Doraku @ Life Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If your table at Doraku isn't overloaded with dishes, you are doing something wrong. Start with standout cold dishes like Shiromi Shiso Carpaccio, followed by Ahi Hawaiian Poker and move over to the hot side and be dazzled by the Doraku Wafu Burger. To end, order your choice of ice cream and leave the table with a satisfying smile =)

Now I have an answer if anyone asks I know of any good Japanese Fusion style restaurant in KL. The answer will be Doraku. 

When you are here, expect nothing but a vivid palate of flavors, heightened by fresh ingredients and generous portions meant for sharing. 

Hiyashi Wakeme (RM8) - Served chilled, this marinated cold seaweed played well as an appetizer. 

Shiromi Shiso Carpaccio (RM30) - Thinly sliced Shiromi got extra layer of flavor from the shiso leaf, topped with marinated cucumber, sweet onion and tomato. The fresh ingredients and Kabayaki sauce was an instant flavor bomb.

Ahi Hawaiian Poker (RM36) - This dish started out as Japanese but ended with Hawaiian accent, thanks to the fresh ahi tuna, sweet onion, seaweed mix and nuts - all doused healthily in a Doraku Special sauce. We can't stop thinking how all these wonderful ingredients can sit together so well. 

Sashimi Moriawase (RM60) - It's always nice to complement the culinary journey with simple fresh sashimi, designed to accentuate both seafood and Japanese game.  

Doraku Wafu Burger (RM36) - The burger was a standout! Luscious greens and a fried egg draped across the juicy hamburger patty, held together by soft buns and flavored with special Japanese sauce.  We will definitely be back for this umami rich burger! 

Doraku Roll (RM30) - Unlike the typical rolls that can be found anywhere in KL, the Doraku roll was dressed with crabmeat and avocado, topped with seared tuna, daikon radish, shiso leaf and crispy garlic chips. To top it off, it was drizzled with special wasabi yuzu citrus sauce, giving it a sweet and spanking fresh combo. 

Sakura Ice Cream (RM12) - There is always room for desserts. A sweet sakura ending accompanied by azuki and a touch of Japanese sweets.

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN

SMITTEN DISHES:

Doraku Wafu Burger 

Shiromi Shiso Carpaccio

Ahi Hawaiian Poker 

Ramen Kimama @ Birger Jarlsgatan, Stockholm, Sweden

I'll be lying if I told you that we did not crave for any oriental food during our trip to Scandinavia. In fact, all my family members started petitioning to have Asian food on our second day in Stockholm.

Yaki Soba (SEK 140) - My uncle was smitten by the large batch of Yaki Soba, studded with cabbages, onions, carrots and bite sized pork. This was merely the beginning of a wonderful meal at Raman Kimama.

Nabeyaki Udon (SEK 145) - The Nabeyaki Udon was heart warming and delicious, thanks to the chewy udon noodles, vegetables, poached egg, tempura shrimp, kamaboka (fish cake), bean curd and chicken. My auntie had no trouble slurping it up - all by herself! 

Shio Ramen (SEK 115) - There may be many form of ramen soup, but the foundation of a good soup remains the same. The key is to pull out as much flavor as possible from the boned-up stock for a good long time. This Shio Ramen was a testament to the classic bone-based broth - Delicate and Rich! Dad was chirpy with his choice. 

Miso Ramen (SEK 115) - The miso fortified pork bones soup was dominated with shredded pork, bean sprouts, onions and scallions. Needless to say, the bouncy noodles and ingredients built around the flavored soup effortlessly.  It was indeed an excellent choice for myself. 

Tom Yum Ramen (SEK 160) - Mum took an alternative route, where she beelined to the exotic Tom Yum Ramen, treating herself with lip smacking spicy soup filled fresh seafood and vegetables. The result of sipping hot soup during cold weather was sensational.

Gyoza - The covered pan fried gyoza hosted the filling well, helping to end our meal and paused our cravings for the next few days.  

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Smitten Dishes:

Miso Ramen 

Shio Ramen

Tom Yum Ramen

Ramen Kimama

Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 93, Stockholm, Sweden.

Telephone: 08-155539

Website

Sushi Etiquette : The Correct Way of Eating Sushi

I love sushi. Perhaps is the beautiful marriage of fresh fish and grainy goodness that keeps me coming back for more. Being an ardent sushi eater, I was surprised to find out that I have been breaking some of the important sushi eating rules. 

Did you know that you are not supposed to mix wasabi with soy sauce? (Hmmm...I wonder who came out with this idea of mixing it together). Also, never ever rub your chopsticks against each other to remove splinters. It is extremely rude. (Really?? Not even for safety reason?).

Daily Infographic

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

Yamagoya Ramen @ Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Located on level G2 (same level as Rakuzen and Ben's) at Publika, Yamagoya Ramen which opened its doors in April 2012 has garnered quite a good following over the last few months. 

