Best Omakase Counters with English-Speaking Chefs in Hong Kong

You do not need Japanese or Cantonese to enjoy omakase in Hong Kong. Many premium counters serve international diners every night, and several chefs explain each piece in English. Where English is limited, the meal still works: the food is served in front of you and eaten straight away.

English-friendly picks. Heritage setting: Udatsu Sushi, where diners mention careful English explanation. Harbour City: Sushi Hisayoshi, with reviews praising the chef's English. Attentive counter: Omakase IKI. Central: Kanesaka and Sushi Shikon, used to international guests.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Udatsu Sushi at the Stable Block, FWD House 1881, is rated 4.9, and recent diners praise clear English explanations and warm service; it has listed closures on Monday and Sunday. Sushi Hisayoshi in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, draws reviews that praise the chef's English explanations and fresh fish, though some say the room is noisy. Omakase IKI on Chatham Road is rated 4.7, and reviewers mention chefs who personalise the meal. See the best sushi in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Central

Kanesaka at CCB Tower and Sushi Shikon at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental serve a large international clientele. Staff typically handle bookings, allergies and explanations in English. See the best sushi in Central.

Ask at booking: "Is the chef comfortable explaining in English?" Most restaurants answer honestly, and some will seat you in front of the chef who speaks it best.

Useful Japanese at the counter

Omakase de — "chef's choice, please". Sabi nuki — no wasabi. Oishii — delicious. Gochisōsama deshita — thank you for the meal. A little Japanese is appreciated but never required.

Fish names in English

Learn a few: hirame (flounder), madai (sea bream), kinmedai (golden-eye snapper), akami (lean tuna), chutoro and otoro (medium and fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), anago (sea eel). See our sushi fish guide.

Allergies in English: put them in writing when you book, including shellfish, sesame and gluten in soy sauce. Do not rely on explaining them at the counter. See can you request substitutions at omakase.

Reviews vary by night. English ability depends on which chef is working. Read recent reviews and confirm when you book.

Common questions

Do Hong Kong sushi chefs speak English?

At many premium counters, yes. At small local counters, less so.

Which omakase is best for tourists?

Udatsu Sushi in Tsim Sha Tsui or Kanesaka in Central.

Can I enjoy omakase without understanding everything?

Yes. Eat each piece as it is served.

Where else can I look?

See the best omakase in Hong Kong and omakase etiquette.

Compiled by our editorial team from restaurant information, current venue listings, diner reviews and published menus, retrieved September 2026. Reviews are individual opinions. Prices exclude the 10% service charge unless stated and change without notice. No restaurant paid for inclusion.