Our 2-day stop is Osaka was pretty much free and easy, mainly shopping and random eating. There’s one must-do on my list though – breakfast at Endo Sushi.

I’ve heard rave reviews about this tiny, 106-year-old sushi bar in the Central Wholesale Market and was eager to check it out.

We arrived at Endo Sushi about 9 plus in the morning and got a seat immediately. What a contrast to the long queues in Tsukiji.

On each table, there are bowls of pickled ginger, soy sauce and a brush. Here, you brush the sushi with the sauce from this communal bowl.

Go for the omakase (chef’s selection). There are 4 different selections and each plate comes with 5 pieces of assorted sushi – the best cuts available. And one piece will always be a generous slice of ultra fresh otoro (fatty tuna).

The combination of crumbly, slightly warm, vinegared rice with extremely fresh slices of seafood is heavenly. Hands down, one of the best sushi I’ve had.

Thick miso soup packed with tiny clams

These sushi would have cost many times more back home in Malaysia, and I doubt it would be anywhere near the quality and freshness of Endo Sushi. At 1050 yen per plate, it’s a steal.

I finally plucked up enough courage to ask The Chef for a photo and he politely obliged.

As we were parting, he said to me haltingly with heavy Japanese accent, ‘Come…again.’

You bet I will.

The Chef, tottering around in 4-inch high wooden clogs

Endo Sushi  ゑんどう寿司

Address: 1-1-86 Noda Fukushima-ku Osaka City Osaka

Tel: +81 6-6469-7108

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 5 AM – 2 PM (closed on Sunday & public holidays)

Endo Sushi is located in the carpark next to Osaka Central Market – about 15 minutes walk from Tamagawa station

Google map here 中央市場 ゑんどう

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