Wasabi Bistro @ Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Located in P1 of Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Wasabi Bistro is a noteworthy restaurant strategically situated in the heart of KL city, highlighting Californian-inspired Japanese cuisine in an informal casual seating. We were glad to discover Wasabi Bistro, definitely one of the best place for Japanese dinner after a long day at work, or for party, gathering as well as corporate dining.

Once stepping in, we were greeted politely by the staff. Welcoming us later is a very spacious area that offers front row seats at sushi bar, where you can witness chef at work; followed by private tables for more intimate dining; or private rooms at inner side of the restaurant for exclusive dining, all seats up to ten guests each.

Wasabi Bistro speaks on clean yet elegant interior, having wooden floor tiles stretched over, coupled with ample of earthy elements and white colour furnishing for a calm, relaxing environment. Decorations are kept simple, service is top notch, hence just lay back and enjoy your meal.

Santen-mori RM62.00
Our meal started with a set of noteworthy appetizer, consisting four types of bite size appetite openers namely Kumi’s (crab meat with avocado in special sauce); Ahi Poke (fresh diced tuna Hawaiian-style); Horenso-goma (blanched spinach with sesame dressing); Tamago-yaki (Steamed-prawn on skewer with sweet-coated walnut).

Each of them was so good, couldn’t decide which one is better. Summerkid loved the Ahi Poke, buttery fresh with a touch of tang. While Summergirl preferred Kumi’s, which is also the signature appetizer of Wasabi Bistro. One bite into the ball shape Kumi’s revealed mouthful of textures and flavours- chewy bits of crab meat, creaminess of avocado, soft flakiness from white fish all gracefully dressed in delicious, savoury secret sauce. Yumms…

Dobin-mushi RM28.00

A pot of soup elegantly presented in traditional Japanese hot pot, pleasant to both the eyes and palate. This Dobin-mushi warmed up our tummy just before we proceeded to main courses, clean in flavours yet brimming with nourishing touch drawing from the ingredients.

We were told to squeeze in lemon juices into the tea cup before filling it with soup from teapot. We tried both, one with while another didn’t. Indeed, the later tasted much better with a faint hint of fragrance from lemon, not to forget the zesty zing that bring a balance to the savouriness.

As we drank on, fresh ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, button mushrooms, enoki mushrooms and prawns came to sight from the bottom. Have them with soup, or after the soup.

Sashimi Hana RM380.00
A presentation of freshly cut seafood items to include salmon, salmon-belly, Chutoro (tuna-belly), Kimidai (Japanese Snapper), Ika (Japanese Squid), Uni (Sea-urchin) and Hamachi (yellow-tail)

Dynamite Scallop RM35.00
Our favourite and must have! Served over an earthen platter, Dynamite Scallop showcases a bed of Japanese rice tossed with sliced scallops and mushrooms, thickly covered with special sauce and topped over with cheese then baked. Tuck in one spoonful, we were immediately blown away by the rich creaminess that came with extra fiery hot sensation, luxurious added with whole scallop that lends distinct amount of sweetness.

Sushi-roll Platter
Do not leave Wasabi Bistro without trying their sushi roll, all skill-fully prepared to ensure delicate flavours, textures and colours. Our top picks go to Salmon Mango Roll(RM43.00) Rainbow roll(RM52.00) and Soft-shell Crab Roll(RM38.00), come in 6 pieces per order. Don’t wonder, fruits and sashimi fare a good marriage when comes together.

Tempura Ice-cream RM25
The meal ended with Tempura Ice Cream, a special dessert by Wasabi Bistro which envelops green-tea ice-cream within dense, soft strawberry bread then dipped into tempura batter and deep fried to golden perfection. Quite filling, but we enjoyed the wonderful hot and cold combination. Oh ya, fresh crispiness counted too.

Photography: Summerkid
Write Up: Summergirl

Address:
Wasabi Bistro
P1, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur,
Kuala Lumpur City Centre,
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Contact: +603 2163 0968
Business Hours: 12:00pm-2:30pm (Lunch); 6:00pm – 10:30pm (Dinner)
How to reach: Align at LRT KLCC, walk out from KLCC Shopping Centre (the exit facing Public Bank with water fountain), turn right and walk along the building till the end, Mandarin Oriental KL will come in sight. Wasabi Bistro is at P1.