Hello!
I was stumbled upon this Japanese restaurant Facebook page few days ago when I was browsing through my feeds and the words Japanese A La Carte Buffet at RM69 NETT caught my utmost attention. Yes, i was really hungry at that point and who can resist the thought of unlimited order of all the fresh sashimi without the need to worry about the bill. I always in the look out for A La Carte Buffet as i personally prefer food to be served upon order to ensure they are fresh and warm when i consume.
Before i know it , my fingers automatically dialing their phone number as advertised to make a reservation for the coming Saturday. I was worried if it may be fully booked and i have to suffer my crave for another week but boy i was lucky! Or maybe their recent buffet launch still not known by too many yet. So I went for it last Saturday night wearing one of my most comfortable outfit as i know i will be adding inches to the waist and it was the best decision ever!
This branch of the restaurant (currently the only branch that offers buffet) is located at Dataran Cascades Kota Damansara. If you are following Google Maps, please make sure that you select the correct one or you will end up being leaded to Sri Hartamas instead (like me) fml.
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| My view from where i was seated |
I was seated next to the main entrance by the ceiling high window and facing the bar where beverages are prepared. I saw batches of their frozen beer (by Kirin Ichiban) being served to the diners on that night. I did not order any as it is not included in the price of the buffet and i hate the taste of beer. Green tea is the only drink they offered in the buffet menu btw.
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| Menu Page 1 |
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| Menu Page 2 |
All appetizers except Edamame are provided self service at the left corner from the entrance. Same goes with Miso Soup and Green Tea. I personally prefer their menu over Maiu's as they provide pictures of all their food in the menu. If you are wondering, they do not offer any dessert in the buffet menu which is a miss!
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| The appetizers i took from the self service corner |
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| Salmon Sashimi and TunaTataki |
I am a big fan of Salmon Sashimi and their Salmon Sashimi was definitely one of the best for a buffet standard. I could not help it but to gobble down 5 servings of them. Tuna Tataki was good too!
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| Ika Shioyaki |
Ika Shioyaki was a disappointment. Not only it did not look like what it was shown in the menu, it was dry and tasteless.
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| Saba Shioyaki |
Besides Salmon Sashimi, Saba Shioyaki is in my must order list. While this dish tends to be a little dry in most of the restaurants that i have tried, Ichiban The Izakaya has done it perfectly. Juicy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. *thumbs up*
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| Smoked Duck Yakitori |
Being a fan of smoked duck, i was surprised this is on their menu as there are not many Japanese restaurant that serve smoked duck. I love the bold flavor and the tenderness of the meat.
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| Tori Gyoza |
Fried Gyoza was good but be prepared as they serve six pieces in one serving. With the generous amount of the meat inside, it was quite filling as both of us had to eat 3 pieces each.
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| Ebi Teppanyaki |
Take a look at the size of the prawns. Honestly, i did not have high hope when i ordered Ebi Teppanyaki. I was expecting some low quality prawns being served but i was wrong! It came out pretty good. Fresh and sweet with a hint of butter.
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| Ebi Tempura |
One of my favourite of the night, the picture above was my 3rd serving. Yes, i know fried food is not healthy but this was really good. It came with the dipping sauce and they went so well together. It was piping hot when it was served and again good quality prawns were used. The crispness was no joke. Must order!
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| Soft Shell Crab Hand Roll |
Due to the dim lighting, the soft shell crab was hardly visible in the picture but trust me, it was there. The only rice i had that night so i could make more space for my tummy. Hand roll was okay but if you noticed from the picture, a slice of avocado was used. This is the only Japanese buffet restaurant that I have visited so far that uses avocado in their soft shell crab hand roll. They can totally omit the avocado for cost saving purpose but they decided not to which is definitely worth mentioning.
Service was okay and staff were helpful. Do expect some waiting time if the restaurant is running full capacity. Our orders came pretty fast for the first hour as we reached there before 7pm and it got slower when the crowd came.
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| Restaurant Indoor |
This was the crowd on last Saturday night. I expected a live band with all the music instruments on the stage but i could only see two people singing on that night. The restaurant is very spacious and the ambience is pretty good although it would be better if it can be a little brighter. It felt more like a pub & bistro to me with all the moving coloured lights that flash on and off in time to the music.
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| Restaurant Outdoor |
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| Main Entrance |
The restaurant is located at the rooftop of the building. From the car park, walk to where the lifts are and take the transparent lift to the highest floor, 3A. You will be able to see their main entrance once you are out from the lift.
I was not able to try everything on the menu but i definitely will be going back again. If only dessert can be added in the menu then it would be perfect *hopeful*.
Maiu used to be my only option whenever i want to go for Japanese Ala Carte Buffet and i personally do not prefer
Mitasu after one visit. I am glad that i found my new favourite place for Japanese A La Carte Buffet and i hope they will make this permanent.
A La Carte Japanese Buffet Dinner
Price : Adult RM69 NETT Child RM35 NETT
(available Tue - Sun 6:30pm to 9:30pm) closed on Monday
Ichiban The Izakaya
A-34-08 (Rooftop) Dataran Cascade
No. 13A Jalan PJU 5,
Kota Damansara PJU 5,
47810 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel : 010 254 5764 (Reservation is recommended)
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
