June 18 Is International Sushi Day, Here’s Where To Celebrate

What food is both an art form and an obsession? Sushi. Once a simple way to preserve fish in ancient Japan, it has since evolved into a global culinary icon. These days, sushi is not just something you eat; it’s a philosophy of balance, a meditation on freshness, a minimalist masterpiece on a plate. At its heart is vinegared rice and simple ingredients—seafood, vegetables, or meat—crafted into perfect bites of harmony. 

June 18, International Sushi Day is a moment to revel in the beauty of balance and precision where every grain of rice and sliver of fish tells a story of craftsmanship. Across the city, chefs and sushi lovers alike will mark the occasion with creations that honor tradition while embracing bold, modern twists. Here’s where to go:

Yawaragi's Signature Maki at Hotel Okura is an umami-packed showstopper. | Photo: Newport World Resorts

Yawaragi

Tucked inside Hotel Okura Manila, Yawaragi whisks you straight to a charming Japanese village. Here, sushi isn’t just food, it’s a little ceremony on a plate. Must orders include the Yawaragi Signature Maki with king prawn tempura, tamago, cucumber, and crabstick, all topped with smoky salmon and sweet unagi. It’s crispy, creamy, and just the right kind of rich. Craving heat? Try the Spicy Soft-Shell Temaki with deep-fried soft-shell crab and a punchy Japanese chili mayo. The buffet adds to the fun, offering a tight selection of Japanese favorites and local hits. For reservations, call (02) 5318 2888 and  follow @hotelokuramnl on for updates.

Ginzadon’s Sushi Sampler: a greatest hits lineup | Photo: Newport World Resorts

The Volcano Maki at Ginzadon brings the fire | Photo: Newport World Resorts 

Ginzadon

Ginzadon brings sushi to the table with a sense of fun and sharing. The Sushi Sampler is made for sharing with eight classic pieces like salmon, maguro, hamachi, ama ebi, unagi, and more. Think of it as a greatest hits playlist of sushi, each bite showing off the chef’s finesse. Want something bolder? The Dragon Maki with its prawn tempura, crab meat, cucumber, and mango, all wrapped in smoky grilled salmon skin is a tropical flavor bomb that looks as good as it tastes. If you’re chasing heat, the Volcano Maki doesn’t hold back with its  layers of tuna, unagi, melted cheese and spice that somehow stays rich and balanced.  For reservations, text (0917) 859 4123 and follow @ginzanc on Instagram for updates.

ikkei Robata’s Miso Salmon Roll is a hit of miso-rich umami | Photo: Newport World Resorts

Nikkei Robata

Nikkei Robata gives sushi a bold Peruvian twist. The Tuna Mango Roll is a sweet-savory hit made with lean tuna with ripe mango, sesame, and leeks. For richer flavors, the Miso Salmon Roll layers in umami with miso mayo, togarashi, and cucumber. The Smoked Salmon Roll goes luxe with cream cheese and a kiss of katsuobushi for smoky finish. The texture-forward Soft Shell Crab Roll delivers crisp crunch and citrusy yuzu mayo, while the Unagi Asparagus Roll  brings sweetness and snap with kabayaki, asparagus, and tobiko mayo. For reservations, text (0945) 551 1898 and follow  @nikkei_robata on Instagram for updates.

Look at these crave-worthy Soft Shell Crab Rolls | Photo: Newport World Resorts