Genji Japanese Restaurant at the Hilton Petaling Jaya has been around for a long time and is a firm favourite with many PJ residents. Over the years, it has gone through several changes or facelifts, to move with the times. Its latest makeover has resulted in a deco theme that’s classically contemporary with extra privacy for diners by creating separate sections in the restaurant. The sections include the sushi bar, main restaurant, two spacious teppanyaki counters and five private dining rooms and one ‘tatami’ style dining room.
From feedback given by its regular customers, there’s a list of favourites drawn up and some of these also happen to be the top picks of Genji’s Executive Japanese Chef, Chef Richard Teoh. Chef Richard’s “traditional modern” offerings continue to titillate lovers of Japanese food in this short-listed variety of crowd pleasers.
I’m sure you have your favourites too but let’s see whether you agree with these TOP 10 PICKS of Genji…
Salads and soups are always good starters and in Genji, their refreshing and delicious California Salad (RM 41) always gets top marks. You could say that this salad is the deconstructed version of the famed California Roll – with garden greens, salmon, tuna, avocado, deep fried crab sticks as garnish and flying fish roe topped with a tangy-spicy wasabi mayo dressing.
The Buri Miso (RM33) is yellowtail fish head in Miso soup. Full of umami goodness, this nutritious soup is not only delicious, it’s good for the body thanks to the beneficial bacteria from the fermented miso.
For me, a Japanese meal is never complete without sashimi and sushi. My favourite is always a platter of assorted air-flown freshly-prepared Sushi and Sashimi items – the Sashimi Moriwase Hane (RM233) is just perfect. The salmon, tuna ,kampachi and seabream are a delightful mix of tastes and textures.
The Jumbo Ebi Ura Maki ( RM 76) is a generous-sized reversed hand roll with tiger prawn tempura, caviar, salad and cucumber. I can have this on its own and be perfectly satiated!
I can’t say enough about Chef Richard’s Kaki Chili Mayo (RM17.00 per piece). It’s a huge fresh oyster baked with spicy mayo and given a localized kick with Chef Richard’s special ingredient – green cili padi (bird’s eye chili).
There’s a prawn version as well – the Ebi Chili Mayo (RM70) using jumbo tiger prawn baked with the spicy mayo sauce. I love both.
If you are not in the mood to make too many decisions, just go for the Trio Combo (RM140). It will have you covered nicely by the combination of rolled salmon, tuna & sea bass sashimi avocado, grilled cod with salt on potato salad & baked tiger prawn with spicy mayo on garlic fried rice.
The Gindara (RM82) – grilled black cod served with salt or teriyaki sauce which is both light and healthy is another popular item in Genji.
In Genji, the best selling Teppanyaki dish is the Beef Tenderloin (RM84). Although a tad over-cooked with creamy garlic-butter sauce, the juicy smoky taste was enticing. Just be sure to remind the staff on your preferred done-ness of the beef.
Most Japanese desserts aren’t terribly exciting – invariably matcha/goma ice-cream and mochi would be the staples. In Genji, there’s a wee bit of variation, in the sense that you get a hot and cold combo in one plate: Banana Spring Roll (RM33) served with a mochi, matcha ice-cream topped with some azuki bean paste.
Besides the above a la carte dishes, Genji’s scrumptious Weekend Japanese Buffet is a great hit. The prices are:
Saturday Buffet Dinner
RM127 nett per adult (6.00pm to 7.45pm)
RM139 nett per adult (8.00pm to 10.30pm)
Sunday Buffet Lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm)
RM139 nett per adult
Half-price for kids (5-11 years old)
For reservations or inquiries, please contact Genji Japanese Restaurant at 03-7955 9122 extn. 4071/4072 or visit Hilton Petaling Jaya’s F&B blog, www.ZestPJ.com for the latest F&B and entertainment promotions.
GENJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Hilton Petaling Jaya
No.2 Jalan Barat
46200 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7955-9122