reservations:
Address: 34/35 Duxton Road, Singapore
Phone: +65 9022 1423
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