Haru sprang to life in Bukit Damansara this week, specialising in omakase-style dining that showcases the imagination & craftsmanship of Malaysian chefs. Run by a hard-working team, Haru has the potential to become a well-respected restaurant.
The main man behind Haru's counter is Chef Oreo, formerly of Coco Tei; he's spent much of the past year refining his skills at restaurants in Tokyo, Osaka & Hokkaido, with an eye toward channelling that experience in creative ways at his new workplace.
This week, Haru's recommended omakase set costs RM180++, kicking off with a nice-to-nibble selection of starters that work well as an introduction to the meal ahead.
Haru's sashimi is entirely enjoyable too; no complaints, only praise for this platter.
If you're in a group, you'll receive a sharing platter of raw fish, painstakingly put together for excellent visual allure.
Apple salad, with crunchy-creamy components that keep our palates pleasurably perked up.
Grilled prawn with salmon belly & flying fish roe. Expertly executed; succulent & savoury.
Love this combo too: Maguro with foie gras, salmon with truffle oil, kampachi with fish roe.
Oden? Absolutely, yes, please. A lovely surprise to see this being served here.
The sushi platter is tasty too; not a show-stopper but satisfying enough in its simplicity.
Umeshu jelly brings the meal to an end. Worth the cost? Pretty much ...
... especially since we guzzled glass after glass after glass of sake. JULY EDIT: Do note, a free flow of sake was initially included in the RM180++ cost of the meal as an opening promotion for Haru; however, it is no longer available for now.
Haru may start serving an a la carte selection next month for customers who don't have two hours to indulge in omakase offerings. Expect reasonably priced options like a three-coloured bowl of udon & soba ...
... or seafood (prawns, salmon & scallops), pan-fried with butter. Will we hear more about Haru in the months ahead? Definitely.
Haru Japanese Restaurant
124A, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2011-8783
Lunch & dinner, Tuesday-Sunday
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