Ichiriki Japanese Restaurant @ The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur

We walked past Ichiriki Japanese Restaurant on their opening day last month, however we have had lunch, so we vowed to return after seeing Kurobuta and Iberico on its menu. On this visit, we tried the Kurobuta pork (also known as Kagoshima black pig) which are prized for their juiciness, flavour and tenderness. 

You're fabulous, Kurobuta!

The restaurant has taken over the spot previously occupied by The Yogi Tree (Isetan side). The waiting staff greeted us enthusiastically as we walked through the bamboo walkway. Murals of sweeping waves and mountains and electrical candles on the walls sets a calming mood for this place. Ichiriki specialises in tonkatsu, the popular Japanese breaded, deep fried pork cutlet. Most of the menu consists of set meals, which I find to be reasonably priced since the portions are pretty big.

Some complimentary pickles to whet our appetite

No messing about, I went straight for the first item on the menu - the Kurobuta Rosukatsu Set (RM35). Rosu refers to the pork loin cut. The set comes with a side salad, shredded cabbage with somen, tsukemono (pickles), rice, miso soup, chawanmushi and fresh fruits.

The Kurobuta pork meat is pink-hued and heavily marbled, hence every bite literally melts in the mouth! Although it has been deep fried, there is certainly no oily residual, in other words it is a beautifully cooked piece of meat. You get to grind your own sesame seeds before adding the Tonkatsu sauce. You can also eat it with the karashi (mustard).  All the other sides were competently prepared too. Certainly enjoyable to eat.

So crispy but none of the oily feeling ;) Thumbs up!

Pink with streaks of fat... so good!

Mini grinder

Hubby had the regular tonkatsu - the meat is whiter and not as juicy as the Kurobuta but still good

Hubby went for the sushi, soba and tonkatsu set (RM38), so we could compare the two different pork cuts. It was still pretty good, but comparing to Kurobuta, I preferred the latter as it was much more juicier. Hubby's set came with 5 sushis, dobin mushi (teapot soup), chawanmushi, cake and fruits, as well as cold soba with quail's egg. You can upgrade to Kurobuta by paying an extra RM5, definitely worth it I would say.

Mmmm cold soba on a hot day!

Tender tonkatsu

Sushi

Verdict: Really nice tonkatsu, especially the Kurobuta. I find the set meals great value for money too. Would return for the Iberico and other items.


Non-halal.

Opening times: 11.30am to 10.00pm

Service: Good.

Price: Total bill RM89.30

Location: Ichiriki Japanese Restaurant, Lot F237B, 1st Floor, The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. (Isetan side)

Tel: 03-2284 0688


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