The Nippon Series: Burgers of the Wagyu kind.

In an attempt to keep a balanced diet, in complementing all that ramen, tempura and okonomiyaki, one can't possibly go wrong with good ol' beef burgers, and of course when in Japan, one would go for beef of the Wagyu variety!

Stumbled upon Kobe Gavly at Kyoto Ramen Koji, the most unlikely of places amongst the ramen shops.

Kobe Gavly

According to them, the patties here are made of Kobe beef. I got the most basic burger which is the Kobe Gavly, with a side of some deliciously sinful deep fried sweet potato wedges. The patty itself was like a big, slightly flattened meatball wedged between the buns with lettuce and tomatoes. Portion was a tad small but it was delish nonetheless.

The Kobe Gavly

Where:

Kobe Gavly @ Kyoto Ramen Koji in Kyoto Station.

From one small burger to the next, heading back to Tokyo. This one isn't Wagyu but it is a good burger. With tummies rumbling, this was a great find from a stroll through Roppongi. 

The 3rd Burger @ Roppongi 

The Edamame Beans Burger was pleasant to the tastebuds. Who knew that edamame beans paste go well with a beef patty? Everything from the buns to the vegetables were super fresh. Yummylicious! So far, small burgers seems to be the trend though.

Edamame Beans Burger

Where:
The 3rd Burger @ Roppongi

Last but not least, there's Burger Mania!

The Platinum Burger

The Platinum Burger is a scrumptious burger with three Wagyu steak slices. It was a little tough to bite the steak slices at times though. Hard work for a piece of meat, but all well worth it.

Where:
Burger Mania @ Hiroo

Next trip, I'd like to give Blacows a try as it apparently beats Burger Mania with its quality Wagyu burgers at a level on its own. Tokyo, I'll be back!

The Nippon Series: Tempura and Tonkatsu - Deep fried goodness!

I've long been a fan of pork, and when it comes deep fried - Oh my!

Under the recommendation of my Tokyo-based cousin, I went with Saboten in Shinjuku.

Saboten @ Keio

It seems like just like in Singapore, there is always a line outside every restaurant at mealtimes. There's a beautiful, and very tempting display outside with the selection of dishes they serve to keep customers salivating.

Tempting display.

At Saboten, they first serve you a healthy appetiser in the form of shredded cabbage. Get your dose of vegetables before the sin of deep fried pork cutlets kick in.

Healthy appetiser - shredded cabbage.

Then, the star of the meal. Topped with an omelette, the pork was breaded and deep fried to perfection. NOMNOMNOM. Too happy for words.

Pork Loin Cutlet Katsudon.

Where:

Saboten is a chain with over 500 restaurants across Japan, you will not miss it.

I went to the one on the 8th floor of Keio Department Store in Shinjuku. 

Now, on to Tempura!

After visiting the Imperial Palace (more like a walk in the grounds outside and getting annoyed with Chinese tourists), it was time to fill up. Walked over to the labyrinth that is Tokyo Station for some Tempura at Keyaki. By that time, I was beginning to become familiar with the place so finding the restaurant wasn't such a task.

Keyaki @ Tokyo Station.

The Keyaki Tempura Bowl was satisfying to say the least. Consisting of shrimp, squid, sand borer (a type of fish it seems, never heard of it!), sweet potato, lotus root, eggplant, and green pepper, this sizeable portion was simply happiness. 

Oh, almost forgot to mention that Japanese rice is amazingly good, every single grain of it, regardless of the dish is comes with.

Keyaki Tempura Bowl.

Where:

Keyaki @ Tokyo Station

The Nippon Series: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki!

Kuidaore is a Japanese word meaning to "ruin oneself by extravagance in food".

Food associated with kuidaore in Osaka are Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kitsune udon. Two of them happen to be on my list of faves and so began their search!

Thanks to Google, I found out about Fugetsu - a restaurant that specialises in Okonomiyaki.

Fugetsu @ Tempozan Marketplace.

For the uninitiated, Okonomiyaki is a Japanese style pancake with vegetables, meat, and/or seafood blended in a batter.

At Fugetsu, they cook the Okonomiyaki on a hotplate right in front of you at your table.

Hotplate at the table.

You can choose from a range of toppings, from beef tendon and shrimp to squid and kimchi. It was a tough choice, but pork was the final decision.

