Omakase by Hokkaido Ramen House: Modern Japanese cuisine at its best

As we stepped into Omakase by Hokkaido Ramen House, the staff, elegantly clad in kimonos, welcomed us with the traditional greeting, ‘Irasshaimase’. The restaurant had modern decor coupled with traditional wall art. The warm ceiling lights and the lush furnishings added to the overall elegance, providing a relaxing space for a delightful dining experience.

After several years as a Teppanyaki chef in different countries, chef Sandesh Poudel collaborated with Arjun Adhikari, founder of Hokkaido Ramen House, to establish Omakase at Bagaicha. The restaurant aims to pull in the crowd with a sizzling Teppanyaki menu and Japanese-inspired cocktails. It will also feature new and special offerings with enchanting flavors. They are also striving for exceptional service and refined food presentations.

At Omakase, we started our meal with a tasty bowl of Miso soup filled with broth, tofu, and seaweed. Our very first order, the Tempura Roll, surprised us.  It was served over a  big bowl of ice to keep the sushi fresh. The presentation was perfect—a 10 on 10. The vibrant colors of the food, complemented by tropical decorations like orange, lemon, lettuce, translucent grated radish, and thin slices of reddish ginger, added to the overall appeal. The sushi roll with a crispy white exterior and tender tempura shrimp inside was a delight. Omakase is the go-to for awesome sushi. 

Following that, we decided on Salmon Nigiri. “We import premium quality salmon to ensure there is no compromise on the taste,” says the chef. The salmon looked incredibly fresh and was presented attractively atop sushi rice. If you’re not particularly fond of seafood, this dish could offer a new taste experience. But for seafood lovers, it will be the most perfect thing they have ever had. 

We set our sights on the Robatayaki Toriniku, a Japanese term for grilled chicken. The teriyaki sauce that glazed the grilled chicken made it look delicious. This dish wasn’t just about the chicken. It was accompanied by a side of crisp salad, artfully presented in a charming flower-shaped ceramic bowl. The extras, like pickles and dipping sauces arranged on a chic long plate, contributed to the overall culinary display. 

The weather is perfect for Spicy Ramen. Despite its name, it’s not very spicy but boasts a flavorful broth that makes it easy to enjoy. The noodles are tender and perfectly cooked, with toppings like boiled egg, bok choy, herbs, and minced chicken. They also provide additional spices and lemon on the side, allowing you to spice it up to your liking.

The Japanese cocktails caught our attention. We tried the Yuzu Frizz. It was a refreshing mix of Roku Gin, Samurai gin, Yuzu, and syrup. It’s perfect for those who love a bold flavor kick. The Sochu Sour with Kunmari Sake had a zesty lime twist. But our favorite was the Umeshu Lime in Coconut, a fantastic combo of vodka, coconut, and lime. If you’re up for a drink night, the Omakase bar is a must for some amazing Japanese drinks.

For a fascinating fine dining experience, we highly recommend Omakase. Their menu and service are top-notch. They are also opening a new outlet in Sanepa, Lalitpur soon. 

Their specials

Salmon Nigiri

Robatayaki Toriniku

Tempura Roll

Spicy Ramen

Umeshu Lime in Coconut

Location: Thirbam Sadak, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 5000

Opening hours: 10:30 am–11:00 pm

Call: 01-4442128

Online Payment: Accepted

Parking: Available