COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Established in Japan in 1996, Gyu-Kaku is one of Japan’s largest chain yakiniku restaurants. In 2004, it expanded to the ASEAN region, delighting yakiniku fans in Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Bangkok.
And finally, in 2012, the first Gyu-Kaku outlet in Malaysia opened its doors in Isetan 1-Utama.
Full-fledged Yakiniku restaurants are not that common here in the Klang Valley. Gyu Kaku is one of the very few and it stands out among the lot. Located in the far end of the Eat Paradise floor of Isetan 1-Utama, it’s quite easy to miss Gyu-Kaku.
Walk through the maze of eateries and you will spot the pine coloured wooden deco of the restaurant.
Gyu-Kaku’s menu shows an impressive list of choice meat cuts. The best way to sample the meats is to order a huge platter of every kind of beefy goodness on it. Spoil yourself with ox tongue, short ribs, brisket, round primal cuts and lean tenderloins.
The Karubi (RM25.90) — oyster blade short ribs — are known as the “king of yakiniku” are sweet and meltingly tender. The only way to eat these is to have them grilled “medium rare”. For a bit more bite, the lean Rump Cap (RM21) and Brisket (RM14.90) are flavoursome.
The Harami (RM18.90) is good if you are partial to smaller and healthier cuts. These are lean but incredibly tender. Likewise, the thinly sliced Shabu-shabu Grill (RM21.90) should also please meat lovers.
With meats this fresh, actually no marination is needed. However, for those who prefer some flavours in their meats, there are a few choices of marinade. Take your pick from plain Himalayan rock salt, shio, tare, miso (plain or spicy) or miso/shio with leeks. I prefer just the plain rock salt to fully savour the beefy goodness.
It’s always good to pair your yakiniku with some greens and Gyu-Kaku does serve some really delicious salads. The signature Horenso Salad (RM8.90) is an absolute must-try. It comes with lots of crisp juicy Japanese spinach, garlic crisps and light goma dressing.
Their Namuru Salad (RM8.90) is a riot of colors — mixed seaweed and bean sprouts tossed with Japanese citrus soy sauce. Light and refreshing, this salad certainly does a fine job to awaken the appetite or just to level down the meaty tones of your meal.
A special treat of S’mores can be had in Gyu-Kaku. It’s an American dessert of toasted marshmallows sandwiched between Graham crackers and smothered with Nutella spread.
It may be a novelty here, but it is definitely a hit with the kids. For only RM5.90, go ahead and have fun with this DIY dessert!
All meats served in Gyu-Kaku are certified halal. Wagyu beef options are available too, at more premium prices, of course. Besides the outlet in 1-Utama, other outlets are in Publika and Tropicana City Mall.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Malaysia
2nd Floor, Isetan, 1Utama
Bandar Utama
47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7733-0018
Chris Wan also blogs at Pure Glutton