If you've had okonomiyaki in KL, you're probably used to having them filled with mostly batter and hardly any other ingredients. The one at Fugetsu was the exact opposite of that. It came with hardly any batter, and a whole load of cabbage, pork and egg.

Okonomiyaki in the making - with heaps of cabbage, pork and egg.

It took a good 20 minutes if not more for it to cook, and by the time it was ready, it looked perfect with the sweet sauce and mayonnaise to top it off. It tasted wonderful. Now, where can I find Okonomiyaki in KL that remotely resembles this?

They also do pretty decent Yakisoba, which is cooked in the kitchen and served onto the hotplate.

Yakisoba and Okonomiyaki.

Where:

Fugetsu 

They're a chain with restaurants across Japan but the one I went to was at Tempozan Marketplace in Osaka.

Now, on to Takoyaki. I'd heard there are heaps of stores to choose from at Dotonbori so I gave Creo-ru a try. DO NOT GO THERE. The filling, which consisted mostly batter, was uncooked - which one can tell by the deflating ball as they try to pick it up, and there was a sorry size of an octopus bit inside. Such a disappointment.

Good thing I'd already had some pretty epic Takoyaki in Kyoto.

Gindaco @ Porta.

Stumbled upon Gindaco and am really glad as they were the best Takoyaki I've had. The chefs put such effort into those wonderful octopus balls, it's no wonder there's always a line of people waiting to get their share.

Takoyaki from Gindaco, Yummy!

Crisp on the outside and filled with cabbage, bits of pickled ginger, green onions and a big fat piece of octopus. Deliciousness packed in a ball.

Where:
Gindaco @ Porta near Kyoto Station

The Nippon Series: Ramen Adventures!

Fresh off my trip to Japan, and having had a wonderful gastronomical affair, it would not be fair to not share the love. Since there was a wide array of food I had in the space of two weeks, there will be a number of posts in the Nippon Series. The first one shall be on one of the most loved exports around the world - Ramen.

I'll start with one of the restaurants at Kyoto Ramen Koji - a ramen mecca at Kyoto Station. It was difficult to pick between the eight restaurants there but we finally settled on Araumado.

Araumado @ Kyoto Station.

As with most if not all ramen restaurants, you buy a ticket for the type of ramen you want from the vending machine at the front of the restaurant and present it to the attendants who will then seat you.

Arauma Ramen with a side of Gyoza.

Arauma Ramen - cooked in pork bone broth with roasted garlic oil, the ramen was slightly chewy to the bite. Simply delicious! The gyoza was really yummy as well. What was different was that the skin was not stuck together as what I’m used to. No matter, they were delicious regardless!

Where:

Araumado @ Kyoto Ramen Koji in Kyoto Station.

From one Ramen Street to the next, Oreshiki Jun can be found at Tokyo Station. 

Oreshiki Jun @ Tokyo Station.

Tried their Tsukemen, which is basically dipping the ramen in a separate bowl of soup. It was an interesting experience to say the least. The slices of pork and the broth were extremely flavourful, but my only gripe is that the soup was just not hot enough.

Tsukemen. 

Right next to Oreshiki Jun is Rokurinsha. If your tummy isn't grumbling and you don’t mind queueing in line for at least 30 minutes, give it a try as I’ve heard they do the best Tsukemen. 

Where:

Oreshiki Jun @ Ramen Street in Tokyo Station (B1F Yaesu South Exit)

Finally, last but not least, I’d like to bring to your attention Ichiran – they specialise in Tonkotsu Ramen ie. pork based broth. 

Ichiran @ Shibuya.

Seating only 21, this branch at Shibuya provided a one of a kind experience. Let me tell you why.

As per usual, one buys a ticket for their ramen at the vending machine (after waiting in line for at least 30 minutes down the stairs into the basement in the sweltering heat and humidity). One would usually be seated when a table is ready, but this is where the story is slightly different. 

The row of individual booths.

Once language of choice is determined, the attendant hands over 2 pieces of paper and motions you to go past the curtain into a row of 10 individual booths.

On one piece, you choose your preferences on your bowl of ramen from the richness and flavour strength of the soup, to the amount of garlic and chilli you want. On the other piece is the option to top up on noodles, slices of pork and other sides such as egg and mushrooms should your tummy feel the need to be filled up even more.

