What comes to your mind when someone says Japanese cuisine? Most people would think about sushi, tempura, sashimi and ramen. What is left out here is probably one of the must-try item; Yakitori.
This ‘abandoned’ item is what Sango Japanese Restaurant in Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya is trying to bring out. Yakitori which means grilled skewers of chicken and chicken parts is one of the most popular traditional Japanese dishes which are served while enjoying sake or soju.
Assorted Soju
But, in Sango Japanese Restaurant, there are much more in store than chicken meat. Plus, all ingredients are grilled fresh over charcoal without any marination except for a little salt sprinkled over the food when it is almost done. Only salt is used to bring out the freshness of the ingredients. Besides that, the skill and time needed and temperature for grilling has to be carefully monitored to prevent charring of the foodstuff.
For some light dishes, try the Zukkini (Japanese cucumber). It is topped with tomato which gives it a soury tang that enlightens the appetite. Then, proceed on with Eringi (eringi mushroom), Nasu (brinjal), Satsuma Butter Yaki (BBQ sweet potato) and Shiitake (shiitake mushroom).
Zukkini
Clockwise: Shiitake, Eringi, Satsuma Butter Yaki and Nasu
For some savoury treats, have the Tebasaki (chicken wings). Its skin is so crispy that you wouldn’t believe it is grilled and not fried! Juicy from the inside, the meat is soft and the saltiness is just right. Also, do order the Hiza Nankotsu (chicken cartilage with meat) and Nankotsu (chicken cartilage). The former is as crispy as the Tebasaki and has a chewy effect while the latter is bursting with pepper fragrance as you chew your way into the chicken cartilage.
Tebasaki
Hiza Nankotsu and Nankotsu
Not forgetting Tokusei Tsukune (chicken and beef BBQ with special sauce and raw egg), it is another must-try item here. Have a portion of the meat and dip it into the raw egg for a smooth effect. The meat is nicely mixed and grilled to perfection and is fantastic with a bowl of steaming hot rice or bread!
Tokusei Tsukune
Besides the skewers, they have Saba Shiosaki (mackerel) which is nicely done with crisp skin and juicy meat and a zesty tang after a squeeze of lemon wedge over it.
Saba Shiosaki
For something out of the ordinary, try the Sashimi Salad. Slices of sashimi is placed on a bed of lettuce, topped with mayonnaise and drenched in a spicy special dressing. The spicy dressing tinges the taste buds as the sashimi melts in the mouth. Meanwhile for sashimi, the slices of raw fish meat are wonderfully cut with the right amount of fats and meat which makes it simply irresistible.
Sashimi Salad
Sashimi
Sushi lovers have got to try the Rainbow Maki. Fluffy rice with zukini are wrapped with salmon and topped with special sauce and black sesame seeds and spring onion. The multi-coloured sushi delivers a fragrant yet special taste to the tongue.
Rainbow Maki
After much grilled heaty dishes, cool down with Uji Kintoki (green tea ice cream with red bean) and Sakura ice cream (cherry blossom) which are all home-made. The red bean compliments the bittersweet thick green tea ice cream while the Sakura ice cream emits sweet-soury taste which is simply splendid.
Uji Kintoki and Sakura ice cream
Many diners would deter from ordering skewered items as they think it would take some time for it to arrive. But, all it need is a mere 10-minute of patience and good food is worth the wait. Plus, it comes with affordable prices of RM2.50 onwards per skewer from a variety of choices and tastes. Check out for more promotion and party packages from Sango Japanese Restaurant this Christmas and New Year season.
Sango Japanese Restaurant
2nd Floor, Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya,
No. 12, Lorong Utara A, Off Jalan Utara,
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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