Japanese Cuisine Archives

In Featured By Taufulou 4 Mins Read

Ido Ichi Japanese Cuisine @ Island Plaza, Penang

24/04/2013 5 Comments

When back to Penang usually, I always wanted to go back street food but my friend always end up bring me to this kind of places. When they told me to dinner is at Island Plaza, I thought they must be joking till they said I must try this Japanese Restaurant – Ido Ichi Japanese Cuisine. Who can really resist Japanese Food?

Well, Island Plaza used to be one of the hottest spot to hang out 15 years ago before Gurney Plaza was constructed. One of a major place that most teenagers to hang out at that time, with many prime brands hosted there. Now they have gone major upgrading work to make it another look and feel.

I got to know thru a friend that Ido Ichi Japanese Cuisine is actually under the group which Azuma Japanese Restaurant is also one of theirs. When I arrive, I am surprise by huge crowd and have to wait for 20 minutes for a table. Seldom will see this situation happen in Penang and its located inside Island Plaza, that makes me curious.

They are operating 2-3 lots that make the dining area spacious with a few sections including sushi bar and close up area.

Price here are pretty decent and I compare to another of my favourite brand Sushi Tei in Gurney, its pretty much similiar

Then we ordered quite a lot for 5 pax and started of with Salmon Sashimi. Finely cut and its very fresh! @ RM 28

For rolls, I would say that they have created their own signature style compare to others and tried both their Una Cheeze Maki @ RM 35 & Shake Mayo Mentai Roll @ RM 30. Both are equally good as ingredient are pretty generous and I like how the cheeze flavour makes it more unique with their own light sauce.

I order something new that my friend have yet try is Tenderloin Cappaccio @ RM 35. It was all gone after I snap the picture. Thin slice beef that cut to perfection, with shoyu sauce and mayonnaise with the fine cut that makes it nearly melt in mouth. Order another plate again.

Volcano Roll is not the best I have come across as I have tried better ones before. Overall, the cheese and mixture of ingredient in it is quite not bad for a Penang version. @ RM 28

This is the fellow who always wanted to maciam maciam places!

Sukiyaki is pretty good too with the soup base quite salty as what I have learn, flavourfull that serve along with fine cut beef slice. It will be perfect during rainy season. @ RM 30

Yaki Gyuza @ RM 8 both item is nice to go along as Gyuza here won many places that I have tried, by pan fried the base perfectly to golden brown and ingredient in it a bit solid.

Both Fried rice are equally good and I prefer more Scallop Fried Rice @ RM 12. Very fragrant with garlic with wok hei. We add extra garlic into our rice to make it extra kick. Seafood Fried Rice @ RM 12

By the time comes to this Avocado Guratan we are all very stuff. Ended up I finish all this. If you love cheeze potato and some seafood this would be ideal for [email protected] RM 18

Kimuchi Ramen turns out to be pretty good, mild spicy and sour end with thin slice of pork in it. Ramen is slightly overcook and if they can make it al dante then would be perfect bowl of noodle. @ RM 18

At the end of the meal, it was a very satisfying dinner with great food. If you are looking for some nice Japanese Cuisine, this outlet certainly would be one of my recommendation.

-= KA CHING =-

Food rating 8.5/10 , Nice ambiance and great food~ Recommended! -Stamped-

-WARNING –This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
Edo Ichi Japanese Cuisine 江戸一
G-05 & G-06 Island Plaza
118 Jalan Tanjung Tokong
10470 Penang
Tel: 04 – 890 3199
Business Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm & 6:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Thu)
11:30am – 10:00pm (Fri – Sun & Public Holidays)

In Featured By Taufulou 7 Mins Read

Sushi Tei New Menu 2013 @ Setiawalk, Puchong

25/01/2013 No Comments

Sushi Tei is one of my favourite Japanese restaurant compare to a few in our Malaysia market. It definitely falls on personal preference. I was firstly expose to this brand when I was visiting my friend in Jakarta, Indonesia 6 years ago and they know that I love food, this was one of a Japanese Restaurant that they told me, die die also must try. Back in those time, I have yet to start my food blogging as just enjoy my food whenever I travel.

Love the range that they offer and its pretty unique on the combination and rolls that they have. At that time, KL have yet so many different types of Japanese Cuisine that is similiar to this range except 1 in 1-Utama that always pack with people.

