The Iconic Sunday Japanese Buffet is
Back!
Sundays
are meant for indulgence… and one of the best indulgences in the metropolitan
city of Kuala Lumpur is the legendary Kampachi
Sunday Buffet housed in the newly remade EQ. The new Kampachi EQ is making its return after its absence since 2012 when
the hotel was closed for re-development.
Now
ardent Japanese gourmands will be able to savor the acclaimed Japanese buffet
once again in the gorgeous Kampachi EQ.
Kampachi, one of the most established Japanese restaurants in the nation,
serves haute authentic Japanese cuisine set amidst a minimalist Japanese
contemporary dining ambiance.
The
restaurant takes prides in their beautiful interior where nature’s elements are
used to create the elegant and stylish ambiance the place is renowned for.
Sparing no expense, Kampachi General Manager, Theresa Wong proudly presented
the restaurant’s gorgeous sushi counter made from the owner’s selection of
imported Japanese Inoki wood as she personally took me on a tour of the
restaurant.
The
dining area is cleverly sectioned to offer diners an intimate and private
dining affair. Each area features elegant and clean lines of Zen theme
utilizing wood, stone and paper along with modern furniture. The restaurant
also has a view of the city through the glass walls and is wonderfully filled
with natural lights through the day for a warm appeal of comfort.
Kampachi is renowned for their Sunday Buffet ever since it was first
offered. I am also an ardent fan of the buffet myself after several dining
experiences at their Kampachi Plaza 33 outlet. The anticipation of the return
of this Sunday Buffet was definitely a positive one. Kampachi Plaza 33 also offers
the Sunday Buffet with slight variation of the menu.
From
the Sushi and Sashimi counter, tuck into gorgeous thick cut slices of sublime
salmon, yellowtail, tuna, snapper, squid and octopus. The freshness of the
sashimi is amazing and accentuated further with house made soy sauce.
Kampachi offers three versions of soy sauce –
low sodium, medium sodium and Tosa. Tosa
is cured with bonito flakes for 2 weeks to elevate the umami note in the soy
sauce. My personal favorite is the Tosa of course. The balance of umami note is
just so perfect with the sashimi and sushi.
Rows
of perfectly shaped Nigiri Sushi and
cut Maki Rolls are deliciously
satisfying. From Japanese seasonal Kohada or Gizzard Shad to luscious Salmon,
Tuna, Snapper and Prawn, it’s
all classics that never fails to please Japanese gourmands. Even the large Maki
Rolls is wondrously filled with crispy soft-shell crab and assorted sashimi
along with the usual condiments.
Snack
on nutritious Edamame along with
colourful Japanese Pickles or savor
your choice of Salad Selections to whet your appetite for more to come. There are
also tiny portions of lovely Salmon Carpaccio.
Kampachi’s Crab Chawan Mushi is divine! Perfect wobbly egg custard
steamed with gingko nuts and fish cake, crowned with sweet crab flesh is simply
a must on the list of dishes to savor…
The
hot counters feature a list of Japanese all-time-favorites. Start with a tummy
warmer of Hamaguri Clam Miso Soup.
Sweet and succulent clams in earthy and nutty miso broth. Follow up the next
course with Seafood Yosenabe where
large oceanic scallops and beautiful prawns bathe in dashi and konbu broth
along with creamy leeks, napa cabbage, assorted mushrooms and more.
Let’s
tuck into juicy pink slices of Roast
Beef too…
Not
to be missed, another highlight of the buffet at this outlet is the Beef Sukiyaki. The chef will cook the
beef to your liking. Mine was simply sublime with glorious medium rare beef
slices lightly flavoured with the sweet and savory Sukiyaki broth. Enjoy the
sidekicks of bamboo shoots, konnyaku, mushrooms and more vegetables but don’t
forget to complete this Sukiyaki with an egg yolk for extra lusciousness.
Oden, a hodgepodge of ingredients cooked in soy and dashi
broth, never fails to please the palate of many when in seek of familiar
comfort food…
Hot
warmers filled with golden crispy Seafood
& Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, Grilled Eel, Vegetable Croquette,
Grilled Salmon, Mackerel, Prawns,
Salmon Collar and Karaage are definitely crowd pleasers in any Japanese
meal. The tempura is delightful perfect with its thin and crispy batter enveloping
prawns, fish, squid and assorted vegetables. Grill salmon, prawn and mackerel are
simply faultless too.
The
combination of smoked and sweet Grilled
Unagi on Japanese Garlic Fried Rice
is simply a match made in heaven!
There
may not be many options of desserts, but the ones served is truly authentic
Japanese favorites. Fresh cut fruits along with a huge bowl of grapes are ideal
after an indulgence. There are pretty glasses of Matcha Pannacotta where every spoonful of the beautifully set cream
tinged with aromatic matcha evoked such lusciousness on the palate.
Dorayaki, and not just any dorayaki for that
matter, is freshly made on the live station. Every single Dorayaki is handmade,
cooked and carefully filled, pinch-sealed and finish with a special hot seal.
Savor traditional sweet creamy red bean or nutty peanut butter. The staff was
so friendly and took the effort to make a Mickey shaped Dorayaki for my little
one! Kudos for the service and smile…
No
Japanese meal is complete without Matcha, Black Sesame or Yuzu Ice Cream.
A
personal favorite, the Abekawa Mochi
is perhaps a dessert that many would go for a second helping. I know I did. Mochi
is first grilled and then boiled before finished in a coating of kinako or soy bean
powder. It has a very subtle hint of sweetness and has great nutty aroma. The
mochi is sublime as it has a soft and chewy texture. Simply not to be missed!
The
legendary Kampachi EQ Sunday Buffet
did not disappoint. Retaining solid quality and freshness, all dishes are
prepared with classic spot-on techniques of Japanese cuisine. Gourmands are
already seen flocking to the new Kampachi EQ on the Sunday that I was there. It’s
truly a delicious Sunday experience for ardent Japanese foodies!
The
Kampachi EQ Sunday Buffet is
available every Sunday from 12.00pm to 2.30pm, priced at RM168 nett per adult
and RM78 nett per child (age 5 to 10). Reservations can be made via TableApp or
by calling +603 2789 7723.
KAMPACHI
EQ
Ground Floor, EQ
Equatorial Plaza,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours:
Lunch – 12.00pm to
3.00pm
Dinner – 6.00pm to 10.30pm