Seasoned Soft Boiled Egg - Never leave the eggs in the kitchen, as there are meant to be served. Even though the eggs were a tad over cooked, nothing can come between our love for eggs, especially well seasoned eggs.

Yamagoya Ramen (RM19) - Yamagoya Ramen was probably the plainest option on the menu, which was nothing more than a twirl of silky soft noodles, bean sprouts, 2 slices of char siu, wood ear fungus and thinly chopped green onions. The char siu was tender and well flavored with a nice salty and intense pork flavor. 

Mukashi Special Ramen (RM24) - This was probably the most popular ramen on the menu, where noodles luxuriated in hot broth, together with seasoned egg, bamboo shoots, char siu, wood ear fungus, seaweed and green onions. The broth was rich and creamy, while the noodles were thin, round and buttery soft. 

Black Garlic Ramen (RM22) - The blackened soup was garlicky and more pungent compared to the milky pork bone soup. The noodles were perfectly toothsome with a touch of nutty garlicky flavor. This was definitely a healthy blend with a different depth of flavors.

Gyoza (RM11) - While we appreciate the wholesome ramen broth, we can't help but to love the gyoza, which completed the meal with another tang. 

Many Asians believe that noodles represent longevity and it is not meant to be cut or bitten half way. So if you are planning to have noodles tonight, make sure you slurp them in one go and try not to choke yourself in the process =)

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Kirishima @ Dua Residency (Dua Annexe), Kuala Lumpur

There are two ways to stand out in the increasingly crowded Japanese game: authentic flavors or value for money proposition. Kirishima is one of the few Japanese restaurants that offers both. The food here are not priced prohibitively and the ingredients are always fresh.

Nestled snugly among the apartments of Dua Residency, the eatery comes with well trained waitresses, minimalist decor and Japanese zen type vibe that sets it apart from your local sushi joint. 

We started off with boiled spinach, dressed with sesame seed and light soy sauce. 

It was followed by lotus root, carrot and Chinese mushroom

Chawanmushi (RM8) - This may be an old fashioned dish but the silky soft steamed egg never fails to win our hearts over and over again.

Kani Salad (RM32) - A piled of mixed salad topped with crab meat flakes, tomatoes and shrimp roe with wafu dressing. 

Shiro Maguro (RM38) and Salmon Oyaki Mori (RM42) - The restaurant receives new shipment of fish every Tuesday and Friday. Hence, it is wise to come during those days to enjoy immaculately fresh sashimi.

Foie Grass BBQ (RM38) - It is not very often that we will find Foie Gras on the skewered menu. When we saw it, we were tempted to try. The pronounced earthiness and creamy texture was enough to guarantee a standing place next to the Chef's grill. 

Soft Shell Crab Roll (RM18) - The hunky roll was held together with rice paper, filled with generous amount of avocado and soft shell crab.  

Grilled Minced Chicken (RM9) - In effort to showcase the minced chicken's brilliant pairing potential, the Chef hosted a raw egg yolk next to it.

Wagyu Seiro Mushi a.k.a Steamed Wagyu Beef (RM38) - The wooden square steamer, which was placed on top of a boiling pot of water, was filled with thinly sliced wagyu beef and cabbages. The dish was unpretentious, with tender beef slices that exploded into buttery flavor.

Garlic Fried Rice (RM12) -  A garlic laced fried rice served in a hot stone bowl. The result was an epic dish with Japanese flavors running headlong into Korean cooking techniques. 

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Smitten Dishes:

Wagyu Seiro Mushi 

Garlic Fried Rice

Salmon Oyaki Mori

Kame Sushi @ Sri Hartamas

At Kame Sushi, there is no a la carte menu and Chef Selection is the name of the game. Opt for the sushi kaiseki (RM80) if you are not feeling too hungry. But if you up for a big feast, choose the kaiseki, which ranges from RM150 to RM200. Nab a spot at the bar if you can because it is the best perch for watching raw dishes being prepared. 

Baby anchovy served with grated white radish was the perfect dish to kick off our meal.

Like most diners, we have a deep love for sashimi. All the fish were fresh, with a burst of sea flavor. 

Grill what everyone's craving for - Tender, Juicy Pork. 

Pop one of these squid's egg in your mouth and experience it melting with just a few bites. 

The shishamo emerged from the chef's kitchen shriveled and stunning. However, the texture was rather soggy, perhaps it was left at the chef's table for a tad too long. 

 Fresh, buttery grilled cod fish that will sleep deep in your belly

To wake up, put your tender heart with some fresh Japanese tomatoes. 

The sushi platter was mediocre, with classic flavors shipped to our table.

Ice cream waffles took center stage on a blue plate. 

 The Yuzu sorbet was fresh and creamy, packed with flavor, but light enough to leave you wanting more.

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN