An Omakase Gem in Bangkok, Sushi Sora Bangkok

Words: Wariya Intreyonk, Photos: Wariya Intreyonk

Tucked away on the ground floor of SO/ Bangkok, Sushi Sora Bangkok is an omakase restaurant by Chef Yamakawa Shikara, who not only offers a tantalising meal made from high-quality seasonal ingredients but also entertains his customers with his Kabuki-style showmanship.

From the outside, this omakase gem in Bangkok appears similar to other establishments of its kind. However, stepping inside, visitors will find an interior that beautifully embodies its name, featuring wavy white curtains cascading from the ceiling, reminiscent of clouds—echoing the meaning of the restaurant's name, sky, in Kanji.

With just twelve seats available, the restaurant ensures that its two chefs can truly focus on providing the best care for their guests. The restaurant offers four distinct dining experiences: the Omakase Course, the Sora Omakase Course, the Chef's Special Omakase Course, and the Emperor Omakase Course.

The Chef's Special Omakase Course is the restaurant's highlight, featuring a diverse selection of dishes that allow diners to savour a variety of ingredients and flavours. The experience starts with Katsuo Sashimi. Chef Yamakawa drenches two pieces of fish in shoyu first before serving them on the plate and brushing them with more shoyu. The first piece, Chef Yamakawa places ponzu jelly on top, adding a refreshing citrusy note to this piece. The other piece is topped with chopped chives. The chopped chives lend the fish its pungent aromatic touch.

The following course is Awabi Sakamushi, featuring abalone that has been steamed in sake to draw out its natural sweetness and clean ocean essence. Chef Yamakawa takes the freshly cooked plump shellfish out, cuts it into pieces, and lays these pieces of abalone on top of the sauce made from its rich and decadent liver. Accompanying this masterpiece is a perfectly moulded ball of sushi rice, subtly seasoned to enhance the dish, paired with a small mound of vibrant green wasabi, adding a delightful kick.

Next is the Tomato, showcasing a perfectly peeled cherry tomato nestled alongside delicate lotus buds and transparent noodles called tokoroten. This exquisite ensemble is immersed in a vibrant, clear juice that beautifully balances refreshing sweetness with a tantalising tang.

The first course of nigiri showcases the exquisite Madai. This delicate fish is celebrated for its subtle, clean flavour, which dances gracefully on the palate, and its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates each bite. Its pale pink flesh glistens enticingly, hinting at the fresh ocean depths from which it comes, making it a true delight for sushi enthusiasts.

Following the Madai Nigiri is Sujiko Nigiri, a delightful offering that showcases immature salmon roe, carefully preserved within its natural membrane. Chef Yamakawa artfully marinates the sujiko in a rich miso blend, enhancing its flavours while maintaining the roe's subtle sweetness and unique texture.

Next in the lineup is the exquisite Yaki Tashiou Nigiri. This delightful nigiri features perfectly grilled tashiou or beltfish, renowned for its rich, umami flavour and tender texture. Each bite is a harmonious blend of smoky and savoury notes, making it a must-try.

The experience then pauses its focus on nigiri to introduce Kegani Korokke, a delightful crispy crab croquette that captivates the palate with its rich, savoury flavour. This golden ball reveals a sumptuous blend of tender crab meat enveloped in a perfectly crunchy exterior, delivering a rich, savoury flavour that tantalises the palate and a satisfying crunch that resonates with every chew.

The next course is Wagyu Sukiyaki, showcasing exquisite thinly sliced wagyu beef. This sumptuous meat is gently simmered in a rich blend of savoury shoyu and sweet sugar, allowing the flavours to harmonise beautifully. To elevate the dish, it is finished with a luscious egg yolk, adding a creamy texture that perfectly complements the dish's savoury profile.

The next course, Shime Saba Sando, showcases a delectable combination of flavours and textures. Following that is the Shime Saba Sando, a delightful combination of flavours and textures. This dish stars tender pickled saba, whose rich savoriness is beautifully complemented by aromatic shiso leaves and crisp, tangy pickled cucumbers. All of these elements are nestled between two slices of buttery toast, creating a delightful contrast that makes every bite a true pleasure.

To cleanse the palate of the sumptuous flavours from the earlier courses, a refreshing shot of yuzu juice is introduced, invigorating the senses with its bright, citrusy notes. The dinner then continues with the exquisite Otoro Nigiri, featuring the finest cut of tuna, renowned for its unparalleled richness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

After the Otoro Nigiri, the equally exquisite Shutoro Nigiri awaits, presenting a delightful contrast in flavour. This cut is characterised by its exquisite marbling, which brings a luxurious creaminess that melts in the mouth, while subtle notes of umami dance on the palate. The course reveals a perfect harmony between rich, buttery sweetness and a delicate earthiness, making it a truly memorable culinary experience.

Next, Nishin Nigiri takes centre stage, showcasing the vibrant and delicate flavours of fresh herring. Known for its rich, buttery character and full-bodied taste, this fish is a true delight, bursting with a distinct umami. Chef Yamakawa skillfully carves small incisions, creating tiny pockets that allow the luscious sauce to adhere beautifully to the tender flesh, enhancing the fish's natural richness. Topping this exquisite nigiri are finely chopped chives, adding a subtle hint of freshness and a pop of colour.

The following course, Hokkaido Uni, features a luscious and creamy bafun uni from Hokkaido that melts effortlessly on the tongue. It rests gracefully atop delicate, crispy nori, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Enhanced by the addition of premium caviar, the dish offers a burst of salinity and complexity, elevating each bite to new heights. To top it all off, a subtle touch of edible gold glistens, adding an exquisite finish to this decadent culinary experience.

The meal progresses with exquisite Anago Nigiri and a comforting bowl of Maitake Soup. The anago, succulent and tender, is expertly grilled in fragrant Japanese bamboo leaves, infusing it with a subtle smokiness before being delicately shaped into nigiri. This combination is complemented by the Maitake Soup, which is rich with umami flavours that envelop the palate, providing a warm and satisfying embrace that soothes the senses.

Up next on the menu is the Three-Typed Tuna Temaki, a delightful dish that brings together three different varieties of expertly prepared tuna, all elegantly wrapped in a crisp nori cone. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, highlighting the fish's freshness, perfectly seasoned rice, and the vibrant notes of leek and shiso.

The Temaki is the last savoury course. The dinner continues with desserts. The first dessert is Tamago Yaki. Chef Yamakawa enhances this comforting delicacy with a generous drizzle of golden honey, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the dish's rich, fluffy texture.

Last but not least, Matcha Ice Cream, Black Sticky Rice & Matcha Toast, boasts the essence of matcha. Chef Yamakawa recommends a tasting journey: begin with the velvety ice cream, savour its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Next, indulge in the delightful contrast of the sticky rice, which adds a unique, chewy texture that complements the ice cream beautifully. Finally, finish with the Matcha Toast, a crispy slice that offers a nutty crunch, enhancing the entire experience with its earthy matcha notes. Each bite not only tantalises the taste buds but also artfully highlights the harmonious flavours of this exquisite trio.

Sushi Sora Bangkok provides an exquisite omakase experience, showcasing a meticulously curated selection of sushi crafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared by skilled chefs, offering an unforgettable journey through the delicate flavours and artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Sushi Sora Bangkok

Hours: Daily, 11:30-14:30 & 17:30-22:00

Tel: +669 0095 0666

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089566598438

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushi.sora.bkk/

Location: G Floor, SO/ Bangkok Hotel, 2 N Sathon Rd, Pathum Wan, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500