Sumida Japanese Restaurant @ Prima Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

There are quite a number of Japanese restaurants sprouting out in Penang these days, with the 3 newly opened Japanese chain restaurant- Sushi Zanmai, Pasta Zanmai and Rakuzen, the competition between these Japanese eateries seems to be pretty intense. There's this quiet yet humble Japanese restaurant within Prima Tanjung which has been in business for more than 8 years, many regulars are still coming back for the affordable yet quality Japanese meals. Service was up to par but the waiting time during my visit was rather long, the lady owner did apologize to every single customer for that part which makes me feel very customer-oriented. I like the place being quiet and unpretentious, as well as the affordable Japanese dishes. Sumida Japanese Restaurant is right beside Brix and Baume Bakery (previously known as Ritz Bakery). The only drawback about this place is the variety, the choices seem to be rather limited, most of the dishes being Bento set, as for those who prefer noodles (be it Ramen or Soba), this might not be an ideal place for you....

I wanted something light and not too filling that evening, hence, I had their Cha Soba for Rm 15. The set doesn't come with any other dishes or ingredients, plain Green Tea Soba topped with shredded Japanese Seaweed as well as their chilled Japanese Soy Dipping Sauce. The Cold Soba was delicate with a fine extra touch of Japanese Wasabi and chopped Spring Onions will further enhance the flavor. A decent choice for Soba lovers.

With just Rm 35, the set Sumida Bonmori is a noteworthy choice which worth the value. The set comes with some Sashimi, Unagi, Tempura, Rice, Salad, Chawan Mushi etc. Sashimi was fresh but it was not thick enough for the extra bite; I guess it's justifiable with the price. The well-executed Tempura came in crisp and crunchy, Prawns and other vegetables being very fresh and nicely done as well. 

Sanma Shioyaki (Rm 14) comes with a generous piece of Sanma fish, perfectly grilled, garnished with some grated Daikon. The set includes Rice, Salad and Chawan Mushi as well. The Sanma was flavorsome with a hint of bitterness inherited from the fish, quite an exquisite taste. On the other hand, their Chawan Mushi was impressive; it was smooth and lightly seasoned to my liking. The best part was, it was served to us piping hot. 

The lady owner of Sumida recommended this Surume Ika Bata-Yaki (Rm 22) to us that evening, the gigantic but perfectly grilled Squid was perfect. I like this dish being simple, straight forward and delectable, the tentacles were resilient but the body was perfectly cooked, it was very tender and juicy. An additional sprinkle of Salt and a dash of zingy Lemon Juice will amp up the flavors and serve the dish well. Good to go with some Japanese beer or Soju. 

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 98-G-23A, Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Business Hour: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10:30pm. Closed on every Tuesday.

Contact Number: 604- 898 2126