Genji Japanese Restaurant @ Hilton Petaling Jaya

Japanese cuisine has always intrigued me, with it's blend of fresh seafood and unique flavours. Genji Japanese Restaurant in Hilton Petaling Jaya kicked off their brand new fusion Japanese menu recently, inspired by the two biggest cities in Japan, Tokyo and Osaka. With its "back to basics" philosophy, the new menu was a mix of traditional artistry, and robust flavours. Check out below on what we had that afternoon.

Genji Japanese Restaurant @ Hilton Petaling Jaya

Genji Japanese Restaurant
Level 1, Hilton Petaling Jaya, 2 Jalan Barat, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-7955 9122
Website: http://www.petaling-jaya.hilton.com
GPS Coordinates: 3.102164, 101.640573

Meticulously prepared by the hotel's culinary team led by Chef Richard Teoh, Head Chef of Genji Japanese Restaurant, a bevy of exciting new dishes were presented to complement Genji's existing all-time favourites.

#1 Trio of appetizers, the Maki tamago, Chuka kurage and Ika tobiko ai

A closer look at the ika tobiko ai (marinated squid with flying fish roe)

We kicked off the meal with a trio of appetizers, namely the maki tamago (egg roll with unagi filling), chuka kurage (marinated jellyfish) and ika tobiko ai (marinated squid with flying fish roe). I must say they came looking delectable in these small clam styled seashell bowls. An interesting mix of flavours, from the sweet maki tamago to the mmore savoury ika tobiko ai or the marinated squid with fish roe, it did whet our appetite for the more to come. 

#2 Kimchi Salad - RM26

The chef whipped up for us the Kimchi Salad as part of their appetizer menu. Garden salad, tossed in kimchi dressing, the kimchi sauce gave a spicy and sourish kick to the dish. Take this dish slowly, as you wouldn't want to have a sudden 'kimchi attack', something which nearly happened to me, where the kimchi taste overpowered my tastebuds. 

#3 Sashimi / Sushi Combo Platter - RM240

Sashimi and sushi lovers would have jumped with joy when this dish is served, the very yummy and colourful looking Sashimi / Sushi Combo Platter. It was literally filled to the brim with fresh sashimi slices which included salmon, tuna, toro (tuna belly), and avocado wrapped in kampachi. The sushi selection also had ikura, sea bream, tuna as well as soft shell crab roll. How can you say no to such a feast?

A closer look at the toro (tuna belly) amidst other sashimi and sushi

It was rather unfortunate however that I wasn't a very big fan of sashimi. Nevertheless, I did try a couple of slices of the recommended toro or tuna belly. I must say the seafood presented at Genji Japanese Restaurant was really fresh.

#4 Kaizen Mushi - RM30

A traditional clear fish broth served in Osaka during winter, the Kaizen Mushi came looking really healthy. Healthy as in it had an assortment of seafood, prawns, scallops, mussel, salmon, steamed with vegetables and mushrooms served in a bowl of soup. The soup had a mild flavour to it, without being too intense. Served with a ponzu dipping sauce with grated radish, yuzu zest and a dash of Tabasco, I do recommend this if you like a bowl of frehs seafood soup. 

#5 Oyster and Cod Fish

If one were to order Genji's omakase kaizeki which literally translates to "I'll leave it to you", they might end up with this delectable dish. A single US oyster is grilled with mayo and a hint of chilli padi on one side, with the gindara teriyaki (cod fish) on the other. I did not really taste the oyster but from what my fellow foodie friends commented, it tastes great, with the spice from the chilli padi and succulent oyster combining to tantalize the senses. 

Gindara teriyaki (cod fish)

I personally loved the Gindara teriyaki (cod fish) which I can safely say was my favourite dish of the day. Served on a bed of grated radish, Nameko mushroom and spinach puree, the cod fish was prepared with my favourite teriyaki sauce, flaking out to the touch of my chopsticks. Love the taste, love the texture, I truly recommend trying this out. 

#6 Azuki banana dorayaki - RM30

We ended our very Japanese meal with the Azuki Banana Dorayaki dessert; fragrant bananas and red bean paste wrapped in Japanese pancake and served with ice cream. Not bad at all, although I would have preferred if it was a tad sweeter. Overall a very nice meal at Genji Japanese Restaurant Hilton PJ.

From what I was told, fresh seafood is air-flown twice a week to the restaurant (Tue and Fri). The omakase kaiseki, which leaves your dining experience up to the chef, whereby he will prepare it in accordance to the fresh seafood selection of the day. A 7-course omakase kaiseki will set you back RM300++, whereas the 5-course sendai kaizeki  is priced at RM220++.