Gyu-Kaku,
Lot G102, 2nd Floor,
Isetan, 1Utama shopping centre,
Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7733 0018
Business hours: 10.00am to 10.00pm, daily.
BEING an “alien” when it comes to Japanese food (I have never tried them!), I was a bit hesitant when I was sent to sample some of the local delicacies from the Land of the Rising Sun at Gyu-Kaku in 1Utama Shopping Centre.
But as soon as I tasted the food at the restaurant, I acquired a new-found addiction to Japanese cuisine.
Located on the second floor at Isetan, Gyu Kaku is a Japanese BBQ restaurant owned by Autumn Odyssey Snd Bhd, which is part of Naza Group of Companies.
It is a Japanese BBQ restaurant originating from Japan. ‘Gyu Kaku’ means “horn of the bull” in Japanese.
“That is why we have the finest and the best beef selection here.
“Also, the preparation and ingredients in all our food are halal,” said restaurant general manager P. Devarajan.
Beefy delight: The restaurant?s premium selection of meat.
The highlight at Gyu-Kaku is their beef. The restaurant prides itself on offering high quality meat.
“All our meat and ingredients are specially imported to ensure the taste is enhanced and to give our customers food worth their money,” said Food and Beverage manager Simon Varughese.
If you are a Japanese food lover, especially BBQ, then this is the place to head to.
Their cosy and classy interior, with warm lighting, is welcoming.
Offering the concept “Be your own chef”, diners can enjoy their food in a fun and interactive environment as they get to BBQ their own meat, with help from friendly waiters.
And if you are wondering what is so special about this particular Japanese BBQ restaurant, let me tell you their secret, their BBQ roasters are smokeless!
Leafy goodness: The set of salad and rice, the Ishiyaki Mentaiko
With their signature smokeless roasters, Gyu-Kaku uses a down-draft system, where the smoke from the grill is sucked into the underground duct and taken to the roof top, thus diners do not leave the premises smelling of smoke, not even a trace!
“Besides that, with our specially imported grill from Japan, the excess fat from food drips into the brazier and allows guests to enjoy food cooked in a healthier manner.
“Our meats are also marinated with special ingredients and sauces to bring out the flavour as well as to keep the meat juicy and tender even when being grilled,” said Simon.
As for the appetiser, the Horenso and Wakame salad made using spinach, raw meaty mushrooms topped with crispy garlic and drizzled with the restaurant’s special dressing, the goma sauce, was delicious.
Those who love to eat vegetables will definitely enjoy this tasty and healthy treat as it is not oily and tastes fresh.
Moving on to the main course, I sampled their Ishiyaki Mentaiko, which is rice, salmon, cod roe and greens topped with dry seaweed and served in a hot stone bowl.
It was flavourful and a gastronomical delight, especially for someone who has not savoured Japanese food before.
Then, it was BBQ time!
The smokeless BBQ grill set used by the restaurant.
After choosing my selection of meat, the waiters helped me grill them.
There is a temperature controller placed at the corner of each table, so you can adjust the heat accordingly.
There are two types of sauces provided; the tare sauce and a spicy sauce. Dip your meat in both the sauces and you will definitely enjoy the sweet and spicy taste.
“The sauces are specially prepared by our chefs, and we take pride in it. Our customers enjoy the rich taste and always ask for more,” said Varughese with a laugh.
The meat was indeed juicy and tender and the vast variety of meat and seafood will leave you spoilt for choice.
I ended my meal on a sweet note with the restaurant’s traditional dessert, a milk pudding topped with soybean powder and Japanese brown sugar syrup.
The milk pudding was creamy and aromatic, leaving you wanting more.
“We want our customers to leave feeling satisfied, and that is why Gyu-Kaku places great emphasis on quality,” said Varughese .
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
