Initially, one might feel a tad intimidated to dine at Sushi Yoshi at Lalaport BBCC. The restaurant is, after all, highly regarded for its omakase-style dining, whereby chefs present a tasting menu of sushi made from the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients. The classic omakase here starts from RM298++, but can go up to RM1,298++ depending on which menu you’ve opted for.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they offer pretty affordable (comparatively speaking) kaisendon (seafood ricebowls) too – which means that you get to experience the ambience of a high-end sushi place without burning a hole in your pocket.

Sunshine streams in through floor to ceiling windows, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The sushi counter runs almost the length of the space,made from light-hued wood typical of traditional Japanese sushi restaurants. There are also two private rooms separated from the main dining area by shoji-style sliding doors.

There is a decent variety of dons available. Priced on the higher end are premium choices like the Kaisen Luxe Don (RM168), Engawa Akami Don (fin muscle of the flatfish flounder + lean tuna – RM138), and Negitoro Don (RM98). If you prefer beef, they also serve A5 Wagyu Don (RM208) and a version with Unagi and Wagyu (RM168).

N and I both ordered the Salmon Don (RM38). The chef, for some reason, didn’t prepare it in front of us but at the other end of the sushi counter, so we got up from our seats to go kaypoh instead, watching as he expertly removed the skin from a thick slab of fish, before layering them into evenly cut slices.

It took awhile for the food to be served, even though we were the only diners – but the wait was worth it.

The don was beautifully presented, with the salmon slices fanned out over the rice like a blossoming flower, complete with a glistening, pasteurised egg yolk at its centre and lashings of black tobiko (flying fish roe).

The fish was fresh and buttery, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture, while the tobiko lent each bite a refreshing brininess. The rice was also fluffy and perfectly cooked.

As part of the set, we were served a comforting bowl of clam soup. The flavours were clean and balanced, and there was a generous amount of clams within too.

Overall we were both satisfied with the quality and freshness of the food. Considering how high-end the place is, it’s good to know that they have more affordable options too – so you get to experience the feeling of being in a fine dining establishment with food prepared by top chefs, but at a more wallet-friendly price.

SUSHI YOSHI

G01-G02, Lalaport, Bukit Bintang City Center, 2, Jln Hang Tuah, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 11AM – 3PM, 6PM – 10PM

Phone: 011-33186881

Reservations: https://www.sushiyoshi.com.my/

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