Don't Judge Me

Yes! That was Pikotaro in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. With Anita and the kids in Port Dickson and me being post-call, I did not plan anything for the day. Hunting for food, I decided to go out. A quick search on the net and I learned that there would be an event all weekend at Pavilion and as part of the event - called Japan Expo Malaysia - Pikataro of the PPAP fame would be making an appearance.

True to the precision of Japanese timing, Pikatoro appeared on stage just after the advertised 5 pm start. The place was already packed when I arrived and I decided to perch myself at one of the upper floors. Hence the vido was taken from the sixth floor right parallel to the stage. Not great but it did the trick I supposed ....

So, here we go .... I have a pen ...

Return to Express Sushi

It has been a while since I visited Express Sushi at Great Eastern Mall, arguably the best sushi fast-food outlet in town. Miles better the more accessible Yo! Sushi at least. Since coming here a couple of years ago, the main chef - Eric has been busy with another of their outlet. There was a period last year that the quality went down a bit, but today it was almost back to when I first came.

The ramen for startersSince it was just a quick stop, we had to be quick. They now have a lunch menu which came in handy. My set - salmon teriyaki set - came with ramen, potato salad and a bowl of rice. Not bad for RM26 actually.

And the mains has arrivedBut they were soon goneThe outlet is located on the Lower Ground Floor of Great Eastern Mall, next to Delifrance.

Nippon Tei, KLCC

After the hour we had at Taman Tasik Perdana, all of us were hungry. When he was having fever, Idlan kept on telling us that he wanted to have chicken teriyaki. Now that he was much better, we decided to have some. Since we ended up in KLCC, we thought we might try Nippon Tei again. The place certainly has changed a bit …..

Dozo! Dozo!The temaki to start withIt still looked the same from the outside. The menu still looked similar, but it had been more than a year since we last came to visit. The problem with place was, they did not seem to be able to cope during peek time. Order came late, even sometime needed reminding. It was early evening. The place was already half full by then. We decided to go in anyhow. To our surprise, the service had improved tremendously, and the food was definitely much better than before.

The excellent starfruit juiceI have to admit upfront, it wasn’t the cheapest Japanese outlet in town. Certainly the place was more expensive than the excellent Express Sushi at Great Eastern Mall. But compared to before, it was miles better. The service was much quicker, and the staff seemed much more friendly and accommodating. We started off with sashimi and temaki. We ordered the garlic fried rice - which was excellent - for the boys and chicken teriyaki bento for Idlan. The teriyaki was served piping hot on a hot plate, still simmering with juicy goodness. Both Idlan and Irfan enjoyed it, Irfan later licking the crusted gravy off the plate, it was that tasty.

The teriyaki has arrivedThe sashimi was fine, rather on the expansive side - about RM30+ for 5 slices. I get twice the amount at almost half the price at Express Sushi. The fruit juice was excellent. I also ordered some unagi and rice as my main dinner, and it was really nice. The sauce was very good, and the eel was well-cooked. I must say that I was really impressed with the garlic fried rice - something I would try on the next visit.

Irfan munching awayAll in all, it was a great dinner out. The boys especially Irfan enjoyed it. Idlan enjoyed the miso - nobody can resist MSG I supposed! The restaurant was located on the fourth floor of Suria, on the Isetan end, right next to another Japansese eatery - one which I suggest you avoid - Sakae Sushi. The teriyaki was well done, and I suggest those visiting should try them.

Teriyaki no more - after Irfan done with it. Here seen licking the hotplate dry!

Would I go there again? - Most definitely, and I will order the teriyaki, temaki, garlic fried rice and starfruit juice. If you’re into Japanese and happened to be around KLCC, you should definitely give the restaurant a visit.

Lot 426/427 Level 4 Suria KLCC, KLCC, KL, 50888 - Tel: 603-21614176 

Give me the Sushi!

Expresssushi, Great Eastern Mall 1, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Myself and Anita went out this afternoon, in search of face masks for the boys and also a thermal scanner, to scan the driver's and maids' forehead just in case they have fever. It seems that panic has gripped the whole of Kuala Lumpur. None of the outlets have kiddy's mask in store. The thermal scanner were also sold out, and we put one in order. It should be available sometime in the next few days. Even the Pharmacist told us that everyone was buying them in droves. There was even a customer asking if he can sell them Tamiflu without prescription!

After doing all that, I started having a crave. It is expected to be Ramadhan by Friday. It's the fasting month. I had to get myself filled up, eat the things that I crave! I needed sushi! And I need them now!

Just next door to the Pharmacy is a new sushi joint. We frequent Great Eastern Mall from time to time, but never noticed this small little shop. It is called Express Sushi. It has only been opened for a couple of months. Gingerly we walked in. The friendly waiter came over and asked if we are familiar with Japanese food. If we needed help ordering. A quick chat and then I ordered salmon sashimi, California handroll and a soba. Anita had miso soup as extra.

Honestly, I was blown away. The sashimi was really nice, even the avocado in the handroll tasted fresh, and the soup ..... Basically it was a delight. The owner, Michael, and the Manager Eric, was always at hand, talking to us about the menu. This is their first outlet, and they are planning many more in the future with plans for delivery. The main bulk of the business will be take-aways and also catering for small parties. With food this good, I can't see them having much problem expanding.

While talking about the price, I accidentally blurted out the words .. "It's so cheap!", much to my embarrassment. In all honesty, the price was very reasonable, and compared to some other outlet, the food here is much better. Certainly no complains here. However, if you are really into Japanese, and planning for a big order, maybe a Japanese buffet will be a better idea.

The actual dining area was rather small, obviously trying to keep the overhead down. The location was also rather hidden. It was on the Lower Ground Floor, and it was by sheer luck that we stumble upon the place. The seating are arranged in a single row overlooking the wall. There are a couple of round table outside, but should you come in a big party, you will struggle. Apparently according to Michael, they are able to provide bigger table if you give them a heads up. Also since the location is away from the main entrance, should we order up front for take away, we can just drive through at the ground floor and he will pass on the order.

Personally, I am not being paid to write about this. However, the restaurant deserve a special mention. So Michael, if you are reading this, make sure my next meal is on the house .... Cheers!

The restaurant can be contacted on 03 42560010, or why not have a look at their Facebook page.