Commanding an awesome view of Kuala Lumpur right next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Nobu Kuala Lumpur is popular with the business lunch crowd, as well as discerning diners looking for a memorable dining experience with friends and loved ones.

I recently got to try out their ‘Noon at Nobu’ lunch offerings, created by Executive Chef Philip Leong. It did not disappoint. Featuring an array of decadent meals and combinations, the menu includes set lunches, prix fixe menus, bento boxes, hot and cold dishes as well as soups, noodles and desserts. Diners can expect the freshest ingredients, as well as Nobu’s signature Japanese style with Peruvian influences.

To start off, we had an appetiser from the cold menu: Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna (RM38). Fried to golden perfection, the cubes of rice were crunchy, bite-sized and the perfect accompaniment to the creamy, spicy tuna.

Next, we tried some items from the prix-fixe menu (RM168++), which comprises an appetiser, main course and dessert. It also comes with miso soup and green tea.

(APPETISER) Butter Lettuce Salad Dry Miso – fresh leafy vegetables tossed in a savoury-sweet dressing – perfect for those who prefer something light and refreshing.

 

(APPETISER) One of Nobu’s signature dishes, New Style Sashimi is a palate pleaser in both flavour and texture. The fish slices are slightly cooked on the edges, thanks to the hot oil and dressing that is poured over it just before serving.

There’s an interesting story about how Chef Nobu Masuhitsa, celebrity chef and owner of the Nobu restaurants, came up with the dish. Apparently a guest once declined a meal of sashimi after it was served to the table, citing that she didn’t like raw food. Chef Nobu took it back to the kitchen, heated some oil and poured it over the sides so that the fish would be cooked on the edges, without disrupting the original dish’s presentation. This ‘New Style’ sashimi proved to be so popular it became a permanent item on the menu.

(APPETISER) Nobu’s Peruvian influence shines through the Seafood Ceviche, a salad of fresh and juicy seafood and greens.

(APPETISER) My personal favourite is the Umami Chicken Kara-age; a fitting name for perfectly fried boneless chicken that is juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside.

(MAIN) Mushroom Toban Yaki – An amalgamation of mushrooms, served in a claypot for maximum flavour. It was good but it was not my favourite, as there was a slightly bitter note to the sauce.

(MAIN) Shrimp with Spicy Garlic boasts sweet and sizable shrimps tossed in a spicy garlic sauce for an extra kick.

(MAIN) The Grilled Chicken Truffle Teriyaki is another winner, elevating the humble but versatile meat into a gourmet experience. Despite being lean, with very little fat, the chicken retained its moisture and tenderness, which makes it a great protein to bring out the full flavours of the smoky, earthy truffle sauce. Rounding up the dish are lightly grilled vegetables.

(MAIN) Red meat lovers will enjoy the Beef Tenderloin.  

Aside from the pre-fixe menu, Nobu KL also offers set lunches which are served with with miso soup, salad, tempura, nobu biscuits and green tea. Vegans can opt for the Cauliflower Steak with Corn Salsa, while pescatarians can choose a beautifully presented sushi and sashimi spread of tuna, ebi (shrimp) and salmon, among others. Lunch sets range from RM58++ to RM145++. 

Nobu biscuits and macaroons.

Presentation and taste are both key when it comes to Nobu’s exquisite bento boxes (RM175++), which are as pretty as they are tasty. Diners will get signature Nobu dishes such as the refreshing Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing, fresh assorted sushi, crispy Rock Shrimp Tempura with Butter Ponzu, Nobu’s signature Black Cod Miso and aromatic Vegetable Spicy Garlic with Rice. If there is one item that you MUST have in this set, it’s the Black Cod Miso, which is basted with a miso glaze for that perfect savoury sweet, umami flavour.

Coming to desserts, which can be ordered ala carte or part of the prix fixe menu, we have the Yogurt Sub Zero, a creamy and lightly sour concoction of fresh berries, raspberry sauce, sesame crisp and yogurt ice-cream served in stone bowls.

The Banana Harumaki – featuring a Banana Spring Roll, Shiso Leaf, Dulce De Leche, Passionfruit Sauce and White Sesame Ice Cream.

 

Wash everything down with a Japanese Whisky Cappuccino, with Coffee Creme Brulee, Cocoa Cumble, Vanilla Ice Cream and Japanese Whisky Foam.

*Note: There is a smart casual dress code for entry. Ripped jeans, round collared tees, shorts, tank tops and flip flops are not allowed. Children below the age of 12 are only allowed on the premises on weekends and public holidays.

For reservations and inquiries, call 03-2164 5084 or Whatsapp 019 389 5085.

NOBU KUALA LUMPUR 

Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening hours: (daily) 12 – 2PM, 6 – 10.30PM

noburestaurants.com/kuala-lumpur/home/