Sagano Japanese Restaurant @ Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel

I'm a sushi snob, and anything related to Japanese food can easily catch my attention, including this promotion at Sagano Japanese Restaurant, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel. 

Celebrating the hotel's 16th anniversary, all the restaurants in the hotels are introducing special menu that brings excitements to us. What not to be missed in Sagano is their ala carte menu, featuring all signature dishes that have been really popular among diners. 

Warmly lit with a touch of modern setting, I feel homey under this great atmosphere. 

#1 Japanese Classic Green Tea 
Premium quality green tea with a fresh, delicate sweetness and a breath of summer tartness.

#2 Edamame 

While waiting for the enticing main course to arrive, we're served with a bowlful of salt-boiled edamame in pots. It's utterly addictive as it keeps me reaching for more.

SAGANO'S 16 SIGNATURE DISHES @ RM16/DISH

There goes our long-waited dishes. I'm fortunate to sample some of the 16 signature dishes of traditional Japanese authenticity with contemporary twist of flavours. 

#3 Deep-Fried Chicken with Honey Vinegar @ RM16

I am very taken with the thin, crisp chicken (yay, it's boneless!) soaked in sweet, sourish sauce. The fresh-tasting chicken meat remains moist and I find the sauce rather intriguing.

#4 Grilled Oysters Topped with Japanese Mayonnaise @ RM16

A huge oyster is usually strongly flavoured, and I find this oyster here still acceptable in size. For this, I especially like the sauce which is light and mildly sweet. However, a zest of lemon juice would definitely have livened it up. 

#5 Slipper Lobster Meat Soup with Red Bean Soya Paste @ RM16

The slipper lobster meat soup brings a great combination of red bean and miso soup base, served with wakame seaweed and chunks of smooth lobster flesh. The broth is slightly heavier in taste, but rich enough to enjoy it while hot. 

#6 Fish Flake Clear Soup with Fried Tofu @ RM16

My dining companion especially enjoys the fried tofu, as it goes perfectly with the salty fish flake, and smooth clear soup which add contrast to the overall texture. 

#7 Special Seasonal Fresh Sashimi and Sushi Moriawase @ RM66 per platter

What a colorful platter of seasonal sushi and sashimi! It looks very appealing to the eyes, and I'm very much fascinated with the petite rice balls. If the fresh sashimi comes in thicker slice, then it could be a winning taste! 

#8 Chicken Meat with Vegetable Soup @ RM16

The best thing bout Japanese soup is, it is always light, clear without a drop of visible oil in it. So healthy that I enjoy every mouthful of it, guilt-free too! 

#9 Grilled California Roll with Homemade Mayonnaise @ RM16

Much as I enjoy the sashimi, however the biggest applauce is left for this grilled california roll. It comprises of a piece of salmon maki topped with another, served with salmon roes, Japanese mayo and shoyu sauce. The overall taste is exceptionally strong, with a very creamy texture which I love the most. 

#10 Sauteed Prime Beef Roll on Enoki @ RM16

On the other hand, my dining companion finds this beef roll as the best dish by far. The marinated meat is carefully sauteed to result in a firm, moist texture that is not in the slightest bit tough. Thumbs up! 

#11 Matcha Ice Cream with Chocolate Brownie

Putting an endnote to the sumptuous lunch, I head to the dessert bar on the buffet table, reaching for my favourite rich green tea ice cream. It is indeed a highly enjoyable experience. 

Verdict:

1. All the signature dishes come in small portions, yet very filling even for a big eater. In terms of taste and presentation, I have no complaints at all.

2. Recommended: Grilled California Roll with Homemade Mayonnaise and Sauteed Prime Beef Roll on Enoki

3. Pricewise, my wallet is as satisfied as my stomach. Surely you'd pay for the value of good food.

Sagano Japanese Restaurant
Level 1, West Wing
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail & Jalan Ampang, 
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2162 2233

Website: www.klrenaissance.com
Facebook: fb.com/marriott

Operating Hours: 
Lunch: 12noon to 2.30pm on weekdays, closed on Saturdays, 12noon to 3pm on Sundays
Dinner: 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily