Japanese favourites and over 99 cocktails at Kaiden Japas Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Kaiden Japas Restaurant & Lounge Bar has an enticing array of Japanese cuisine, ranging from sushi and sashimi to makimono and ramen. Complementing the diverse menu is an extensive selection of cocktails, sake, wine and beers. During a recent lunch outing with my daughter, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavours of the dishes we savoured together.

We began our meal with the kiku sashimi consisting of three slices each of salmon toro, squid (ika), octopus (tako), raw scallops (nama hotate) and white tuna (shiro maguro). The squid, lightly torched to reveal a fine criss-crossed pattern, showcased the chef's meticulous knife work. The restaurant should serve this with some freshly grated wasabi.

Sashimi, an integral component of Japanese culinary heritage, traces its origins to ancient times when fishermen would slice freshly caught fish for immediate consumption. Translating to "pierced body" in Japanese, sashimi represents the art of enjoying raw seafood and meat. Its essence lies in accentuating the natural flavours and textures of premium seafood, often presented as a visual spectacle. Unlike sushi, which incorporates rice and other ingredients, sashimi celebrates the unadulterated flavours of the fish itself. Some historians attribute its origins to namasu, thinly sliced raw fish marinated in seasoned vinegar, a popular dish during Japan's Heian period (8th–12th centuries). It was not until Japan's Edo period (1600–1867) that sashimi gained widespread popularity, cementing its status as a revered culinary tradition.

The next dish to arrive at the table was the volcano salmon lava roll. It was served with crispy tempura crumbs and smothered with cream cheese, spicy mayo and Kabayaki sauce, topped with some tobiko. While the menu depicted a flambéed presentation, the staff recommended against it, citing potential alterations in its taste. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the salmon sushi and the delightful crunch of the tempura crumbs. However, for future visits, I would request that the chef go easy on the mayo or, better still, serve it on the side. This adjustment could potentially change the dish's visual appeal of a lava flow.

We also opted for the spider mentai roll – soft-shell crab with seared cod roe, avocado and cucumber strips all rolled into one. Adding some wasabe for heat and a light dipping into the soy sauce made it a lovely bite. The interplay of flavours and textures in this dish was wonderful.

My daughter's favourite dish was the tonkatsu udon, a comforting bowl of steaming hot udon noodles accompanied by tender, deep-fried breaded pork cutlets. Originating as Japan's adaptation of Western recipes, particularly France’s côtelette de veau (veal cutlet), tonkatsu has a fascinating history.

The Western-style restaurant Rengatei, established in 1895 in Ginza and still operating today, played a pivotal role in tonkatsu's evolution. Rengatei recognised the need to adjust the traditional pan-frying method to suit Japanese tastes. Drawing from Japanese culinary tradition, they deployed deep-frying and incorporated soft, fresh panko breadcrumbs. This innovation resulted in a crisper and lighter tonkatsu, better suited to local palates. In 1899, tonkatsu debuted on the Rengatei menu under the name “pork cutlet", marking the beginning of its culinary journey in Japan. Today, this method of preparing tonkatsu has spread worldwide, including reaching our shores in Penang. It has since become a beloved dish cherished by many. Give this a try when you visit Kaiden.

To conclude our meal, we enjoyed the goma tempura ice cream. "Goma" is the Japanese word for "sesame". The dessert was a delightful and scrumptious treat. We will be back to try out more tempting dishes and cocktails.

Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
24 March 2024

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Kaiden Japas Restaurant & Lounge Bar
138-1-3A, Anson Cube, Jalan Anson, Georgetown, 10400 George Town, Penang
T: +6012-630 9828
Open: 12 pm – 2 am

Value set lunches are available from 12 noon to 3 pm. For those seeking an exceptional dining experience, the Omakase menu is available with advance pre-order. Enjoy your meal in the cozy ambience, complete with a spacious lounge area and private karaoke room. Do not miss the live band performances every Friday night!