KEN HUNTS FOOD: Kissa Koyotei @ Hutton Lane, Penang.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Kissa Koyotei @ Hutton Lane, Penang.

Finding a Japanese restaurant in Penang is not tough at all, especially with all these new Japanese restaurants mushrooming these days, but finding one with more unique features is not easy at all. Introducing Kissa Koyotei Japanese Restaurant, which has all their waitresses dress as maid (maid dresses). Located at Hutton Lane, right behind New World Park food court; food choices are a lot in Kissa Koyotei and the ambiance is very good, a background music of Japanese song was played throughout my visit. Price-wise, is on the expensive side, particularly the service charge and government tax adding to your bill. Service was not satisfying, the restaurant seemed to have a management problem where they have failed in allocating manpower, the waitresses were so confused and were too busy with their work.

Sashimi Moriwase (Rm 28) is meant for one person only, it comes with three thick slices of Salmon sashimi, two slices of White Tuna sashimi, two pieces of Surf Clam sashimi (Hokkigai) and one piece of Octopus sashimi. We were delighted that everything served was very fresh, more compliments should be given to the thickly sliced salmon sashimi, they were so fresh and I enjoyed every single bite of it. Surf clams are not too common when it comes to Sashimi Moriwase, it was my second time savoring them. Recommended.

Natto Temaki (Rm 5). It was my first attempt on Natto, been hearing all the negative comments on Natto, saying that they are stink and have a pungent smell. I was a bit afraid to try them earlier ago but I think the people are exaggerating, the Natto does have an odd smell but it was perfectly okay for me. They have mixed some chopped spring onions into the Natto to give the extra flavor as well. As for taste, the Natto was a bit bland in my opinion, I had to add some Shoyu (Japanese Soy Sauce) and some Wasabi.

Unagi Don (Rm 28) comes with a big portion of rice, topped with a think and succulent Unagi; a bowl of Miso soup, two slices of Tamagoyaki and some pickled vegetables. The portion for the rice was huge, truly a good value of money. The Unagi was delicious, generously cut too but unfortunately, the rice was a bit lacked of flavor, probably more Unagi sauce will do the trick. Nevertheless, still a decent set.

We also had this Miso Ramen for Rm 18, the thick and rich pork broth was very flavorful and creamy in my opinion, complemented well with the springy noodles (Ramen). It has one slice of Japanese Char Siew (Grilled Pork) resting inside the soup, a piece of seaweed, half of a hard boiled egg, some thinly sliced spring onions and some sesame seeds sprinkled over the broth. Portion-wise was okay, but I have no complaints considering the price, it was indeed, a good value of money. However, in terms of taste, the one I previously had at Sushi Tei at Gurney Plaza and Goku Raku Ramen at Gurney Paragon Mall still prevail.

The cold green tea that we had were complimentary (but of course, you do pay for the 10% service charge) and there was a small bowl of appetizer served to us as well. It has some fried eggs with onions inside, the taste was okay but normal and nothing worth to shout over.