01/08/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | AUG 1, 2026

21

LYFE DINING

wider variety, the 10 Kind Sushi Set (RM120) delivers a satisfying mix of nigiri and inari, with each piece highlighting the freshness of the imported ingredients. The Niji Signature Roll (RM43) offers a more indulgent option, packed with bold flavours that cater to diners who prefer modern sushi creations. Equally impressive is the Chef’s Tempura Platter (RM68), where lightly battered prawns and vegetables remain crisp without feeling overly greasy. The most suprising standout, however, is the Salmon & Ikura Oyako Kamameshi (RM60). Served in an iron pot, the rice arrives fragrant and delightfully fluffy, soaking up the richness of salmon and bursts of briny ikura. It is a comforting dish that rewards patience as the flavours continue to develop while it rests. For those seeking a quieter dining experience in the city centre, Niji Sushi Izakaya stands out with its refined Japanese menu, where fresh produce and flavours speak for themselves. Running noon to midnight with an average spend of RM30–RM60 per person, Hoshiki Old Klang Road sits in a comfortable middle ground. It is more elevated than a standard kopitiam and less formal than a white tablecloth restaurant. Japanese spots in the area is the way the drinks are positioned. The drink menu is centered on highballs, with its Signature Highball made with Suntory Kakubin or Dewar’s Japanese Smooth, served with lemon wedges and ice cold soda. The brand says this highball outsells beer at its existing outlets in Damansara Uptown and Taipan, Subang. Beer options include Heineken, Kirin draught and Guinness pints, alongside Japanese cocktails, sochu, sake, gin and whiskies. The highball range extends to mega mugs, set deals and happy hour bundles, plus flavoured sochu options such as plum, lemon, grapefruit and strawberry gin variations.

Hoshiki, Old Klang Road: Where charcoal, sashimi and highballs meet Hoshiki’s third outlet on Old Klang Road lands in a space that feels like a relaxed, after-work izakaya rather than a formal Japanese restaurant. With a menu centred on charcoal grilled skewers, sashimi and highballs, it feels more like a place to unwind after the day than a sit-down dinner destination. The kitchen is built around fire. Whole prawns are grilled over open charcoal, and the skewer menu includes chicken thigh with leeks, crispy grilled chicken skin and the house favourite pork belly kushiyaki. These are the kinds of dishes that work best when shared, passed around a table while drinks are refilled and conversation loosens up.

Niji Sushi Izakaya, Bukit Bintang: Taste of Kyoto Japanese cuisine is often associated with precision and restraint, and Niji Sushi Izakaya embraces both while delivering a menu that feels comforting rather than intimidating. From beautifully plated sushi to hearty rice dishes, the restaurant strikes a balance between traditional flavours and approachable dining. The meal begins on a high note with the Five Kinds Obanzai (RM50), a colourful assortment of small Kyoto-style side dishes that showcases the kitchen’s attention to detail. Each bite offers something different, from lightly pickled vegetables to delicately seasoned proteins, making it an ideal introduction to the menu. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Maguro Set (RM60) and Salmon Set (RM60), both featuring thick, fresh slices of sashimi alongside rice, miso soup and accompanying side dishes. For those looking to sample a says something about how it looks on the table. The broader menu also covers yakitori and kushiyaki, ramen and udon in savory broths, rice donburi, fresh sashimi cuts, maki sushi, tempura and other Japanese sides designed for sharing over drinks. That makes it easy to build a meal that feels substantial without drifting into fine dining territory. What sets Hoshiki apart from many other

Around that core are typical izakaya plates. Salmon belly sashimi, yellowtail and tuna, nori tacos sashimi (the first choice for the ladies according to the main man of Hoshiki) and many more give the menu enough range to keep a group interested. The torched salmon belly sushi topped with ikura and tobiko is frequently mentioned as the most photographed dish before it gets eaten, which

100 Hours Curry, MyTown Shopping Centre: Slow-cooked comfort True to its name, 100 Hours Curry builds its reputation around a curry sauce simmered for 100 hours, resulting in a rich, deeply savoury flavour that sets it apart from the typical Japanese curry. Thick, velvety and mildly sweet with a gentle warmth, the curry is the star regardless of what accompanies it. The Chicken Katsu with Omelette Curry Rice (RM31.90 for regular portion) is an easy crowd-pleaser. The golden panko-coated chicken remains juicy beneath its crisp exterior, while the fluffy omelette softens every bite, creating a comforting combination that feels indulgent without becoming too heavy. For seafood lovers, the Creamy Tomato Shrimp with Omelette Curry Rice (RM31.90 for regular portion) offers a refreshing twist on the classic formula. The tomato lends a subtle tanginess that brightens the rich curry, while the prawns stay tender and succulent. The creamy sauce complements rather than overpowers the curry, resulting in a well balanced dish.

A pleasant surprise comes in the form of the Wagyu Beef Stew (RM23.90, half portion). Despite its modest serving size, the slow cooked beef is fork-tender, with each piece

melting into the intensely flavoured gravy. It makes for an excellent side or a satisfying light meal on its own. Generous portions, comforting flavours

and consistently well-executed dishes make 100 Hours Curry an easy recommendation for anyone craving authentic Japanese curry with depth and richness.