Nestled in Tmn Desa's cluster of condos, Matsuba is a hushed hideout where customers feast on a cornucopia of Japanese chow & meditate on the soothing sight of a landscaped poolside.
Tororo gohan _ steamed rice with sticky yam & egg yolk. Some might scorn this as bland, but it compensates with a gentle warmth & creamy softness. Culinary consolation for the work-weary.
Salmon & avocado maki, topped with a princely portion of fresh fish.
Unagi & avocado roll, expertly executed to placate the clientele, which seems to mainly comprise Japanese expatriates and their families.
More avocado makis? Why not _ this mix of irreproachably crunchy soft-shell crab with velvety avocado is a surefire route to epicurean ecstasy.
Special salmon roll, wrapped in rice paper but without rice stuffed within. The health-conscious connoisseur's compromise between having a salad and a carb-loaded maki.
Buta kakuni. Braised pork belly that's as tender and tasty as any in town.
Crisp tonkatsu, unblemished by excess grease. Pork has a place of honor at Matsuba.
Mentaiko. Fried fish roe that screams out for a helping of nasi kandar.
Nonkatsu ramen. Not a thorough triumph, since the broth is watery and bland.
Grilled pork belly & chicken gizzard. Smoky succulence, squared.
Chicken skin skewers. Probably grilled a little too long, since it seems all dried out.
Green tea & sesame ice cream, with a homemade feel.
A 1.8-liter bottle of sake proved too much to handle (particularly since one person was compelled to consume the lion's share).
Matsuba Shokudo,
OBD Garden Tower Condominium,
Taman Desa, Off Jalan Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7987-7088
