The words Japanese buffet would usually send a chill down the spine. It's terrifying not in the monster sort of way but the price. Averaging about RM 100, Aoki-Tei offers a cheaper alternative at below RM 100 per pax for dinner.
Unless you're coming early, it's best to call for a reservation. They do have buffet lunches as well that's cheaper though who's looking forward to spending their afternoon like a python after feeding at home? ᷂🐍
Drinks are included in the buffet even if limited. The best thing is alcoholic beverages are part of the deal too. I'm talking about
sake and beer.As to why would anyone want to drink themselves silly with beer instead of enjoying food at a buffet is beyond me. Maybe it's cheaper? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Steamed egg with salmon roe. Barely a teaspoon of the good stuff, my consolation is this means I can try more of the other stuff.
Mushroom and scallop soup.
Unlike the strong miso soup, this is a more muted savory soup. With fresh ingredients, you don't want the flavors to be off condiments.
Agedashi tofu.
Fried till the batter is a wee bit crunchy while leaving the inside still soft, this is a healthy intermission break for the gluttony that'll ensue. If you're not big on simple (maybe bland) flavors, don't bother with this one. There's not enough
bonito and seaweed flakes to make it more palatable.
Instead, you may want to get your hand on some hand roll. Made to order, the seaweed is still crispy, provided that you don't take a gazillion pictures for your social media feed.
Salad bean curd skin sushi. Since it was on the menu, I give face and order. Given my natural dislike for the sweet-tasting skin, it wasn't difficult for me to not truly enjoy this. The salad was all right. Just not with the bean curd.
Grilled fish.
I wasn't expecting them to be generous as this was a buffet but this was a decently sized fish, perhaps even bigger than some places where you pay full price. The skin was delectably crispy with a hint of salt. It was delicious with a squeeze of that lemon wedge. Don't miss out on this.
Scallion rolled up in beef slice. It came with the sweet teriyaki sauce, just not enough to overcome my utter dislike for scallions. The beef was also somewhat overcooked. Order this only if you want something that's been cooked (almost to a sad ending).
Takoyaki. Not as big as the normal ones but not quite small enough to eat them in one one.
There wasn't any meat inside. The best is the slightly crunchy sweet layer topped with mayo, sweet sauce and bonito flakes. This actually did have more flour than the cabbage filling.
Soft shell crab maki with mayo and sweet sauce.
The crab was deep fried before rolled into a maki that's generously doused with mayo. Fried stuff and guilty mayo, heavenly combo. Especially when it isn't very oily. The rice did make it too rich but buffets are meant to test the limits (of your belt).
Fried oyster.
How true is that whole aphrodisiac effect because I never get that? Maybe my libido is just low to begin with. Frying them shellfish is quite possibly the worst way to enjoy oyster but there weren't fresh ones on the menu. They turned out to be rather dry. Only the crunchy bread crumbs saved the day.
Cheese baked oyster.
A better way to have them, the oysters were fresh even if the cheese taste is strong. Still didn't get horny after that.
Cheese and salmon crackers. Just like the name says.
I didn't know what I was expecting but it was still... interesting. You get that salty cracker at the bottom with the salmon tucked in between it and the melted cheese. A Japanese-Western fusion, maybe? It was enjoyable in an odd manner.
Sashimi platter.
Of course, there had to be sashimi on the menu of a Japanese buffet. Saving the best for last, these were fresh and had none of that icy texture that you sometimes get at such buffets.
Salmon and butter fish.
Just look at how beautiful they are. So thick, so glistening. The sashimi alone was well worth the price.
We weren't drinkers but heck, we'd be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn't order any
sake. Don't ask me if it was good or cheap sake. I can only tell you that it did make me tipsy. Not forgetting what a lousy drinker I happen to be.
Ending the dinner with a sweet note.
They didn't cut corners with the green tea ice cream. You can taste the
matcha with that tinge of bitterness that beautifully sits well with the sweet red bean paste.
Comments
Post a Comment