Genji Japanese Restaurant @ Hilton PJ

Genji is probably one of the oldest Japanese eateries in town which has been famed for its weekend Japanese buffet. Recently it has been revamped and hence we are here to check out the exquisite taste and elegant decor of the brand new Genji!

The interior exudes a contemporary design with Japanese flair. For better privacy, there are several private rooms and one tatami room in Genji where you can dine amidst the luxuriously lovely Japanese ambiance. 

Appetizer: Shirao Wasabi (Wasabi-marinated White Baits),

Kaki Tempura (Deep-fried Oyster), Unagi Tama (Deep-fried Eel in Japanese Omelette)

Glancing through the extensive menu, it has everything we crave for a complete Japanese culinary experience. The appetizer trio is filled with seafood favourites enhanced with different preparation styles and distinctive tastes.

Included in this trio are white baits marinated with wasabi-flavoured tobiko, fresh oyster rolled in bread crumbs that are finished to a golden perfection when deep-fried; and savoury omelette wrapping around deep-fried eel that gives a light flavorful bite, yet bursting with flavor.  

Salad: Seafood Salad (Fresh Seafood and Sashimi Salad with Goma Dressing)

Healthy goers may try the bowl of garden greens with chunky salmon, prawns and lightly seared tuna that is very rare, and raw inside. A generous portion of house-made goma dressing is served separately, and I truly enjoy the rich roasted sesame aroma which gives an extra kick to the fresh salad. 

Sashimi: Premium Sashimi Moriawase Set (Assorted Sashimi Boat)

Since Genji uses only the freshest fish imported from Japan (Except for salmon which is imported from Norway), I'd prefer enjoying them raw from the premium Sashimi Moriawase set which includes fillets of raw maguro (tuna), kanpachi, salmon, hotategai (Hokkaido scallop), tako (boiled octopus) and ikura.

Love the lean cut of fish that gives a very nice, firm texture on the mouth and tastes naturally sweet!

Soup: Dobin Mushi

Next up is the favourite dish among Japanese during winter, which I personally find it uncommon in Malaysia. The  traditional Japanese seafood broth is served in an elegant, single-serving teapot and drinking it from the teacup makes it much more pleasantly palatable. Surprisingly, it tastes excellent with a dash of lime juice! 

Sushi: Jumbo Ebi Ura Maki (Deep-fried Jumbo Tiger Prawn Roll)

What not to be missed here is the house signature reversed roll with tiger prawn tempura, flying fish roe, salad and cucumber. Each piece is very compact with rice on the sides, yet remains crunchy and light in the middle. 

Trio Combo: Sashimi of Salmon, Tuna and Sea Bream;

 Grilled Tiger Prawn on Potato Salad; and Salt-grilled Cod on Fried Rice

The next dish has actually blown me away, as I truly appreciate the chef's to creatively craft a trio combination of lightly grilled cod on a bed of garlic fried rice, sashimi wrapped in seaweed and served on a bed of potato salad. 

Rice: Scallop Fried Rice

The following rice dish is sure to portray simplicity at its best. It is the combination of flavours and textures that wow me, as the chunks of juicy scallops melt in the mouth while I enjoy the beautiful crunch from the crisp rice bits. 

Dessert: Genji Combo (Green Tea Ice Cream Cake with Fresh Fruits and Hot Red Bean Soup)

As for the finale of the meal, nothing beats the perfect marriage of hot and cold dessert of red bean soup with sticky glutinous rice ball, fruits and green tea ice cream cake. Nothing overly sweet but just hits nicely at the right level of sweetness to wrap up our sumptuous dinner. 

At Genji, seasonal fishes are available from time to time, so customers can check with the staff
before ordering and make special requests according to their preference.

Verdict:

1. Overall, it is a true gastronomical experience at Genji for fine and comforting Japanese dishes.

2. No complaints at all in terms of freshness, ambiance, portion and taste.

3. Recommended: Dobin Mushi, Garlic Fried Rice, Sashimi Moriawase

Genji Japanese Restaurant
Level 1, East Wing,
Hilton Petaling Jaya,
2, Jalan Barat,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: +603-7455 9122 ext 4071/4072
Website: www.zestpj.com
Facebook: fb.com/hiltonpetalingjaya

Business Hours:
Lunch:
Mon-Sat: 12noon - 2.30pm
Sun Buffet: 11.30am - 2.30pm

Dinner:
Mon-Sun: 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Sat Buffet: 6pm - 10.30pm