When I first saw this brand landed in Tropicana City Mall 2 years ago, I was very happy that finally it had landed in KL. Nevertheless the brand had establish itself well with a few outlets now available in Klang Valley and Penang. Of course what can we expect next? Try out their new menu for year 2013 onwards also at their latest outlet which is at Setiawalk, Puchong.

The outlet interior is no difference from the rest of the outlet.

Sunrise @ RM5.80, Bloody Sprite @ RM5.80

Design of the new menu looks much better compare to the previous one. Choosing food would not be a problem as more pictures are in it now.

Premium Yee Sang (for 8-10pax)@ RM68.80

Premium really justify the price whereby it comes with cuts of salmon sashimi and prawns

I must say that, I have tried a few yee sang for the past 2 weeks and I rate this is one of the top 2 in my personal list. If you do host any of your reunion dinner at home and lack of yee sang, this is one of a place to ta pau back. I am definitely getting 1 for my family. 🙂

Fresh ingredient and the special mixing sauce that pairs well with the fresh ingredient and did not over power it. A well balance with all the ingredient. REcommended~

Ameabi Kaarage @ RM12.80, One of the signature dish that me and Ken always love to order or never miss is their Salmon Skin @ RM6.80. At the price of it we find it very reasonable, a great snack to start to get our mouth munching. Fried to crisp with every bite and do eat it while its serve fresh. You can choose to dip along with their mayo but we always love to bite it just like that.

First dish from salad range already caught my attention with its chunks of tuna, salmon and squid on top of the salad. Sashimi Salad @ RM16.80. Something green and healthy, this is a appetizer that you shall not miss. Not only filled with fresh sashimi, the kick that make the whole salad taste awesome is their very own dressing. Filled with light taste of vinegar, and chef special ingredient that make this dish gone in seconds. – REcommended~

Another new item that are in the menu is Kaisen Ramen Salad @ RM28.80. To me it looks weird for the first time as I never have my ramen with salmon sashimi slices like that before. Its always with pork or chicken slice. Not only that, as there are 3 huge flab of crab meat that smack along on it too. The meat is cold and fresh, that once you had that slice you would want to finish the remaining 2 instantly.

Ramen texture is cook to the right texture and the sauce that make it pairs well. I think this would be best to share with another person.

Chuka Fukahire @ RM 6.80, Ika Geso Tataki @ RM 11.80 & Ika Okura @ RM 5.40

We were lucky to be in the outlet at the right timing as usually fresh sashimi will arrage to most of the Japanese outlet on every Tuesday and Friday. We are here on Friday, therefore these are sashimi are perfectly fresh! Arima (4 kinds) @ RM59.80 – Tuna Belly, Yellow Tail, Sweet Shrimp, Raw Scallop

Asama (5 piece) -Tuna, Yellow Tail, Salmon@ RM35.80

There are also new rolls being introduce with Manguro Lover @ RM11.80, Dynamic Roll @ RM16.80 & Lobster Salad @ RM12.80,. Among these 3, I prefer Maguro and lobster salad.

Usually we have this with beef slice but this round they have added in another item Salmon Enoki Roll @ RM12.80

Beef Teriyaki is a simple item that I prefer that the beef cubes cook till medium well, then I love mine added on with lots of garlic slices.

Gindara Teriyaki is always one of my favourite that the cod being pan grill to perfect that its slightly crips on the outer layer yet the cod fish meat is well preserve that did not overcook. @ RM26.80, & Sanma Kabayaki @ RM14.80

Gyoza @ RM9.80

Golden Soft Shell Crab @ RM12.80

Hotate Wasabi Mayo is not bad and if the wasabi mayo is a little more spicy then it would have been perfect. @ RM8.80

Ika Sugata Shio if the size of the squid is smaller or this size is nice to my liking, anything big I just cant take it. 😀 (just me) @ RM15.80

Another item that I like is their Ikura Chawanmushi, very simple with salmon roe @ RM12.80, Asari Sakamushi @ RM23.80 & Agedashi Tofu

oh oh, when fried rice was serve, we all look down on it and why fried rice was serve after we had a awesome sashimi and rolls. This Choi Kara Fried Rice – Spicy Fried Rice with Crab Meat @ RM18.80 proves us wrong. Fried fragrantly, that is something simple and nice, written there spicy but its only mild spicy that bring the fragrance up. Those who need to have rice, then this is the new item that you must try. – Recommended~

Another nice rice item for you is Tan Tan Don, comes with mince chicken meat, top with poarch egg and how I eat this dish is I poke the egg yolk then stir the whole bowl till its evenly mix. Then put in one bite into your mouth will be a well balance of yolky egg, slight salty and spiciness at the end. Something to entice your taste bud abit. @ RM11.80

Gyu Misoyaki @ RM15.80

Special sauce to dip for the beef. I did it wrong in the first place and then I was taught properly by the waiter on how to get the best of this beef slice.

