Why Omakase in the US Feels Like a Scam

Is it just me, or has omakase in the US become the ultimate flex for foodies with too much money? Every time I sit down at one of these places, I leave wondering if I just paid rent for a few slices of fish. Sure, the chefs are artists and the fish is flown in from who-knows-where, but is that really worth the price of a flight to Tokyo? And don’t get me started on the ritual. Suddenly, everyone’s an expert—eating with their hands, giving side-eye to anyone using chopsticks, like there’s a secret sushi club I missed the memo on. I get it, sushi is special, but the whole performance feels more like theater than dinner. Honestly, I’d rather spend my money on a killer plate of tacos or a bowl of noodles that actually fills me up. Sushi is great, but I’ll save the omakase for Japan, where it doesn’t feel like a wallet heist disguised as culture. #FoodHotTakes #SushiDebate #NYCFood #Food #Foodie