Ordering in: From Omi Hime wagyu to Hokkaido scallops, this online brand offers a luxurious Japanese odyssey

The wagyu katsu sando with foie gras represents the ultimate in opulence and indulgence. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck last year, avid foodies Ryan Foo and Ivan Thoy realised there was a gap in the market for exclusive, omakase-style Japanese experiential meals at home. So in September last year, they launched their premium online brand Yakuza by Dark.

“The reason we started Yakuza by Dark is because during the first iteration of the movement control order last year, no one could go out to eat. Ivan and I love both love eating Japanese omakase meals, so we were thinking ‘How can we bring this concept of omakase to homes, since people cannot enjoy dining out?’,” says Foo, who also owns a pub.