Japan, with all its deeply enchanting lore, traditional and contemporary culture, as well as awe-inspiring natural splendour, is one of the most alluring destinations in Asia to visit. And that’s not including its universally beloved Japanese cuisine.
From the warm embrace of a hot bowl of ramen to the unbeatable freshness of sushi, you can definitely find Japanese food anywhere in the world. Sushi, in particular, is a uniquely Japanese dish that has received worldwide acclaim, elevated to international acceptance not unlike other popular national dishes such as Britain’s fish and chips, and the good ol’ American cheeseburger.
The basis of this acclaimed Japanese cuisine revolves around a harmonious melding of vinegar, sushi rice, and raw fish which often comes together in a single bite-sized serving. Some forms of traditional Japanese sushi dishes include salmon sushi, ebi, unagi, sushi rolls, the list goes on. And that’s merely scratching the surface of the sushi world.
Of course, the best place to eat sushi is in Japan itself, but with a sushi joint to be found literally on every corner, how do you know where you should go for good sushi?
Here’s a tip: look for long queues that form outside the doors, which sometimes start even before daybreak; such is the case with with Sushi Dai, one of the most popular (and affordable) sushi restaurants in Japan.
Sushi Dai: A Nearly Hidden Sushi Affair
A truly blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair, the tiny and unassuming Sushi Dai was formerly located in the world-famous Tsukiji Market. But it has since moved its operations to Toyosu Fish Market in Koto City following the closure of Tsukiji’s inner market in 2018.
If it weren’t for the massive crowd queuing outside, oblivious pedestrians wouldn’t even give the restaurant a second look.
Sushi Dai opens early in the wee hours of the morning and closes around 2.00 pm. But don’t let the long hours fool you though. The tiny restaurant attracts crowds of sushi lovers, local and international alike, to its doors on a daily basis. This means a terribly long line to the restaurant is bound to form even hours before the restaurant opens its doors.
We suggest arriving as early as 3 am to snag your spot in the queue. Even then, you should be prepared for a two to five-hour wait which can be long, boring, and cold. But hold out to the bitter end and you’ll be rewarded with a taste of among the best sushi in Japan.
And if you’re thinking of visiting during the low season, we’re sorry to say that Sushi Dai is full to the brim all year round.
A Traditional Sushi Dining Experience
The dining experience at Sushi Dai is a one-of-a-kind affair. With Sushi Dai’s wooden counters offering minimal seating space, only around 10 diners are served at a time. Though the upside of this is that these lucky (or shall we say, persistent) customers get to have a first-hand experience of the high-class sushi artisans at work.
Speaking of, the chefs here are not shy in the slightest when it comes to interacting with the diners, which makes for a casual and friendly atmosphere. But despite its popularity, dining at Sushi Dai is not intimidating at all.
Yet, Sushi Dai’s reputation goes beyond its humble demeanour.
You’ll find some of the cheapest sushi on offer not only in Tokyo but also the entire nation here. While its affordability is a plus, it is the quality of the ingredients and perfect sushi craftsmanship that draws the unimaginable crowds.
But one shouldn’t be too surprised by its fresh offerings when the restaurant is within earshot of Toyosu Fish Market, right?
Sushi Dai’s Menu
There are two ways to dine at Sushi Dai: Ordering the Omakase set or ordering à la carte. We’d definitely suggest the former.
The Omakase set (around JPY 4,500) offers a simple lineup of 10 pieces of nigiri, a sushi roll, Tamago, and miso soup. And true to the Omakase concept’s core value, the chef will be the one who decides what to serve you — depending on the freshest catch of the day. Of course, you may also tell the host about your dislikes (like urchins and octopus, for example) so that they may accommodate your dining experience better.
Otherwise, the more affordable standard menu costs around JPY 2,600 and includes six pieces of nigiri, sushi rolls, and miso soup. Aside from the set menu, diners are also more than welcome to order up a storm when they dine here. After all, you may as well make the most out of your feast after hours and hours of waiting in line.
Sushi Dai 6 Chome-5-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan Opening Hours 5.30 am to 2.00 pm daily, closed on Sundays.
