Where do you get sushi for as low as RM1.80 ?

Sushi Mentai, that’s where. The first time I had it was with H at Cheras, KL (review here). Puchong Jaya has its own branch at IOI Boulevard, which is always packed with patrons. S and I came here for dinner last weekend and managed to cinch a spot before it got crowded at 6pm.

If you’re expecting high end Japanese decor with tatamis, nicely set tables and such, then this isn’t the right place. The setting at Sushi Mentai screams ‘fast and cheap’ Japanese food, albeit in a simple and cheerful environment. Plates are priced at RM1.80 or RM2.80; markedly cheaper than those from chains such as Sushi King or Sakae, which usually start from RM4 per plate. The variety is lesser though.

S had the tamago sushi – fried sweet egg topped with mentaiko (fish egg) mayo.

We both agreed that the fried shrimp tempura on inari, topped over with mayo and salmon roe, was bomb. The sweet tofu, stuffed with rice, balances the flavour of the creamy and sour mayo; while the savoury and crispy shrimp gave it a nice crunch.

Cold marinated jellyfish was chewy and well seasoned.

Aside from sushi, the resto also offers noodles and bento boxes. S had the chicken katsu rice, which came served with omelette and a side of greens.

I wasn’t expecting much from my cold soba (buckwheat noodles), so I was pleasantly surprised when I found that it tasted quite good. The noodles are refreshing to have on a hot day, and you eat it by dunking them into the accompanying soy sauce-based broth. The tempura that came with the dish was okay, and had sweet potato, green beans, aubergine and a fried ebi (shrimp). For RM12.90, it’s quite a steal.

SUSHI MENTAI (Bandar Puchong Jaya) 

F-G-18, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5,

Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 12PM – 9.30PM (weekdays), 11.30AM – 10PM (weekends)

Phone:  +60 16-230 8270