Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Hokkaido Ichiba @ Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Hokkaido Ichiba challenges diners with a seasonal menu of what they should be eating during the summer months. You will find interesting dishes such as, Nouryo Somen, Ankimo Ponzu, Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi and Wagyu Sukiyaki on the 2 page seasonal menu. 
Kyuri No Asazuke (RM7) - The selection of delicious starters are perfect for sharing. The homemade Japanese cucumber pickles brought in the conversation of sweet and crisp - a balanced portrait of what a simple salad should be. 
Ankimo Ponzu (RM13) - Monk fish liver served with ponzu sauce was equally noteworthy. With scattering of green onions and seaweeds, we almost forgot that we are eating one of the best delicacy in the world.   
Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi / Japanese Steamed Egg with Assorted Seafood (RM20) - If you like steamed egg topped with generous portion of assorted seafood and lightly perfumed broth, then the Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi will surely satisfy. 
Sashimi Moriawase (RM100) - 8 kinds of seasonal sashimi nestled on a elongated ceramic plate. Perfectly cut and absolutely fresh!
Nouryo Somen (RM20) - Cold thin wheat noodle came swimming in a special broth, crowned with fresh prawns, scallops, tofu and cucumbers. At first glance, the dish appeared simple, but the not so usual noodles brought all the elements together on our chopsticks for the best bites. 
Wagyu Sukiyaki (RM60) -  While the restaurant has a spotlight on fish, it provides beef substitutions for those who are craving for meat. The number was 6, so if you are in an odd numbered dining party, be prepared to fight over the last bite! 
The wagyu beef (shoulder part) was dipped in a sukiyaki style hot pot.
To score extra points, slather a layer of raw egg before putting it into your buds. The splash of vivid raw egg will elevate the dish from "soso" to "wow". A perfect dish for rainy days, even though it has not been rainy for the past few days. 

Smitten Dishes:
Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi 
Sashimi Moriawase
Wagyu Sukiyaki 

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN
Hokkaido Ichiba Big Badge

26 comments:

  1. I went there before too!!
    So yummy I like their ramen! <3

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    1. oOkoko... I'll check out their ramen nex time =)

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  2. Oooh, so I'm not too far off. I thought that spot was delish too. Thought my Japanese friends would shun me for recommending a chain, but it is good isn't it.

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    1. I love all the superdining outlets. The price are reasonable and the food are great!

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  3. That is one impressive chawanmushi!!!!!!!!!! O.O

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    1. They have it at all the other Rakuzen outlets as well..

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  4. Hey Smitten! Missed your reviews. That looks like one of the most carefully arranged sashimi moriawase I've ever seen! :D

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    1. Hello... have been super busy lately. I'll going off soon for 2 weeks. Hopefully i'll have time to blog more when i'm back =) The sashimi was indeed very nice =)

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  5. wow, Ankimo Ponzu! that's one of my favorite seasonal japanese dishes, and it's been a very long time since i saw it anywhere. the price here seems amazingly reasonable too. i should try to head to hokkaido ichiba before the season ends! :D

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    1. You can try at any Rakuzen outlets as well =) The ankimo ponzu is not one the best but is reasonably good for the price you pay =)

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  6. Hey, you've been away for quite a while. Welcome back.

    This is my kids fav Jap restaurant, we come here once a week. Coincidentally, I just made pickled cucumbers on Monday.

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    1. Hello Baby Sumo, I've been super busy, will be off for 2 weeks starting this Friday. Hopefully I'll have time to blog more when I'm back =) I can see why you kids love this place. I love this place as well =)

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  7. I had been there and the food is really delicious..

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    1. The food there is pretty good. Only complain is the long queue.

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  8. you sure know where all the good places are!! I love Ankimo and that pump up Chawanmushi looked absolutely awesome.... now all I need to do is get there soon...

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    1. Yea.. get there early or else it will be a long wait =)

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  9. The Jumbo chawanmushi is as big as a ramen bowl?

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    1. The width is as big as a ramen bowl but not the depth. =)

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  10. I am totally smitten by the pics especially the wagyu sukiyaki. Amazing.

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  11. I am excited to see the sashimi and all the cuts looks so fresh. Top of it, the simple cucumber pickle is really one of those which can be very appetizing.

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    1. Yea... the cucumber pickles helped me to open up my appetite. =D

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  12. This food looks so scrumptious.

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  13. I didnt realize there's a restaurant call hokkaido ichiba in The Gardens..>< Haha.. Food looks good eh.. i'll drop by one day! ;D

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    1. Yes yes the food is pretty good. Don't forget to order from the seasonal menu =)

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