[KUALA LUMPUR] You may have wondered why I was having Japanese food in Malaysia.
The truth is, I was recommended by a reader to try their “best” Basque Cheesecake in Kuala Lumpur, a cheesecake-specialty cafe named BASK at APW Bangsar which has just opened recently.
I decided to head The Tokyo Restaurant instead to try this cheesecake as they are the parent-company that also owns BASK, and also offers a wide range of dishes.
To be honest, I was excited for this meal, especially when The Tokyo Restaurant is known to be a destination dining place, and has about 1500 reviews with an average Google rating of 4.3 stars.
The Tokyo Restaurant is located on Level 4 of LOT 10 Shopping Centre in Bukit Bintang, a well-known district in the heart of Kuala Lumpur for shopping and entertainment.
It is strategically located within Isetan The Japan Store: The Table – an enclave housing 6 different Japanese restaurants: Azabu (Edomae Sushi), JyuJyu (Yakiniku), The Tokyo Restaurant (Bar & Cafe), The Tokyo Ramen (Ramen), Anzu (Tonkatsu) and Touan (Yakitori & Robata).
It is easy to spot from far when the entire floor is decorated with red hanging drapes and huge lanterns for the Japan vibe.
Even though the restaurant is really huge and spacious, it is highly recommended to make a reservation beforehand as there can be a long queue even on a weekday night.
Serving a huge selection of Japanese food on their, think Light Bites (RM 8 – 35, SGD 2.50 – 11.50), Noodles (RM 50 – 85, SGD 16.50 – 28), Mains (RM 28 – 490, SGD 9 – 163) and Sushi Rolls (RM 30 – 145, SGD 10 – 49).
The Light Bites menu feature Wasabi Edamame (RM 8, SGD 2.50), Umami French Fries (RM 10, SGD 3), Dashi Tomato (RM 10, SGD 3), Smoked Katsuo Carpaccio (RM 28, SGD 9) and Maguro Ceviche (RM 35, SGD 11.50).
Seasoned with bonito flakes and salt, the Umami French Fries (RM 10, SGD 3) also came with curry on the side for dipping.
The shoestring fries were crispy and pretty addictive with bonito flakes sprinkled on top that added an umami flavour.
The Noodles menu feature a selection of Japanese ingredients such as Spaghettini Tai and Ikura (RM 50, SGD 16.50), Squid-ink Spaghettini Aglio Olio with Japanese Oyster (RM 55, SGD 18), Pulled A5 Wagyu Pappardelle (RM 85, SGD 28.50) and Creamy Uni Aonori Tagliolini (RM 90, SGD 30).
The Creamy Uni Aonori Tagliolini (RM 90, SGD 30) was just decent (nothing fantastic), with the uni adding that bit of luxe touch and some moisture to an otherwise dry pasta.
The Sho-Hey’s Beef Curry (RM 28, SGD 9) with Japanese Fluffy Omelette (+RM 7, +SGD 2.20) is one of their signatures and can be seen on every table.
Using cubes of Wagyu beef with braised in rich coconut curry, the beef was very tender and well-infused with flavours.
The curry wasn’t overwhelming, with a slight spicy kick that complemented well with the fluffy omelette.
Their selection of cocktails is pretty impressive too, with Japanese elements infused.
Think sake used for their Sangria (RM 28, SGD 9) and Mojito (RM 30, SGD 10), Umeshu Highball (RM 35, SGD 11.50) and matcha with Martini (RM 38, SGD 12.50).
Their highly-raved item is their Cheesecake, so much that diners do come here specially for them and they are assigned to specially- allocated booth seats.
Their signature 7th Avenue Cheesecake (RM 20, SGD 6.50) and Yuri Matcha Cheesecake (RM 21, SGD 7) were so smooth and creamy, that it literally melted in the mouth.
The texture was not dense, but rather velvety smooth and creamy almost like a gelato.
The Yuri Matcha Cheesecake (RM 21, SGD 7) was made using Niko Neko Matcha, robust-tasting with complex flavours of sweetness and bitterness.
The dollop of fresh cream was also very smooth and not jelak, so light and airy that we wiped the entire plate clean.
I will say, this is probably one of the best Burnt Cheesecakes that I ever had, and for this, it is worth the effort and trip.
The Tokyo Restaurant
LOT 10 Shopping Centre Level 4, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – The Tokyo Restaurant
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
