WE know things are getting better when more and more new restaurants or shops start their business post Covid-19 pandemic.
One of them is Kazuma Japanese Restaurant, the latest addition to the list of dining options offered by Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, opened last October.
Not only for the hotel's guests but it also makes a fresh, new, and affordable choice for regular diners, especially the office crowd, at the busy stretch of Jalan Sultan Ismail.
EAT
The restaurant is helmed by guest chef Tsutomu Haneishi and his team who craft traditional Japanese cuisine utilising market fresh produce and fresh seafood imported from Japan, complemented by a selection of sake.
From the sushi counter, there is a selection of sushi and sashimi prepared with finesse by day and authentic perfectly grilled kushiyaki by night.
For something quick, the value-for-money customised set lunch gets you going.
From the dinner menu, there are Unagi Kabayaki (grilled eel with sweet soy sauce), Tenzaru Soba (cold buckwheat noodles and tempura) and Gyu Shabu Chasoba (cold buckwheat noodle with sliced half boiled sirloin beef, salad and poached egg)
Also available is an array of Japanese classics including home-made Saba Ichiya Boshi (grilled seasoned & dried mackerel) Sukiyaki Nabe (stewed sirloin beef and vegetables with sukiyaki soup base) - both for lunch and dinner.
To end the meal, desserts come in the likes of Ichigo Daifuku (strawberry and sweet red bean mochi), Abekawa Mochi (mochi rice cake coated with soybean powder) and Yuzu Sherbet.
And yes, there are two separate menus - for lunch and dinner.
Chef Haneishi also brings to the table his signature creations - Kazuma Seafood Salad (assorted raw fish with seaweed, vegetables and fried noodle), Tori Negimisoyaki (grilled chicken with miso paste and leek), Omu Rice (Japanese omelette rice), Camembert Cheese Harumaki (camembert cheese fried spring roll), Nabeyaki Curry Udon (hot udon with Japanese curry and poached egg served in claypot) and Gyuniku Amiyaki (grilled sirloin steak with pan-fried vegetables served with Japanese sesame vinegar, spicy miso sauce and yakiniku sauce).
PICK
Since I am not too familiar with Japanese cuisine, I leave the task of ordering to my friend. "Surprise me," I say.
The first that comes to our table is a bowl of steamed edamame (RM12), followed by a colourful bowl of Hama Sashimi (RM110) and chef's signature Kazuma Seafood Salad (RM47).
I was initially sceptical about the presence of fried noodles in the salad but the noodles prove me wrong at the first try.
The crunchy dry-fried noodles add texture to the all-fresh salad ingredients.
My choice of mains is Saikoro Steak (RM58) and I love it. My medium-rare tenderloin dice-cut steak is cooked right while the portion is just right for a mid-day meal.
My friend's beef yakiniku bento (RM58) on the other side of the table looks impressive and inviting.
And the portion is huge! In front of her is a spread of roasted sirloin beef, simmered vegetables, tempura, grilled mackerel, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), salad, pickles and steamed rice.
We end our lunch on a sweet note with two scoops of ice cream - matcha (RM13) and yuzu sherbet (RM15), and freshly made mochi (RM15).
MOOD
Located on the first floor - above the happening Hard Rock Cafe, the restaurant - like its name which means harmony, peace and serenity - exudes a fresh and relaxing mood in a modern setting.
But of course, without compromising the much-needed Japanese mood set by "Japanese residential architectural" style.
Though it is not too overwhelming, the Japanese mood is strongly felt thanks to the wooden-framed lattice works and 'Shoji' style windows that act as dividers that create private rooms.
For a more relaxing mood to the ambience, paper felt pendant lamps are added to cast dim glow in the restaurant while spotlights add contrast to set the mood.
The cosy restaurant can seat just 66 diners at one time, which includes 14 persons at the far-end private room.
PAY
Considering its location and its specialty, food at Kazuma is very affordable with prices starting from RM12. Its lunch bento sets - Kazuma Bento, Sushi Bento or Beef Yakiniku Bento are priced at only RM39 per set. Specially created by Chef Haneishi, the Mix & Match Set Lunch is a combo of one main noodle and one main don, and comes with salad, fruits and free flow of green tea.
VERDICTS
SERVICES Fast and attentive.
I SAY Definitely a must try!
FAST FACTS
Kazuma Japanese Restaurant
1st Floor, Wisma Concorde
2, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
TEL 03-2144 2200
HOURS Open daily for lunch from 11.30am - 3pm (last order 2.30 pm), dinner from 6pm - 10pm (last order 9.30 pm). Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Order tasty Japanese food with special price reductions using GrabFood Promo Code.
