Kiku Zakura, Kuala Lumpur

Konbanwa! The team greets cheerfully as we enter the eatery for dinner. We frequent this Japanese outlet for its quality food and friendly service.

Occupying a decent lot in Great Eastern Mall, Kiku Zakura is our go-to neighbourly restaurant when we feel like eating Japanese cuisine. An escape to Japan while in Malaysia, with the wood prints interior, kimono-clad waitresses and gentle Japanese music in the background. Prices are above other usual Japanese restaurants but we feel they are reasonably priced for the meals we had.

Abiding to the current SOP prior to entry. After placing our orders, we were teased with a tiny portion of the chef's appetizer of the day.

This Cranky, soft-shell crab roll is our favourite menu pick with its crispy seaweed skin and flying fish roe garnish.

Sukiyaki Set with beef slices. The warmth of the soup and glass noodles reminded me of childhood. However, the soup was a tad too sweet/intense for me that i couldn't slurp dry the bowl like i normally do.

This is amongst my favourite set option. The Mini Gyozas were delectable! Meaty with a prawn bounce, dipped in sauce. Honestly, it brought gyoza to another level for my liking. The accompanying silky smooth Udon and Tempura were yum too.

The Garlic Fried Rice may look simple but it was well-flavoured. Ok, may be if you like garlic, and my brother said this is his best garlic fried rice. The Chicken was moist with a nice skin.

My mom's favourite Salmon Head in soup. The portion of the salmon head was larger here and more flesh (good thing). The broth was rich in fish taste, suitable for those who enjoy fish soups.

If you can't decide whether to have rice or noodles, here is an option for you- both in a set. The Seafood Tempura comes with rice at its base while you can enjoy the Udon on its own if you like. The tempuras were light bites of prawn, scallop, soft shell crab, to name a few.

The Seafood Teppanyaki was well-grilled, drizzled with enough sauce to also eat with the vegetable sides.

We usually have set options which include  (not all the same) soft smooth Chawanmushi, standard Miso Soup, salad and watermelon cuts. Occasionally, we had fresh sashimi (after checking with them on their stock arrival).

There is another branch in Mid Valley, and while i read that this restaurant chain used to operate several branches in the past, i like to think of this as a hidden gem now, kept as a secret within the family for our Japanese gastronomy pleasure.

Then again, it is on my blog here. Oh, the irony.

Note: Dine-in experienced during the R/CMCO period whereby eateries shall adhere to SOP provided by the government.