I’ve always felt that the best meals are not just about the food, but also about the energy of the room the moment you walk in. I visited Shinrai on a Tuesday evening around 7 PM during dinner hours, expecting a quieter dinner, but instead found a buzzing retro-inspired space filled with conversation, glowing lights, and groups settling in for the night.
Located along Telok Ayer Street Singapore, Shinrai immediately feels different from the quiet formality of a traditional omakase counter. It is not a place where diners sit silently waiting for the next course. Instead, it is a lively sushi izakaya dining spot where friends can share plates of fresh sashimi, skewers, and appetisers, order freely, and enjoy creative Japanese cuisine dishes in a relaxed setting.
If you are specifically looking for a more traditional chef-led omakase experience, you can explore our guide to curated list of top omakase restaurants for a different style of Japanese dining.
First Impressions: A Lively Sushi Spot in Telok Ayer
The first thing I noticed about Shinrai was the atmosphere. The restaurant has a playful Tokyo-inspired look, with neon accents, retro details, and a compact dining space that feels energetic rather than formal.
By the time I arrived, the tables were already filling up. The crowd was a mix of office groups, couples, and friends catching up after work. Despite the busy setting, the atmosphere never felt overwhelming. It felt like the kind of place where people came to relax, share food like grilled unagi and torched scallop, and stay for a while.
The open kitchen also adds to the experience. Sitting nearby lets you watch the chefs move between preparing sushi, torching ingredients, and plating dishes such as seafood chawanmushi and sashimi throughout the evening.
What I Ordered: Creative Sushi and Izakaya Favourites
Shinrai’s menu is where the restaurant shows its personality. Instead of focusing only on traditional sushi, it combines familiar Japanese flavours with richer, more playful creations. I started with the Salmon Carpaccio ($16.80 to $17.80). The chilled salmon slices were paired with homemade truffle sauce and truffle caviar, creating a dish that felt indulgent without being too heavy. The truffle aroma was noticeable, while the salmon still remained the main focus.
The Shinrai Signature Maki ($21.80) was another highlight. The roll combines whole tiger prawns, cucumber, avocado, torched salmon and tobiko, finished with chicken floss and miso sauce. The torching added a smoky layer, while the different toppings created a mix of textures in every bite.
For something richer, the Foie Gras Sushi stood out. The caramelised foie gras paired well with sushi rice, creating a combination that leaned more luxurious than traditional.
The Dish I Would Order Again: Wagyu Foie Gras Don
The standout dish of my visit was the Wagyu Foie Gras Don ($48.80). The bowl features A5 Kagoshima wagyu, seared foie gras, onsen egg dip, truffle sauce, and fluffy pearl rice. Breaking the egg yolk over the beef created a creamy coating that brought the whole dish together.
It is definitely a rich dish, but that is also its appeal. The wagyu was tender, the foie gras added depth, and the sauce gave each bite a savoury finish. If you enjoy bold flavours, this is the dish I would recommend ordering.
Watching the Kitchen in Motion
One of my favourite moments at Shinrai was not a specific dish, but watching the kitchen in motion.
From my seat, I could see the chefs working quickly and efficiently: torching salmon, brushing sauces like teriyaki sauce and housemade mentaiko sauce, and preparing plates before sending them out. Even as the restaurant became busier, the kitchen remained organised and controlled.
That balance stood out to me. Shinrai has a fun, casual atmosphere, but the preparation behind the scenes still shows careful attention to detail.
Service Experience: Helmed by Chef Desmond Fong and Head Chef Haoey Cheah
Service was friendly and efficient throughout the meal. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Desmond Fong, formerly of Sushi Yujo, with Head Chef Haoey Cheah leading the kitchen, and their influence can be seen in the kitchen’s focus and consistency.
The staff were attentive without being intrusive, checking on the table regularly and helping with menu recommendations. They also explained some of the dishes when asked, which made choosing from the menu easier.
The overall experience felt comfortable rather than formal. Shinrai is the kind of place where you can order a few plates, share with your group, and build your own dinner at your own pace.
Practical Information: Lunch Sets, Dinner, and Booking
- Location: 173 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore
- Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT Station
- Lunch: Available daily from 12 PM to 2:30 PM, with lunch sets starting from around $16.80, including miso soup salad and tofu cheesecake dessert
- Dinner: Approximately $20–$50+ per person depending on orders
- Best for: Small groups, casual dates, and colleagues looking for a relaxed dinner spot for special occasions
- Reservations: Recommended for peak dinner periods, especially Fridays and Saturdays
Final Verdict: Who Should Visit Shinrai?
Shinrai is best suited for diners who want a casual Japanese cuisine experience with creative sushi, sharing plates, and a lively atmosphere.
I would recommend it for:
- Friends looking for a place to catch up over food and drinks
- Couples who prefer a relaxed date night
- Colleagues looking for an after-work dinner spot
I would skip it if you are searching for a quiet, traditional omakase counter where the chef controls every course.
What makes Shinrai enjoyable is that it does not try to be that. It is a restaurant built around fun, flavour, and a comfortable dining experience. The creative sushi, generous dishes like crab meat skewers and grilled unagi, and energetic atmosphere make it a place I would happily return to, especially when I’m craving something more casual than a formal omakase counter.
