Thanks to its value-for-money proposition, Rakuzen has continued to be one of my favorite Japanese restaurants after so many years. Here you will be treated with a parade of Japanese food, served in a tastefully decorated dining room. To solidify your fantasy, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu, crafted by its master chef.
Ika Okura (seasonal menu @ RM19) - This silky, slimy marinated squid with lady finger was pleasantly refreshing.
Salmon Belly - The delicate salmon belly was good on its own or gussied up with some fresh wasabi.
Rakuzen's sushi has a devoted following. Among all the sushi choices, Hojo has always been the apple of my eye. For RM80, be ready to dive in for some Toro, Toro Kanpachi, Toro Salmon, Anago, Hon Zuwaigani, Ameabi, Uni, Ikura and Tekka Maki. Each sashimi subtly worked its way into the bed of rice, imparting a burst of umami into each bite.
Awabi Chawanmushi (seasonal menu @ RM20) - The chawanmushi was topped with abalone, sea cucumber and okra instead of the usual fish cake and crab stick. Augmented with a special layer of sauce, the steamed egg balanced the exotic toppings wonderfully.
Tempura Moriawase (RM26) - The lacy prawn and vegetable fritters were expertly fried, yielding a plate of airy and crispy finish products.
Life is short and you should always take the gastronomic road less traveled, but once a while, its nice to venture back to some familiar cooking. Rakuzen is definitely a welcome addition to the Publika's dining scene.
Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN
Yet to try Rakuzen in Publika but yes...they certainly serve good food. Price isn't too bad. I am impressed with the chawanmushi. Generously filled with ingredients and steamed just right.
ReplyDeleteI think the food quality in Publika is better than the Empire's outlet. The chawanmushi was indeed very delicious.
DeleteI have to agree with you! The food's really reasonable for the quality you get there! And the sashimi and sushi never fails to disappoint!! :)
ReplyDeleteYeap. Thats why I keep on going back there after so many years.. =D
DeleteWhoa! How fortunate you are to be able to have such delicious dishes! RM80, though, for a plate of several sushi is expensive! :p I'd love to try the squid lady finger dish... yum
ReplyDeleteIt maybe expensive but I don't think you can get such good quality sushi in another restaurant at RM80.
DeleteDespite having so many branches .. their quality still good..
ReplyDeleteI tried that one in Subang .. nice
Their QC is pretty good. Did you try the empire or the ss15 one?
Deleteooo, i didn't realize that rakuzen also does seasonal menus. looks like a definitely worthwhile reason to visit, since those seasonal recipes look quite extraordinary :D
ReplyDeleteYeap..and the pricing is very reasonable.
DeleteYummy! I can't wait to try it :)
ReplyDeleteThey use a lot of top ingredients in their food!
Yeap. Rakuzen is actually my favorite Japanese chain restaurant. Hope you will enjoy it too! =)
DeleteYay - I love Japanese - good to see there are still some reasonably priced options around town. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes.. its getting harder to find places that serve good japanese food at reasonable price.
ReplyDeleteHaving tried Rakuzen some time back, I too love the food found on their menu. Enjoyed looking at all the food you have tried which I have had before too.
ReplyDeleteYummy right? heheh I would love to have some sushi now.
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