Okonomi @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
If you’re follower of Chef Takeshi Wada of the previous Osaka Kitchen at J’s Gate Dining at Lot 10 Shopping Centre, you will be delighted to know that he made a comeback into city’s dining scene at Okonomi by Tokyo Don.
Nestled in Tokyo Street of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Okonomi is a casual Japanese restaurant specializes in Teppanyaki, Okonomiyaki, Yakiniku as well as Yakisoba.
The restaurant adopted a simple neutral earth tone theme decorated with abstract artwork panel on top of the wall. Dining tables arranged neatly on one side of the long shape space and counter seats that able to get a view of the chefs at work.
A native of Kagoshima, Japan, Chef Takeshi ran a highly sought-after Yakiniku restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo prior to his two-year stint in Malaysia. He also garnered versatile experiences in some of Tokyo’s trendiest dining establishments such as Ristorazione Le Luce, Ristorazione LE G.A, Sabakuno bara and Feria.
Okonomi Christmas Special Course
It is a wholesome seven course meal with your choice of main dish served along with other dishes and dessert.
Australian Wagyu Sirloin (RM190.00)
The price of the course meal is depends on the main dish, other options included Chicken (RM65.00), Pork Loin (RM69.00), Ral d’ Avinyo Pork Chop (RM95.00), Samlon (RM90.00), Australian Wagyu Rump (RM100.00) and Australian Wagyu Tenderloin (RM200.00).
The highly prized Wagyu Sirloin was grilled expertly on teppan (iron griddle) to the perfect medium rare rendering a tender meat texture, with a pleasurable char on the outer and just the right amount of luscious fatty bits. Just eat this as it is to indulge the beefy richness taste, or if you prefer extra flavour to complement the beef, sauces were provided too.
Grilled mix vegetables and crispy garlic flakes were served along with the beef.
Salad
Mesclun salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing.
Avocado with Cheese
Avocado wedge on grilled cheese melt. It’s creamy and cheesy but a tad too oily for my liking.
Sesame Tofu
This definitely not the usual tofu that you’re accustomed to. Made with black sesame and arrowroot powder, the tofu had a pleasant gooey texture that left a lasting impression and was one of my favourite dishes of that evening.
Pork Belly Omelet
Delicious pan fried pork belly pieces wrapped in soft tender omelet.
Okonomiyaki
Not commonly available in our F&B scene and didn’t know what to expect, Chef Takeshi’s version was memorably wonderful in my book. The savoury pancake was made from Yamato potatoes, shredded cabbage and crispy pork belly, then slathered generously with house made sweet sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes and dried seaweed powder. The combination of various ingredients gave it a multitude of flavours and textures which was nothing less than outstanding.
Dessert
Panna Cotta, Yuzu & Matcha Ice Cream
Ral d’ Avinyo Pork Chop (RM45.00)
If you’re in Okonomi, don’t make the mistake of skipping the premium quality pork – the RAL d’Avinyó Pig. The meat for the Ral d’Avinyo is based on a practically extinct pig breed in Europe that has remained intact and pure for the last 200 years. This is a crossbreed between 2 rustic pigs, 50% Berkshire male and 50% Duroc female that are fed with traditional cereals with slow unhurried breeding techniques. This resulted in a sweeter, tenderer as well as better marbling meat.
Here’s some of the pricing for the ala carte items for your reference – Okonomiyaki priced from RM24.00 to RM40.00, Yakisoba from RM18.00 to RM25.00, Teppan Salmon (RM30.00), Chicken (RM18.00). There are set menu too with main dish, side dishes, rice, miso soup and dessert, Okonomiyaki Set (RM28.00), Beef Yakiniku Set (RM36.00), Vegetable Set (RM25.00) & Pork Ginger Set (RM27.00), just to name a few.
♥Verdict: It was a pleasant dining experience at Okonomi and it’s a good place to have some authentic Okonomiyaki and Teppan dishes. Don’t take my word for it, drop by if you have chance and allow your palate to make its judgement.
Okonomi by Tokyo Don
Lot 6.24.1C, Tokyo Street, Level 6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2141 4617
Operating hours: 11.00am to 10.00pm, daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Okonomi.pavilion
Wow the wagyu beef looks really inviting.
Tekkaus, That beef was really good and guess what? I had most of it!
My favorite was actually the avocado! Not too oily for me at all 😛
KY, my dining companions and myself felt that the dish was oily >_<
This looks like a restaurant that is worth for me to explore. Let me see if my brother is keen to go to Pavilion.
PH, hope you enjoy the meal as much as me!
Yup, I recognise the chef…..I had an almost similar meal when they were at Osaka Kitchen in Lot 10 (wasn’t too memorable as I remembered). P/S: I love fried pea shoots…but those look past its prime unfortunately.
Kris, I read your review and perhaps you can give this another chance to try out the food again. The fried pea shoots, I must admit, didn’t retain the crunchiness.