First dip the fresh beef slice into the sauce then leave it on the hot plate for a quick turn. If you love yours medium well, then just flip both side about 8 second each and its ready to eat.

I did it wrong by did the beef slice then dip the sauce after that.

The difference is, did it the right way, the sauce will soak onto the beef slice and make it aromatic.

Comes to desert I always thought my favourite would be green tea but this round their new product Yogurt Forest Berry @ RM7 steal the limelight. I prefer this over Matcha Ice Cream & Sesame @ RM7

Their new menu and new product being introduce, is something to look for when you visit this restaurant. You can try those that I recommend but again it comes down to my own preference. 😀 One of my favourite Japanese Restaurant. . .

Sushi Tei in Setiawalk is next to Roomates or nearby TGV cinema wing already.

*PORK-Free

Location:
Sushi Tei @ SetiaWalk

Block I-G-03, Setiawalk,

Persiaran Wawasan,

Pusat Bandar Puchong,

Puchong, 47160

Tel : 03-5882 2995

Other Outlets they have are:

Mid Valley

Tropicana City Mall

Pavilion,

Gurney Plaza – Penang

In Featured By Taufulou 6 Mins Read

Ozeki Italia offering good Italian mix Japanese Cuisine @ Wisma Cosway, KL

15/11/2012 No Comments

In Japan or as seen in a movie, there are alot of small little famous eatery around neighborhood that hidden around a corner. There are a new hidden gem in the heart of KL with many of my friends saying that I did not know there are actually a Japanese restaurant there regardless they walk by that route almost daily. Ozeki Italia is actually a new restaurant that located at Ground Floor of Wisma Cosway, directly oppostive Novotel Hotel. A small little restaurant that operate not more than 4 months that serve pork along that had slowly gaining its reputation among local food hunter.

Its not a huge restaurant that estimated full house capacity about 50 pax at one go. Therefore, to dine here, it is highly recommended to make your reservation. I always love Japanese cuisine and as far I as understand there are actually very less Japanese Chef explore other part of the world to learn other country cuisine and to my surprise the current head chef had resides in Italy for 30 years and had been travelling around small town to learn their recipe therefore OZEKI Italia is actually a combination of Japanese and Italian cuisine that sparks the interest in me.

The ambiance certainly do give me I am ship to Japan to dine in those small little outlet which alot customers are willing to queue for their good food.

With the quality of chef produce, the price is definitely reasonable and apologize for the blur menu.

IF you are adventourous then leave your meal to the chef as our first dish came out right from chef’s idea is Chef’s Recommendation @ RM58. Grilled Fresh Sanma with Bacon Tomato Sauce. ITs a very unique combination here with first hint of fresh sweetness of seafood is tasted then follow by strong seasoning of green gravy on top of it which is strong sourish salty. Regarding on this dish, it is best to pair with white wine and I think it will absolutely bring out the freshness and taste of it.

I have always love pork burger and this is one of a unique dish, Polpetine @ RM 32. Duck hamburg steak served with spinach sauteed, dry raisin, pine nuts & topped with half boiled egg and chef special Japanese sauce

We were brief by the manager, there are actually 2 ways in eating this. Original purpose, you will poke on the egg yolk to let it ooze out and pair it along. There are also people dislike the taste mixture, you remove the egg yolk to the side of the plate then only poke as only little part is mix with then only pair along. The difference I got is, original taste without egg yolk taste much better but with egg yolk dipping with the soy sauce on plate makes it better as for after taste.

Home made bread as I whack 3 of this. ITs so good, soft and serve pippin hot which is fresh from the oven. Rarely you will find such a great bread especially the charcoal bread that made in house by the chef.

Something looks ordinary which is Insalata Prosciutto @ RM 28 – Mixed salad, Parma ham, grapes, Mozzarella cheese with Japanese dressing. Parma ham taste, fresh finely slice and mozzarella cheese give the well balance sweetness of the salad makes it a superb dish. Recommended!

