Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Gyu-Kaku is one of Japan’s largest chain yakiniku restaurants.  Established in Japan in 1996, it has grown exponentially and by 2003, there were more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide with firm presence in the USA and Taiwan.  In 2004, it expanded to the ASEAN region, delighting yakiniku fans in Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Bangkok.  And finally, in 2012, the first Gyu-Kaku outlet in Malaysia opened its doors in Isetan 1-Utama.

Located deep within the Eat Paradise floor of Isetan 1-Utama, it’s easy enough to miss Gyu-Kaku.  The pine coloured wooden deco of the restaurant is pleasant and comfortable.  There’s hardly any barbeque fumes in the place and that’s because Gyu-Kaku uses special smokeless BBQ roasters imported from Japan which can suction off 99% of the smoke in their down-draft system.  So, the good news is, you won’t go home smelling like a walking BBQ stove!

Deep-fried Shrimp Gyozas

We started off with some Fried Shrimp Gyoza (RM12.90).  The crunchy deep-fried shrimp gyozas were drizzled with Okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise and sprinkled with bonito flakes.  A good start to the meal.

Horenzo Salad

I love Japanese salads and the two we had in Gyu-Kaku certainly did not disappoint.  Of the two, my favourite was their Horenso Salad (RM8.90) with lots of crisp juicy Japanese spinach, garlic crisps and light goma dressing.  Absolutely divine – it was so good that we ordered a 2^nd plate!

Their Namuru Salad (RM8.90) was a riot of colors – mixed seaweed and beansprouts tossed with Japanese citrus soy sauce.  Light and refreshing, this salad opened the palate for more.

We moved on to the main stars of the evening.  A huge platter of every kind of beefy goodness appeared.  There’re ox tongue, short ribs, brisket, round primal cuts and lean tenderloins arranged neatly on the plate.  The Karubi (RM25.90) – oyster blade short ribs, are known as the “king of yakiniku” were sweet and meltingly tender.  We had ours grilled “medium rare” – the only way to eat these.  For a bit more bite, the lean Rump Cap (RM21) and Brisket (RM14.90) were flavoursome.

Smaller and healthier cuts came in the form of Harami (RM18.90) which was lean but tender and the thinly sliced Shabu-shabu Grill (RM21.90).

Marinated Lamb Neck

Marinated Squid

With meats this fresh, minimal marination is needed.  There are a few choices: plain Himalayan rock salt, shio, tare, miso (plain or spicy) or miso/shio with leeks.  I prefer just the plain rock salt to fully savour the beefy goodness.

For a spot of carbs, I liked their Ishiyaki Mentaiko (RM20.90) – a big bowl of wholesome fluffy pearly rice mixed with mentaiko (cod roe), seaweed and vegetables.  Simple but oh so good.

Chicken Katsu Set (RM18.90)

Gyu-Kaku has some really good-value lunch sets.  Grilled meat sets start at RM13.90 (chicken teriyaki with rice, soup and dessert) to RM19.90.  Ramen and rice sets are also available, ranging from RM15.90 to RM17.90.

 

Gomenagi ramen from the Ramen Set (RM15.90)

The making of S’mores

A special treat of S’mores can be had in Gyu-Kaku.  It’s an American dessert whereby toasted marshmallows are sandwiched between Graham crackers smothered with Nutella spread.  A novelty here, for sure and will definitely be a hit with the kids.  For only RM5.90, have fun with this DIY dessert!

 Milk Pudding

All meats served in Gyu-Kaku are certified halal.  Wagyu beef options are available too, at more premium prices, of course.

 

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Malaysia
2nd Floor, Isetan, 1Utama
Bandar Utama
47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7733-0018
Other outlets:

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Malaysia
Publika, Solaris Dutamas
Block D3-Level G3-Unit 3
Jalan Dutamas 1
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03–6211-5446

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Malaysia
Lot G-36, Ground Floor
Tropicana City Mall
No.3, Jalan SS20/27
47400 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03–7725-6796

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GyuKakuMalaysia