For fans of distinctive Japanese fare, Hokkaido Syokudo is a should-try: As its name suggests, this new venue specialises in produce and cooking techniques from Japan's northernmost prefecture.
Start with the straw-roasted boneless chicken neck (RM24) - this is deliciously juicy, with clean, clear hints of smokiness. Who knew chicken neck could be this tasty?
Of course, you'll find seafood galore from Hokkaido, served in an assortment of styles, from rock fish sashimi (RM48) to a sushi roll topped with sea urchin and fresh raw fish (RM38.80) to flounder fish roe deep-fried tempura-style (RM32). Even the soy sauce for the sushi is specifically from Hokkaido.
There are mollusks aplenty too, offered both hot and cold - charcoal-grilled, umami-rich scallops (RM19.80) and frozen oyster sashimi (RM28).
With Hokkaido being well-known for dairy products, it's nice to see Hokkaido milk also used here to make omelettes (RM18) and to cook with salmon in a steaming hot pot (RM28).
Other quality ingredients include Hokkaido potatoes, mixed at the table with smoked eggs for a warm, creamy salad (RM16), and naturally sweet Hokkaido corn, grilled with Parmesan cheese (RM22).
Hokkaido miso is used to cook the ox tongue for extra depth of flavour (RM28); if you like bovine-based comfort food, beef curry rice with egg yolk (RM22) is also worth sampling. Pair these capably executed recipes with (what else?) Sapporo beer.
Brimming mainly with Japanese customers, this place can certainly be bookmarked.
Hokkaido Syokudo
A2-G2-2, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Tel: 03-6206-4964
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