Tsubohachi Malaysia – A new Japanese Izakaya restaurant in Publika Solaris Dutamas KL that is worth visiting for Sub-Zero Asahi Super Dry, stay for Umeshu and Yuzushu Glass On The Rock, get carried away with Nagashi Somen Setto. By the end of the meal, leave with satisfaction over good food, cool vibe, great hospitality – pretty much fitting Tsubohachi core principles (Aji, Wa, Omotenashi) well.
Nagashi Somen Setto RM27.90
We may not have the chance to taste the real Nagashi Somen in Japan yet, but here at Tsubohachi Malaysia, wish granted in a different way to try this “flowing noodle in a long flume of split bamboo pipe filled with cold water”. The contributor – A green colour compact Nagashi Somen machine party set that both children and adults will go nuts with it.
Press the black colour button at the center of the machine, water will start to run in circular motion. Place somen, cucumber, and carrot slices into the water, let them flow for few minutes, so that they get cold. Then the fun part starts – fishing the noodles and vegetables with your chopsticks. To eat, put some noodles into your bowl, adds julienne cucumber, ginger on top, drizzles some soy sauce over and you are good to tuck in these icy cold, slurpy smooth noodles. Accompany with deep fried tempura for extra texture.
Grilled Mackarel RM52.90
While Nagashi Somen Setto can easily be the highlight in Tsubohachi, especially for young age diners ( well, afterall Instagram and Facebook-photos-worthy food need to be like this), other Japanese selections here are not forgotten too. Do note that Tsubohachi has over 300 outlets alone in Japan, and stays strong as Japan most famous Izakaya restaurant for over 4 decades since its establishment in Hokkaido Japan during 1970s’. This eatery doesn’t stay popular for no reason, so check out some of the MUST EAT in Tsubohachi besides the Nagashi Somen in this blog post.
Ramen Sarada RM16.90
Ramen Sarada makes a good starter, opening up the appetite with cold ramen tossed in Japanese sesame dressing, alongside with smoked ham, tomatoes, onion, egg, leek and vegetables for additional bites and flavours. Sizeable portion, balanced nutrients, you can always have it as main course option.
Sub-Zero Asahi RM25.90/half pint
A visit to Tsubohachi is incomplete without a pint of Asahi Sub-Zero, because this is the only place in KL that serves below 0 degree celsius Asahi beer. Smoother texture, more refreshing to the palate, with density of bubbles on top kept longer, thanks to the -2 degree temperature.
Deep Fried River Shrimp RM14.90
Have some delicious beer snack to go with our beer, namely Deep Fried River Shrimp, Grilled Ray Fin and Chicken Karaage. Not a fan of the Deep Fried River Shrimp, but Grilled Ray Fin is nice!
Grilled Ray Fin RM12.90
Grilled Ray Fin, or “Eihire” in Japanese. Dried string ray fish, grilled to shades of brown and shredded into thick strips. Served with mayo dip sprinkled with spicy chilli powder. Nice to chew on. Our favourite snack food to go with Asabi Sub-zero.
Chicken Karaage RM13.90
The glory of Chicken Karaage may get shadowed with the existence of Deep Fried River Shrimp and Grilled Ray Fin, but still fares decently for the taste – light crunchy at the outer layer, locked with juicy meatiness within.
Hokkaido Style Deep Fried Potato RM8.90
No, it doesn’t taste like Japanese croquette, but a sticky, chewy version of deep potato brushed with sweet sauce. Like eating Nyonya Kuih but Japanese fusion style, for it is a tad chewier with glutinous rice kind of texture haha.
Potato Mentaiko Yaki RM13.90
Hmm..Potato Mentaiko Yaki tastes closer to potato. Served over a hot plate to keep it warm, putting round potato at the bottom, generously layered with mentaiko and topped with mozarella cheese. Starchy, cheesy, creamy and flavourful. Spoon down, pull higher for better cheesy sensation.
Chicken Skin Skewers RM7.80
Chicken Thigh Skewers With Leek RM7.80
In case you are not aware, Tsubohachi has long fame for their sushi and yakitori, or Japanese skewers. Among all, we enjoyed the Chicken Skin Skewers and Chicken Thigh Skewers with Leek the most. The former is Summerkid favourite, though he knows that it is an unhealthy part of a chicken. But its crackling crispiness is so irresistible. Eat first.
Ontama Tsukune Teppanyaki RM12.90
Grilled minced chicken with hot spring egg isn’t exceptionally delicious, but not too bad either. The patty itself contains soft bone, so juicy met asides, you will munch on soft crunch cartilage which actually delivers more texture. Spread the Ontama egg over the meat, and discover for better flavours.
Hokkaido Salmon & Vegetables RM21.50
Sadly to say, Tsubohachi Hokkaido Salmon & Vegetables doesn’t live up to our expectation. Overcooked salmon over a bed of vegetables, dressed in not-so-memorable sauce. Rather salty overall, so perhaps a bowl of white rice is ideal to go with this dish.
Buta Hakusai Nabe RM29.90
Pork belly and Chinese cabbage, one layer after another, forming rose petal like delicacy in the claypot. Huge pot, enough to fit 2 to 3 persons.
Deep Fried Flounder RM42.50
Hotate Yaki RM9.90
Grilled scallop with butter and soy sauce, interesting sauce combination but liking it or not, is very subjective. Scallop that we had that night wasn’t the freshest we had ever tasted, but credits given to the extra effort for flavouring up the seafood with different sauce instead of just grilling it.
Hokkai Kamameshi RM36.90
King crab, scallop and salmon on raw rice, covered and cook upon serving. A dish that you need to be patient, as a waiting time of 20 minutes is required to get the rice cooked through slowly over small flame below it.
Tsubohachi Saikoro Suteki RM26.50
Beef lovers, rejoice with Tsubohachi Saikoro Suteki. Tender chunks of meat, coated with original sweet sauce.
Photography: Summerkid
Write Up: Summergirl
Address:
Tsubohachi Malaysia
A2-UG1-9,
Publika Solaris Dutamas,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Contact: 03 – 6206 5526
Website: http://www.tsubohachi.com.my
Opening Time: Mon-Sun (10:30am – 1:00am)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsubohachimalaysia
