The revamped Atria Mall in Damansara Jaya has caused quite a stir in the neighbourhood. After so many years of “renovation”, the revamped and enlarged mall looks nothing like what it used to be. There are quite a number of eateries in the mall and several serving Japanese food. Manmaru Robatayaki is one of the bigger ones there. Some of you may have heard of Manmaru Udon (read my review here) and yes, Manmaru Robatayaki is owned by the same people.
The menu here is impressive, both in its design and content. The restaurant serves the whole gamut of Japanese dishes, ranging from Robatayaki, Salada, Sashimi, Sushi to Makimono, Yakimono and Agemono and more.
However, if you do not wish to run through the long list of food items and make decisions, then opt for the Omakase Sets at RM180 per pax (5-course) and RM280 (7-course). The chefs will then serve up whatever’s freshest for the day.
Recently I was invited to have a peek at some of Manmaru Robatayaki’s signature items. Most of the dishes that were served that evening had me blown away by their gorgeous presentation. Chef Danny Leow and his team here take food plating to high levels, so much so that some of the dishes were so visually awesome that I found it hard to dig into them.
The Coral Bash Salada (RM18) was amazing. Explained as a “Fusion Potato Salad”, it was basically all kinds of beautiful edible things arranged over a pile of mashed potato. There were fried baby shrimps, vegetables, caviar, edible flowers and a tiny freshly fried crab crowning the whole ensemble. It’s truly an exquisite piece.
As a robatayaki, their Kushiyaki (grilled skewered food) is a must. So we had their Kushiyaki Moriawase (RM68) – assorted skewers which came stuck artistically on a wooden structure. There were skewers of tasty scallops, tender beef, chicken, gizzards, liver, smoked duck, mushrooms and diced beef. All these can be ordered in sets of 3 skewers each.
The Unagi Karaage (RM40) deep-fried unagi with house-made sesame dressing have to be eaten as soon as it’s served. The super tender eel encased in crispy batter are just perfect with the sesame dressing.
More stunning presentations greeted us in the form of Salmon Ikura Millefeuille (RM45) and Gyoza Chips with Tuna Salsa (RM28). The food may be simple and basic but what lifted it above “normal” is their artistic platings. Let the photos speak.
Salmon Tataki Salada (RM35) seared salmon with spinach dressing – the only grouse here was that the salmon slices were a bit inconspicuous underneath a big pile of fresh greens.
Sashimi is served in various-sized platters – there are platters for 3, 4 or 5 varieties of sashimi. Our fabulous 7-variety seasonal Sashimi (RM210) came in this presentation…
For a taste of their exquisite nigiri, the Assorted 8 Variety Manmaru Special Nigiri Sushi (RM150) would be a good choice for group dining. You can also order your favourites a la carte.
Have you ever tried sushi topped with a wagyu slice? Well, the Wagyu Roll may be extravagant at RM68 a pop but the piece of beautifully-marbled wagyu more than covers the rice and it’s topped with some edible gold paper as well for that touch of luxury.
If you are tired of the usual maki rolls, check out the Lobster Roll (RM88) which has lobster, mango and cucumber folded into the roll decorated prettily with salmon roe and sprinkled with ebikko liberally by the side.
Chef Danny Leow obviously loves baking his food wrapped up in baking paper or kobu leaves. Both keep the aroma and juices of the food locked within. The Grilled Tenderloin Beef with Teriyaki Sauce (RM48) and Sakana Kami Yaki – Grilled Kasago, bacon and mixed herbs wrapped in baking paper are two fine examples. The kasago fish is a seasonal favourite and flown in directly from Japan so its price is understandably steeper. The whole fish we had weighed 480g and it’s priced at RM150.
Cream Korokke – Deep-fried seafood croquette (RM22)
Wagyu Teppanyaki with Eringgi Mushrooms (RM180)
As a chawan mushi fan, I was totally bowled over by their Hotate Chawan Mushi (RM30). It was so beautifully presented that I really didn’t want to dig into it. The big fat scallop in the centre was flanked by olives and pickles with salmon roe and caviar at the top. The texture of the egg custard – smooth & velvety was just firm enough to hold the olives and salmon roe decorating it.
The Seafood Garlic Fried Rice (RM38) was a great hit with everyone. It’s one of the best fried rice I’ve ever had. It’s full of “wok hei” and each grain of rice is nicely fluffy and well-coated with the flavours of the seafood. I really like those chopped succulent octopus tentacles which gave the rice a unique bite.
Volcano Roll (RM38) salmon roe, avocado, crabmeat, cucumber and special sauce
Apple Gravity Beer (RM28) (left) and Spring Peach (RM25) sake and vodka (right)
Manmaru Robatayaki & Bar
G26 Atria Shopping Gallery
Jalan SS22/23
47400 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7733-1038
that salmon ikura dish really looked awesome!
It is!