When Chef Anson Ng relocated from his birthplace Hong Kong and set up Sumi Genshi-Yaki Sakeba in Bangsar with his Malaysian wife, Karen, we all get a taste of Japanese fares fused with Chinese and local influences. Located in the ever-busy Jalan Telawi 2, Sumi Genshi offers diners a nice vantage point to have a hearty meal or just chilling out at the bar enjoying the Bangsar scene.
Take the Shabu-Shabu, for instance. The milky broth used for this Japanese-style hotpot is a result of hours of boiling pork bones whereas the traditional shabu-shabu broth base is dashi stock and sake. By fusing these elements, Chef Anson produces a hotpot broth that’s absolutely delicious with a taste profile that’s reflective of the best of both worlds!
That also explains why shabu-shabu at Sumi is an absolute must-have. Another plus factor is the kickass chilli dip personally concocted by Chef Anson that will blow you off! After you are done with the vegetables, mushrooms, sweetcorn, tofu, sakura pork slices and noodles, don’t waste the super-tasty broth…ask for some Japanese rice and an egg – boil these in the soup and you are in for some really heart and tummy-warming soupy rice! Not a single grain was left on our bowls.
The current Shabu-shabu promotion is going at RM99 for 2 pax. The set is complete with 2 appetizers (edamame and fried shrimps), sakura pork slices, platter of kushiyaki and rice to mop up the soup.
Don’t let that amazing soup go to waste – add some rice in and enjoy!
There are several special add-on items if the set is insufficient… check these out:
Salmon Avocado Maki Roll (RM20)
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) RM10
Alaskan King Crab Legs (RM60)
Sumi’s menu offers a bit of everything. Besides shabu-shabu, there’s sashimi, sushi, maki rolls teppanyaki and grilled items. Chef Anson is a wizard at the grill, meats and seafood being his favourites. It’s no surprise that Sumi’s kushiyaki is extremely popular, given that there’s a well-stocked bar in the house.
The skewered goodies come piping-hot off the grill fueled by special charcoal, the charred bits emitting delightful smokey aromas and flavours. We can’t really decide which of the skewers to dive for first – chicken wings, spicy gizzards, bouncy squids and my favorite is the super sweet potatoes!
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Sumi serves a selection of fine western desserts like Matcha Tiramisu, Durian Creme Brulée, Pina Colada but my absolute favourite is their house-made Miso Ice Cream. Scattered with buttery caramel pastry crumbs, the smooth slightly saltish ice cream is just so delectable!
Durian Creme Brulée (RM22)
Pina Colada (RM26)
Miso Ice Cream (RM12)
So, whether it’s the super-value Shabu-shabu or just chilling out with sake and kushiyaki, Sumi is a nice place to head to.
If you catch Chef Anson on a good day, ask for his special Charcoal-grilled Chicken Skin. The super-thin crispy chicken skin is just out of this world!
Charcoal-grilled Chicken Skin (RM6)
SUMI Genshi Yaki Sakeba
19 Jalan Telawi 2
Bangsar
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2856-8733
Opening hours:
12.00pm-3.00pm & 6.00pm-11.00pm (Fri & Sat until 12.00am)
Closed on Monday