One of the great things about living here in Hudson County is the incredible variety of unique cuisines available to us. From arepas to zeppoles, there’s plenty to enjoy while exploring the cuisine of a different culture. Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that many are familiar with – made with rice, fish, often raw, and vegetables. While there are several excellent sushi restaurants throughout the county, only a few offer the traditional Omakase experience, which consists of a series of chef-selected dishes. Saku, located at 936 Park Avenue in Hoboken, recently launched its own Omakase experience. Read on to learn more about this style of meal, other places that serve it, and how to reserve a seat at Saku.
(Photo credit: Saku)
About Omakase Sushi
Omakase translates to “I’ll leave it to you” in Japanese, and that’s exactly what this style of dining is all about. Diners leave it to the chefs to prepare a unique meal using the ingredients and cooking styles at their disposal. Guests are encouraged to share any allergies or flavor preferences with the chef. Choosing this menu-free option is a great way for diners to try new things and gives chefs creative freedom with ingredients, cooking methods, flavors and presentations.
(Photo credit: Saku)
As sushi became more popular, some consumers did not know exactly what was in their sushi due to difficulty in translating some names from Japanese. Omakase resolves this uncertainty by offering diners a variety recommended by chefs for whom sushi is a second language.
Read more: East Hana: A Jersey City sushi spot born during the pandemic
(Photo credit: Saku)
During the meal, the chef will bring guests a plate of high quality and often seasonal sushi. Chefs often spin traditional favorites when making Omakase and present their creations to diners in new ways. The meal will start with lighter flavors and then move on to richer flavors as the night progresses. An Omakase experience is meant to be highly personalized and intimate, as diners are typically seated directly in front of the sushi counter and interact with the chef frequently throughout the meal.
(Photo credit: Saku)
The chef will check in with diners throughout how they react to the different flavors and tastes of the meal. The meal is meant to reflect the customer’s preferences in a specific and deliberate way, which is why Omakase tasting is limited to perhaps eight to ten diners per seat.
Omakase in Saku
Saku is the first restaurant in Hoboken to launch an Omakase experience, where it is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are required and the tasting is $65 per person. The restaurant joins Sushi By Bouthe speakeasy located inside Ani Ramen in Jersey City, at Hudson County restaurants offering an Omakase experience.
(Photo credit: Saku)
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At Saku, the Omakase experience begins with an amuse-bouche, followed by six sushi rolls, and ends with miso soup. Saku serves the soup at the end in coordination with Japanese tradition.
About Chef Eddie Sensai
Master Head Sushi Chef Eddie Sensai creates a new menu every week with ingredients sourced from Japan, Spain and other countries. Chef Eddie uses special sauces and toppings such as truffle salt, caviar and Omakase secret sauces, as well as fish such as toro (the fatty part of a tuna’s belly) and unagi (sea eel). water), to make the dishes unique. Saku has a Sake menu to pair with the Omakase.
(Photo credit: Saku)
Customers can schedule an Omakase tasting with Saku hereand follow us on Instagram @thehobokengirl to see a behind-the-scenes look at Omakase in Saku.
Written by: Samantha Impaglia
A recent Journalism graduate from Montclair State, Samantha enjoys sharing her view of the world through her writing. With roots in Woodbridge Township, she’s a real Jersey Girl. You can find her looking for local cafes and places to buy clothes and new plants. Samantha is a hockey enthusiast and has experience in sports media, newspapers and publishing. In addition to her writing, she loves to travel, especially to Disney and on the beach.
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