Diavole @ RM 38 – grilled marinated spring chicken with Japanese Citron Pepper and Olive oil, served with potato & mushroom sautee, dressed with japanese citron pepper and balsamico sauce. A young age chicken being well marinate and grill to perfection that the meat is juicy and soft with the light seasoning is enough to make the taste awesome~

I have always finding it hard to find good Rissoto. I must say that this Risotto Ostriche @ RM 34 is one of the best I have come across especially from a Japanese Chef that cook it so authentic. Risotto cooked with assorted Mushroom & Parmigiano cheese topped with steamed Japan oyster on Hot Sizzling Plate. Something simple that keeps me digging into it until its finish then I stop. Cook to perfection that its just moist enough and taste of mushroom and parmigiano cheese well balance. Recommended~

Spaghetti Merluzo @ RM 48 .Spaghetti tossed with homemade corn marigold paste, cooked & chopped garlic and olive oil; topped with grilled black cod fish with Japanese soya sauce, sprinkled with Japanese assorted chilli pepper

Indeed it is a very satisfying meal and its hard to find one eatery that offer such authentic food. Not only that before I walk off they have dinner buffet on every Sunday and price is very reasonable. Surely I am coming back for more.

Before I end this, a new discovery is that, in this restaurant they have chef that specially cook to cater on our local taste as they have discover that different people especially Chinese have stronger taste bud therefore the food cook on the day will be specially for you as in the kitchen they are being inform its Chinese guest. If it is Japanese diner then it will be tone down according to the authentic taste. For me, it is best to let the restaurant manager or the person that took your order saying you prefer authentic taste. Again it is up to you as you cant complain as you wish to try it out.

Highly recommended restaurant if you wish to try out some authentic taste and please bare in mind with food that you are not familiar with, please request the manager how you enjoy best of your food.

This Dining With Moola experience is courtesy of Moola, the first-ever Cash-Back Lifestyle Programme specially designed for shoppers to enjoy free shopping, great savings and best deals in town. Moola is a mobile application that utilises QR code technology for all interactions; from member registration, Moola accumulation and redemption, to the actual shopping.

Moola Frenz who dine at Ozeki Italian Cuisine are entitled to a 10% cash back everytime! What’s more, you can also grab FreeMakan vouchers for even MORE savings here!

Moola is completely hassle-free; no administrative effort; no joining fee; no cards; and comes with even greater flexibility for shoppers to enjoy the variety of rewards for redemption. Visit www.moola.my for more information and download the Moola app today! Apple, Android and Blackberry phones supported.

*NON-Halal

All pictures and video taken with Samsung NX 210

Location:
Ozeki Italian Cuisine
Wisma Cosway, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2148-9390
Open daily for lunch and dinner.

In Bayan Baru / Bayan Lepas By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

Azuma Japanese Restaurant @ QueensBay Mall, Penang

24/04/2011 No Comments

One of the latest crave that hit me is keep hunting for Japanese cuisine after watching that Hong Kong TVB sushi series – The Rippling Blossom. In that movie showing how to eat sushi in a way filled with temptations. Therefore, when I went back to Penang, on and off I still hunt for food and hear quite lot of my friends said that Azuma Japanese Restaurant which located in Queensbay mall in Penang serve quite good food in there, while waiting for my bus to depart back go KL, I went there with my family. .

In a very normal Japanese dining, will have the conveyor belt on the sushi bar which you can just pick and choose your favourite sushi and eat.. . .. They also do have private small cubical which is perfect for couple to be seated and huge dining area to host more people.

The menu offer is quite standard and prive is slightly above compare to other outlets .. .

In Featured By Taufulou 5 Mins Read

Delicious Chirstmas Menu @ Nagomi – Jaya 33

20/12/2010 No Comments

There are many restaurants booming out especially on Shabu-Shabu with in my list (click here previous post), still Nagomi stands out compare to others fake shabu-shabu available out there especially on their normal soup base. Whenever I think of Japanese steamboat Nagomi will always pop out in my mind and with their outlet of Jaya 33 being refurbish, of course there will be changes in their menu and now they are moving to more fine casual dining with more ala-cart dish are placed in the menu. With their latest menu in line for this festive season is their Chirstmas dining menu. So do not be suprise like me and some of my friends, with the expression ‘Huh, got such thing 1 ah? I thought shabu-shabu only?’

[No Longer in Operation]

Their new outlook with more feel of Japanese Garden on the outside.

A private room to host for your family and friends or some company department gathering.

Outside they have change to more contemporary concept that feels very cosy and don mind staying there for a drink after meal.

Ready to venture into their unique Chirstmas menu prepared by one of a famous Master Chef – Ikuo Tanabe “The Magic Hand”

Inarguably one of the most renowned Japanese chefs in the country, Mr.Tanabe came to Malaysia in 1974 to take the position as head chef in Hotel Equatorial. He was entrusted with planning and running perhaps the first fine dining Japanese restaurant in the country, Daikoku, or known as Kampachi today. Over the last 34 years of his career, Mr. Tanabe had trained and imparted skills in culinary art to many chefs who now helm the scores of popular Japanese restaurant or prominent hotels in the Klang Valley, Australia, UK and the USA.

Mr. Tanabe has a vast experience in making all kinds of Japanese cuisine, focusing on food quality and delicacy of presentation in his dishes. His strong skills in creativity and innovation have earned him a reputation for his excellence and quality in Japanese cuisine.

*till to date as I have been told, he had many apprentice for the past many years and you can see some that he trained are very highly skilled and hire by well known restuarants locally.

In Featured By Taufulou 4 Mins Read

New Chef Heiji, Enju Japanese Restaurant @ Prince Hotel

19/07/2010 No Comments

Japanese food would be consider one of a food temptation that hard to resist by many people, especially served with fresh sashimi along with sake would be the perfect but fresh sashimi itself would be enough to kill most of us.

One of the latest introductions to us is Japanese Master Chef Heiji Kasuga and we were privilege to get a chance to have him cook for us. He’s 46 years of experience in cooking Japanese Cuisine both traditional and fusion that makes his cooking style unique and more authentic.

The California and Ebi Tempura Maki was good as the rice is more sticky yet not too wet which is just perfect to make a sushi roll, with the ingredient in it makes it simple and nice dish to start off with.

Assorted Makimono

ENJU Dynamite Roll was made from fresh salmon, cucumber, flying fish roe, tempura flakes, avocado and sushi rice wrapped in dry seaweed. One of the best I had so far as the really use pure ingredient with minimal of rice and the salmon is very fresh. RM22

Sashimi Fuji @ RM140

If you are looking for something fresh to tantalize your mouth, this platter would be something you would not want to miss, with variety of fresh sashimi are served in one plate, I surely do not mind having the whole plate by myself if I can. Most pieces of the sashimi are quite juicy and dipping it with wasabi is just heaven.

Murugai Yaki @ RM32

Grilled Mussel is grilled perfectly that manage to make the meat still soft and juicy, by topping up with a bit of cheese on it and by putting it in your mouth, it is burst with flavors.

Maguro Yamakake @ RM29

Cod fish was grilled to perfect by the small chunk of fish able to spread into slices when put it in our mouth in it is soft and fragrant

Soft Shell Crab Karaage @ RM28

When this was served, the smell of it get us eager to try it out and goodness, it was crispy that served along with potato salad that I can just finish the whole scoop by myself

Curry Udon @ RM28

One of the classic taste that I miss a lot as I was not able to find many places that can cook nice curry Udon, and I would say this is one of the best curry udon that I have had so far with mild and sweet curry flavor that is a bit thick and creamy in taste yet the udon was cook wholly that its not too soft yet not too hard.

If you love something homecook or authentic Japanese food, Enju is one of the place you would want to dine in and with their new promotions, its worth trying out.

Japanese Power Set Lunch
Monday to Friday (12noon -2.30pm)

Power Set Lunch is a great choice for quick business dining! Varieties of choice are available from Tempura, Sushi, Sashimi, and Soba set.

The Power Set Lunch will be an ideal meal with colleagues or friends and it is also perfect over a business discussion with your business partners.

Available from RM45++ per person onwards

Unlimited Sushi Weekends (for Dinner)
Every Friday & Saturday (Dinner from 6.30pm – 10.30pm)

Indulge in Japanese favourites in abundance on Friday and Saturday nights! Discover ENJU’s Unlimited Sushi Weekends for dinner. Every sushi dinner consists of miso soup, a choice of main course and dessert and unlimited selections of Nigiri, Makimono and Temaki Sushi.

Priced at RM65++ per person

ENJU Japanese Restaurant
Prince Hotel and Residence KL
Jalan Conlay
50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 603-2170 8888 ext 8203

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.princehotelkl.com
Business hours: Lunch 12-2.30pm (Mon-Fri),
Dinner 6.30-10.30pm (Mon-Fri) & 6.30-11pm (Sat)