Choose your preferences and then order!

Once ready, place your voucher and your preferences in front of you and press the red button. The chef takes your order and off she goes to prepare it.

Behind the scenes - Here you can see the row of booths on the other side. Couldn't see where the ramen prep though!

This bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen was by far the best I've had. The soup was flavourful yet not overwhelmingly rich, the pork slices so tender, and the chilli complemented the soup very well.

Introducing the best bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen I've ever had.

The individual booths idea is ingenious. One gets to concentrate on and enjoy their bowl of ramen with no distractions whatsoever.

If you've been to Tokyo and haven't been to Ichiran, or if you're running on a tight schedule, Ichiran is highly recommended. They're a chain with many locations across Japan, so do go check one out near you!

Where:
Ichiran @ Shibuya

Tiong Bahru Bakery @ Raffles City

Caught up with high school friends over the weekend in Singapore where I got a taste of the bread and pastries at the popular Tiong Bahru Bakery. It came highly recommended by a friend in KL and since I have a love affair with bread, why not!

Tiong Bahru Bakery at Raffles City.

I was pleased there wasn't a long queue. In fact, there was nobody in the line. The selection wasn't too overwhelming but it does make one crave for everything on display. Unfortunately, our tummies were not bottomless so we had to settle for just a few.

The sweets!

The savoury.

We were pretty decisive with what we wanted, so here's what we got:

Chocolate Almond Croissant ($4)

The Chocolate Almond Croissant was good, just wish it was more buttery haha..

Apple Kouign Amann ($3.90) and Lemon Tart ($6)

The Lemon Tart was more of a soft biscuit sandwich with a lemon filling, not what I was expecting but delish nonetheless. Now, the Apple Kouign Amann was what I really wanted to try. This sinful little round cake is a Breton cake made with bread dough, containing loads and loads of butter and sugar - just my kind of thing.

Pain Au Chocolat ($3.90) and Apple Crumble ($6.80)

The Pain Au Chocolat was good, but it could have done with more chocolate. Finally, the Apple Crumble - this was a little on the sweet side with hardly any apple. The crumble was good though.

Overall, it was a fun catch up, reminiscing the school days, and every single teacher we encountered then and their funny habits haha..

Verdict: It may have been my high expectations but I wasn't entirely impressed. I much prefer Yeast! The sandwiches and quiches looked appetising though, shall give those a try next time.

Where:

Tiong Bahru Bakery

252 North Bridge Road

#B1-11/12 Raffles City Shopping Centre

Singapore 179103

When:

Daily: 9am - 10pm

Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches @ Sea Park, PJ

It's been a while, but Bravo and I finally got back to official foodscapade duties last week! With a few fellow food lovers in tow, we visited Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. 

Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches

Praise the Lard! Those are the words that greet customers at the entrance, and you know to expect nothing but lardy goodness once you step inside.

Delivery chute from the kitchen to the counter and back!

It was past the agreed meeting time so the three of us early birds decided to order first. The menu is pretty simple, but the ordering system not so haha..thank goodness one of the guys on site came to the rescue. How it works is, you pick what you want, tick it off a sheet, and rock up to the sandwich counter to place your order and pay the bill all at once.

The guys doing their jobs =P

It surprisingly didn't take long for the food to plate once our order was made. Good news for our tummies!

Ssshock Sendiri - spicy, sweet, salty battered pork. (RM15)

The Ssshock Sendiri and Once You Go Black sandwiches were super delish, especially with the freshly baked charcoal buns. 

Once You Go Black - pork in black sauce. (RM15)

What's a sandwich without fries, eh? The French Fries were nice and crisp, but they were quickly left like a forgotten child once the Freaky Fries emerged. Drizzled with minced pork and cheese and surprisingly not too overwhelming, these babies were pretty much sin in a basket. TOO GOOD.

French Fries and Freaky Fries. (+RM8 for a sandwich meal with a drink)

Finally, the highlight of the night - The Ribs! Tender and succulent, they sure packed a punch in the flavour department. One of the guys' comments - "tastes Chinese" haha..funny but it does ring true. There must be some Chinese spice or sauce they use in the marinade. Whatever it is, it's good!

Ribs! (RM38)

Verdict: We love the sandwiches and most definitely would head back for the porky fries!

