Showing posts with label sashimi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sashimi. Show all posts

Thursday, October 12, 2023

NEW TEMPTATIONS BECKON AT KAZUMA


Oden is one of those rare but delicious specialities few Japanese restaurants serve in the Klang Valley. Hence I was stoked when I discovered Oden Moriawase (RM22) is now available at Kazuma Japanese restaurant.

This homey, heartwarming stew comes with 6 types of Japanese fish cakes (chikuwa being my favourite), radish chunks, a hardboiled egg and toothsome konnyaku. Also known as konjac, the jiggly yet firm jelly-like blocks are made from the starch of devil’s tongue plant.

Kazuma’s chef Tsutomu Haneishi has also refreshed some offerings for the latest menu. Right off the bat, there’s now a small selection of Japanese appetisers to complement your drinks of choice.


We like the crisp-crunchiness of Koebi Karaage (RM15), deep-fried small shrimps and the succulence of Salmon Tataki Carpaccio (RM30), seared salmon sashimi with black sesame dressing.

Naturally, crowd-pleasing favourites such as Hama Sashimi (5 types of sliced raw fish: RM90 – 2 pcs each type, RM125 – 3 pcs each type) and Potato Salad (RM20) with creamy Japanese mayo have been retained.

For the former, diners may choose from maguro (tuna), salmon, hotate (scallop), hamachi (yellowtail), tako (octopus) and amaebi (sweet shrimp). Rest assured the Kazuma team strives to source the freshest seafood from around the world that measures up to the restaurant’s quality standards.
 
Our penchant for sushi was amply fulfilled on our recent visit with the introduction of Special Nigiri Sushi Tokujyou (RM87) into Kazuma’s new menu. The sea-fresh sweetness of those tender slices of maguro chutoro, hamachi, salmon, hotate, amaebi, unagi and ikura (vinegared rice topped with salmon roe) was certainly on-point.

Should you prefer cooked stuff, we recommend sampling Unagi Yanagawa (RM65), scrumptious simmered eel with vegetable and egg. Served bubbling hot in a little cast iron pot, we love every bite of the subtly sweet eel juxtaposed against the ethereal cloud-like softness of the egg.
Tendon (RM34), a wholesome meal in one consisting of steamed rice topped with assorted tempura, pickles and soup is another notably classic choice to satisfy the tastebuds. The mildly sweet sauce drizzled over the tempura and rice proved appetising, enticing us to polish off everything.
Heartier servings with splendid value for money are the new additions of Teishoku Sets. These beautifully composed set meals come with chawan mushi (steamed egg custard), steamed rice, miso soup, salad, pickles and fruits to accompany a choice of mains.
Having savoured Grilled Chicken Shioyaki/Teriyaki (RM35) and Unagi Kabayaki & Sashimi (RM70), we’d say both stellar options should hit the spot.
For vegetarians, Kazuma proffers a Vegetarian Bento (RM50). The tempting set comprised tofu steak, assorted vegetable tempura, pumpkin croquette, simmered vegetable, futomaki sushi and inari sushi. A visually and palatably pleasing set guaranteed to leave you happily satisfied.
Noodle enthusiasts aren’t forgotten either. We find it hard to decide whether Tempura Chasoba (RM22) or Shoyu Ramen and Inari Sushi (RM25) is better.
The former proffers springy buckwheat noodles which can be served hot or cold, accompanied by delectably crisp, airy-light battered prawns and vegetables.
If you prefer soupy noodles then the latter will hit the spot. We found the springy ramen in shoyu broth lighter on the palate, with the supplementary piece of inari sushi providing textural contrast.
Our requisite sweetener to conclude proceedings was Kurogoma (black sesame) Ice Cream (RM15) but other options available include Matcha Ice Cream (RM15) or Yuzu Sherbet (RM18).

For reservations, call Kazuma Japanese Restaurant, tel:03-2149 2666. Address: Level 1, Wisma Concorde, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. Business hours: Mon- Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.

Saturday, November 19, 2022

JAPANESE CLASSICS TAKE CENTRESTAGE AT KAZUMA


Traditional Japanese cuisine in serene surroundings. That’s the dining concept behind Kazuma – Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s freshly minted Japanese culinary outpost.

Kazuma, meaning harmony, peace and serenity in Japanese, is currently helmed by guest chef Tsutomu Haneishi. He captains the Kazuma team in creating an array of classic Japanese specialities, using market-fresh produce and imported seafood from Japan.

Cosy and mellow-lit with paper felt pendant lamps and strategically placed spotlights, the wood-trimmed interior is evocative of the Japanese 'residential architectural' style, incorporating a long bar and a sushi counter. 
Lattice work frames and shoji windows complement decorative eye-catching blond lattice woodwork overhead. Sleek modern furnishings in warm red shades denoting the sun, joy and happiness, and beige hues complete the resto's understated look.


Tucked away in a discreet corner are two semi-private rooms for those who wish to play host for corporate purposes or personal occasions.


By day, value-for-money set lunches such as Kazuma Bento (RM69), Beef Yakiniku Bento (RM58) and Sushi Bento (RM60) are fast becoming top draws among the office crowd.




Prettily presented in compartmentalized lacquer boxes, these set lunches comprise dainty morsels in various preparations to tempt the tastebuds. Whether you’re partial to sushi and sashimi or cooked food such as braised beef and tempura, the bento set offerings are varied enough to please most palates.


A la carte items are competitively priced. For instance, sashimi lovers can savour Iso Sashimi (RM48) featuring 3 types of sashimi:
maguro, salmon and hamachi


The Hama Sashimi (RM110) features 5 types of sashimi without breaking the bank. The fresh raw fish slices are of a decent thickness to leave you satisfied.


If you have a penchant for sushi rolls, try the house Dragon Roll (RM34) – a delicious rice roll topped with sliced avocado, and ebikko, with a deep-fried prawn at its core.


A nice curtain-raiser to go with your favourite tipple is Camembert Cheese Harumaki (RM21, 2 pcs). Although not authentically Japanese, this crispy fried spring roll filled with camembert cheese and perilla leaf is delectable. The Thai chilli dip served on the side lends a touch of punchy sweetness should you desire it.



Highly recommended is Saba Ichiya Boshi (RM20 – half, RM34 – whole) – the housemade seasoned and dried mackerel which is grilled until the skin is blistered and crisp. A dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice atop the fish is all that's needed to savour the fish’s sweet flesh. Oishii!


Tori Negimisoyaki (RM23) proffers meltingly tender bites of grilled boneless chicken; the skin touched with a dab of savoury-sweet miso paste to tickle the tastebuds into going for repeat helpings.

Another perennial favourite to sample is Kushiyaki Moriawase: grilled skewers of Sasami Mentai Mayo (RM8) – chicken fillet with spicy fish roe mayo; Tori Tsukune (RM8) – chicken meatballs; Tebasaki (RM8) – chicken wings; Negima (RM7) – chicken thigh & leek; Tori Kawa (RM6) – chicken skin touched with salt or teriyaki sauce.

When it comes to dessert, the Japanese prefer to keep it light and simple. At Kazuma, the Ichigo Daifuku (RM15) – a whole strawberry coated in a thin layer of red bean paste and glutinous rice ball or Abekawa Mochi (RM15) – glutinous rice cake cubes coated with crushed almonds are perfect to wrap up the meal on a lovely sweet note minus the guilt.

For reservations, call Kazuma Japanese Restaurant, tel:03-2149 2666. Address: Level 1, Wisma Concorde, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. Business hours: Mon- Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm; Close on Sunday and public holidays.

 



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