Ishin Japanese Dining @ Old Klang Road, KL

Strategically tucked in a stand-alone double-storey bungalow along Old Klang Road, ISHIN Japanese Dining has always been amongst the top fine Japanese restaurants in town since 2009, but I have not got any chance to check them out until recently I am finally here at ISHIN, to enjoy some life's finer moments with a wide array of genuine Japanese and Kaiseki style cuisines. 

Upon arrival, there is a free valet service where we can leave our car to the jockey and step into Ishin's cozy space that exudes a warm, contemporary Japanese atmosphere. Taking the centre stage of the restaurant is the oval sushi counter where sashimi and sushi are skilfully prepared right in front of diners. 

Double-Boiled Shiro Baigai (Japanese Ivory Shell)

To begin our culinary adventure, we are treated with the freshly air-flown seafood from Japan's renowned Tsukiji market. During this month, the seasonal Japanese ivory shells are abundant in Japan, and we are glad to sample the soft meaty flesh which is savoury sweet and bursting with juicy oceanic flavours upon each bite. 

The chewy meat is pretty succulent!

Kamo Ibushiyaki Salada with Yuzu Dressing 

Following the well-liked appetizer, we have a bowl of smoked duck salad drizzled with Japanese citrus fruit dressing. Combining avocado slices and fresh greens, this ligh and refreshing salad is a beautiful medley of textures and flavours. It is simply perfect to prep the palate for the coming dishes.

Chef's Recommendation: Sashimi Platter (11 types)

The highlight of the evening is surely Ishin's sashimi spread which has been well-known for its freshness, high quality standard and generous portions. Apart from ensuring the fresh import of finest quality ingredients from Tokyo, Ishin is equipped with a superior -60° C Dairei Super Freezer to better preserve the ingredients' natural juiciness and tastes.

Sashimi topped with Tobiko (Fish roes)

Therefore, everything on this platter is amongst the freshest I've tried! The variety includes Nama Sanma (Pacific Saury), Hotate (Scallop), Chutoro (Medium Fatty Tuna), Botan Ebi (Shrimp), Kampachi (Amberjack), Shiro Maguro (Butterfish), Hamachi (Yellowtail), Hirame (Flute), Akagai (Ark Shell), Salmon and fish roes. 

Look at the generous portion of thickly-cut tuna! The flesh has just the right amount of fat and good marbling without being too "oily".

 Presentation wise, it is totally an eye candy to us.

Frankly, the ultra fresh sashimi is good to go on its own, without any condiment. But in Ishin, I just couldn't resist myself from pairing it with the freshly grated wasabi from the rhizome itself. The wasabi has blown us away with its unique pungent flavour, texture and "heat" at the freshest state. 

Fresh Komachi Ayu Shioyaki

If you are up for hot food items, then you should try the sweet fish which is salt-grilled to crispy outer perfection while keeping the inner part tender and juicy. Despite of having alot of minuscule bones, this fish is a delicious treat as it gets us hooked on the sweet flesh and tiny fish eggs. Plus, the zesty lime juice lifts up its overall taste.

Lobster Kaminabe Soup

Another stomach comforting dish is the Japanese paper hotpot that is traditionally cooked directly under fire without burning the paper. The lobster soup is surprisingly savoury, and I simply adore the rich flavours with subtle hints of miso. 

Such a luxury soup with chunks of fresh lobster meat is just too good to resist!

Salmon Belly with Spicy Apple Sauce

As for the teppanyaki dish, our grilled salmon belly is served on individual hot plate with intricate garnishing of fried garlic, bonito flakes and chopped scallion. I appreciate the chef's selection of serving salmon belly instead of other parts of the salmon, because it is softer, more delicate and literally melts in the mouth with the slightly spicy, sweet and tangy sauce. Highly recommended if you are a salmon lover!

Hokkaido King Crab and Oyster with Yuzu Sauce

The following dish is something unique that I have not tried before. Large, chunky pieces of crab meat and oyster are lightly deep-fried before being served on citrusy yuzu sauce. The seafood is rich in oceanic juices which is enhanced by a refreshing citrus zing. The combination looks simple but it comes together beautifully and heightens our senses. 

3 Kankaku No Men (3 Sensory Noodles)

Interesting dishes come one after another. Served on a bed of ice, each glass is filled with different types of cold noodles and sauces, and topped with ebikko, seaweed, scallion and more. The one with pink buckwheat noodles topped with seaweed (Picture above: Bottom Right) tastes very mild as it is soaked in light dipping soup. 

To be more adventurous, try the one with white noodles (Picture above: Top Left) as it is punch packed with wasabi flavours. Lastly, my personal favourite goes to the one with yellow noodles, topped with tobiko (Picture above: Bottom Right) as it is filled with creamy sesame sauce that gives a refreshing, savoury touch to the soft noodles. 

Ice Cream / Sorbet: Kyoho (Grape), Yuzu, Melon, Momo (Peach), Goma (Black Sesame)

If there is still room for desserts, you shouldn't miss the homemade ice creams in exotic flavours which are crafted using real, natural ingredients, unlike those highly sweetened ones that are served elsewhere. For instance, the light and icy cool sorbet selections are made of sweet Japanese melons, sun-kissed peaches, succulent mountain grapes, and juicy yuzu.

Nagano Kyoho (The grape size can go as large as a plum!),
Momo (Soft and large Japanese premium peach) and Japanese sweet corns

Kirin Ichiban Draught Beer

Desserts do not mark the end of our sumptuous dinner yet. Since Ishin operates until 1a.m. everyday, we decide to stay a little longer to keep our conversations while enjoying a couple of glasses of Japanese beers. It tastes great for me as it is light bodied, smooth and sweet with mild malty aftertaste.

Ishin is currently having Buy 1 Free 1 Kirin Beer promotion, 

from 8pm to 1am daily, while stock last. Don't miss it ya!

Verdict:

1. Truly an amazing place for a true Japanese gastronomic experience. Here you don't need to pay a 5-star hotel's Japanese restaurant price, but you can get equally good (Or better) quality food and services. 

2. Every penny is well-spent for the portion and quality of top-notch ingredients that can hardly be achieved by other Japanese easteries around Klang Valley. Ishin is definitely worth visiting!

3. Recommended: Sashimi, Lobster Kaminabe Soup, Hokkaido King Crab and Oyster with Yuzu Sauce, Goma Ice Cream (Well, that's basically ALL of them because I truly love every bit of each dish!)

Ishin Japanese Dining 

No. 202, Persiaran Klang,

Batu 3 3/4,

Off Jalan Kelang Lama,

58000 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: +603-7980 8228 (for reservation)

Website: www.ishin.my

Facebook: fb.com/ishinmy

Operating Hours:

Mon-Sun:

12:00 pm-3:00 pm

6:00 pm-1:00 am