Where:

Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches

5, Jalan 21/11A,

Sea Park, 

46300 Petaling Jaya.

When:

Tues - Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Restoran Yu Ai 友爱海鲜面之家 @ Segambut

School is out and summer is in! The foodscapades continue without saying, coupled with a tendency for an increase in adventures as well. Hopefully my waistline will be able to keep up. 

My colleagues have been raving about the seafood noodles at Restoran Yu Ai and we finally had the time to go this summer break!

Restoran Yu Ai

There's seating in the shop itself and at the back, which is where we seated ourselves where it's nice and shadey (and cooling, one would hope) under the trees.

One can enjoy their meal under the cool shade of the trees.

So, what does Yu Ai specialise in? Seafood noodles! You have a choice of between original, tom yum, or curry. I'd somehow been in a tom yum mood so far this summer so tom yum it was for me! 

Boy, was it delicious. Packed full of flavour, the big bowl of noodles was generously filled with super fresh salmon fillets, clams, prawns, and cuttlefish.

Tom Yum, and Curry Seafood Noodles (RM22)

The curry version was super flavourful as well. They also serve fish head noodles, with an added zing of wine in it - delicious!

Fish head noodles.

I'm still so full from that huge bowl of noodles. Not sure if I can even fit dinner in. Ok, I lie, dinner is def on the cards! But on a more serious note, maybe a couple hours later than usual haha.

Verdict: MUST HEAD BACK another day! They do have branches in SS2 and Puchong, but I think QC would be held to the highest standards at their main branch in Segambut.

Where:

Main Shop

No. 42, Jalan Segambut Utara,

51200 Kuala Lumpur.

(8am - 5pm)

SS2 branch

No. 58, Jalan SS2/10,

47300 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor.

(10:30am - 9:30pm)

Puchong

22, Jalan Puteri 2/4,

Bandar Puteri,

47100 Puchong,

Selangor.

(10am - 9pm)

Hang Heung Wife Cakes (恒香老婆饼)

That time of the year again! Family friends from Hong Kong are in town, and of course they didn't come empty handed. This time they brought some freshly baked Wife Cakes from Hang Heung. 

Air flown from Hong Kong!

Only a occasional wife cake eater, it isn't something I usually crave for but give me anything to do with pastry and I'm all set! 

Super fresh Wife Cakes from Hang Heung.

Filled with winter melon paste, these super fresh cakes are soft and chewy to the bite - utterly delicious. The only thing was that the pastry was a tad crumbly and pretty much falls apart upon biting it, leaving the filling bare. 

Soft and chewy to the bite - delish!

Verdict: Lotus paste biscuits still trump this but wouldn't mind having this in my pantry anytime! Now where can I find a worthy substitute closer to home?

Where:

Hang Heung Cake Shop

Hong Kong.

Estilo @ Publika

What was originally planned as a burger night out turned into an unexpectedly Spanish affair thanks to my brother in law. He's pretty adventurous when it comes to trying out new restaurants and since he was the first to arrive at the scene, he surveyed the restaurants and picked out Estilo - a Spanish Tapas bar. I didn't even know it existed even though it was only a few metres down the block from Fatboy's!

Estilo

First up, Tacos! Looks delicious, doesn't it? It was only okay. First of all, the tacos were half the size of that in the menu. Second, they were stale. The filling was alright.

Taco time (RM25)

This cute mini lime margarita came with the set. Cute, yes. Alcoholic, doubtful.

Mini Lime Margarita

Next up, another Ramadan set meal - Grilled Lamb with Paella. The lamb was pretty tasty, and the rice not too bad. Still wasn't feeling the Spanish in the food though.

Grilled Lamb with Paella.

Finally, we had the Paella Mariscos - seafood paella. The seafood was fresh, the rice was delicious, and the garlic oil sauce to go with it really added to the range of flavours in this dish. Yummy! 

Paella Mariscos (RM124)

I was still hungry at the end of dinner. Ok, granted I have a somewhat bottomless pit but a sizeable dinner should fill me up. The portions were a little sad. Also, what is a Tapas bar without pork?! Not so authentic after all.

Verdict: Got to head back to Pincho's soon for some actual authentic Spanish fare.

Where:
Estilo
Level G2 Block C5,
Publika Solaris Dutamas,
34, Jalan Dutamas 1,
Hartamas Heights,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.

When:
Daily 11:30am - Midnight