The Holiday Inn Glenmarie is located in a rather secluded location and getting there is almost like travelling to a secret hideaway. After passing through the main gate, Fu-Rin Restaurant on the right will be the first restaurant you see and right across it, there’s a huge carpark. Such convenience and this is one of the reasons I enjoy going to this hotel.
It’s been almost two years since I last visited Fu-Rin so stepping into Fu-Rin, undoubtedly there’s an air of familiarity about it. The fit-out is a bit dated though and has that “old but comfortable” ambience. The furniture, carpet and lightings are simples and certainly won’t score top marks for any interior decor award – it’s clear people generally come here for the food. Chef Mike Yip, who’s also known for his bold creations of fusion dishes, is fond of the comforting appeal of traditional Japanese dishes. I personally got to taste some of these old-but-gold favourites of the chef recently.
Once we were seated, dainty bowls of Wakame Kyuuri Su (RM15) – seaweed with Japanese cucumber were served. This refreshing appetizer of crunchy cucumber slices and seaweed soaked in a delightful tangy dressing was a good start to the meal.
As a soup lover, dobin mushi has always been a favourite of mine. The double-boiled clear sweet seafood soup prepared by Chef Mike was faultless. Served in a pretty earthenware pot, the soup was kept hot until I finished every single drop of it.
Dobin Mushi (RM28)
The winning trait of good tempura is a not-oily, light crisp fine batter which would allow the fresh flavours of the meat or vegetables within to come through. Fu-Rin did a good rendition of this with its assorted tempura of prawns and vegetables.
Tempura Moriawase (RM52)
What makes good sashimi then? Undoubtedly, the freshness and the cut of the fish and seafood. Just look at this…
Sashimi Moriawase (RM150 & above)
The Fu-Rin Creamer Maki is a signature Chef Mike creation. Rolled with prawns, crabstick, lettuce and coated with seared flying fish roe, it’s a rich-looking maki. Personally, I prefer my maki without too much creamy sauce so this was a bit overwhelming for me.
Fu-Rin Creamer Maki (RM58)
I totally enjoyed the teppanyaki wagyu beef which was cooked perfectly “medium”. The juicy tasty beef practically melted in the mouth and those crunchy slivers of garlic were the perfect enhancer. I wished there was more than 200g in that portion!
Teppanyaki Wagyu Beef (market price) 200g
Dinner ended on a great note with bowls of fragrant Garlic Fried Rice and house-made Mango Ice-cream. Both had excellent elements of “comfort food” in every spoonful. After that satisfying meal, we settled ourselves comfortably for a leisurely drive home along the winding road leading away from the Holiday Inn Glenmarie.
Garlic Fried Rice (RM14)
Mango Ice-cream (RM15)
FU-RIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie
No.1 Jalan Usahawan U1/8
Seksyen U1
40250 Shah Alam
Selangor
Tel: 03-7802 5288
website: http://holidayinnglenmarie.com