Osaka 1961 @ Taman Kajang Prima

The new Japanese restaurant in Kajang Prima called Osaka 1961 has 2 sections; a ground floor section which is a sushi bar and does set meals as well, and a first floor section that houses a shabu-shabu (steamboat) buffet. We tried the ground floor section and here's the verdict:-

Sorry for the picture quality - lights were quite dim

All sushi on the conveyor belt are RM1.80 a plate. At such a price, you really can't complain. But I have to say that the octopus was very chewy. The raw fish however was fresh.

The Buta (pork) Katsudon set came with a crispy fried pork fillet served on a bed of rice. The set came with a bowl of salad, miso soup and two watermelon slices. Again, you can't complain at RM7.90. The Salmon Fish Set which can be done in Shio or Teriyaki style was somewhat better. We had the salmon done in Teriyaki sauce and the salmon came in a reasonable size for the RM8.90 asking price.

We also had a Osaka Itako Salad. A decent portion of sweetish squid topped on a plate of cucumber, baby tomatoes, shredded cabbage and salad leaves. Nice refreshing salad. No complaints for RM6.90.

Overall, a cheap and cheerful place. It's good value for money but don't get your expectations too high. You get what you pay for. Give it a try.

Location : No 11 Jalan KP 1/6, Taman Kajang Prima, Off Jalan Semenyih, Kajang
Contact : 03-8741 6119

Takuya Japanese Restaurant

Our first visit to this new Japanese restaurant in Sg Chua:-

The set with salmon sashimi and stir fried beef (RM22). Came with salad, miso soup, cold tofu and chawan mushi. All were decent but not particularly outstanding.

Ros had the set with tempura prawns and unagi (RM28) with the same side dishes. Unagi was good but tempura was oily and the oil has a certain smell (overused oil?).

Close-up of the unagi

We also tried the a Spider Maki (RM22) which is a crispy fried soft shell crab roll with avocado slices. The soft shell crab was crispy but the roll was not well made, causing it to break up when picked up. Overall, it was pretty average.

Spider maki

They had some sad piano music playing when we got there and it depressed me to the point that I had to ask them to change the music. Not the right music for a Japanese restaurant.Overall the food and experience was pretty average. They won't beat Koya in Bandar Mahkota for the crown for best Japanese restaurant in the Kajang area.

Location : No 9-G, Jalan Berjaya 11, Taman Berjaya, Sg Chua, Kajang
Contact : 03-8734 1818
No pork served

The best places to eat in Kajang for 2012

As we come to the end of 2012, we would like to list our favorite restaurants. These are the places that we keep returning to. These are listed in no order of priority. Click on the links to take you back to our earlier reviews.

Chinese Restaurants
1. Wan Fatt behind Jalan Mendaling, Kajang -they are scheduled to move from their current location soon as the premises will make way for the MRT project. We will keep you posted on their new location.
2. Sing Kee at Bandar Teknologi, Jalan Semenyih
3. Min Kee at Broga – our regular family gathering place, great for the braised eight treasure duck
4. Fook Loy in Sg Chua
5. Sin Tai Mah in Semenyih, famous for their ‘lai sar yee’

Indian Restaurants
Unfortunately, we are still looking – please send us your feedback if you have found any worth mentioning.

Malay Restaurants
1. Satay Haji Samuri, the flag bearer for Kajang satay
2. Satay UK in Bandar Baru Bangi, good not only for satay but also for their signature Urat Ketin (UK) soup and Malay dishes.

Thai Restaurants
Only one worth mentioning - A’Wet Thai at Sg Chua

Indonesian Restaurants
These are sprouting up everywhere now, mostly selling Ayam Penyet. But our pick is Rumah Makan Cibiuk at Taman Putra, Sg Chua – possibly our best new find of 2012.

Japanese Restaurants
Koya Japanese Restaurant in Bandar Mahkota, Cheras. Pretty decent Japanese food at reasonable prices.

Happy eating and do keep the suggestions coming. Happy New Year!

Koya Japanese Restaurant, Bandar Mahkota Cheras

We finally found a Japanese place around the Kajang area worth writing about and one that we can recommend. It’s located at Bandar Mahkota Cheras near the Rotiman bakery (one of our favorite cake shops in South Klang Valley). 

We understand that the cook is Japanese. This was our first visit and we just tried a few items on the menu. First was the ‘tobiko sushi’(RM6), laden with flying fish roe, this had the usual crunchy and fishy taste. Good (sorry no photo as it came out blur).

Next was the soft shell crab and avocado roll (RM15). The soft shell crab was still hot and crunchy and this was balanced by the soft avocado. Bits of sesame seeds and tobiko gave the roll different textures whilst the Japanese mayonnaise gave it some sweetness and creaminess. Very good and recommended.

 Next was the ‘gyoza’ or Japanese dumpling (RM8). I think it was steamed and then finished on the grill. It was a little soft (compared to Chinese dumplings) but the fillings were tasty. Good.

We had the ‘unagi’ set (RM31) which at first look was a little disappointing in terms of the size of the grilled eel serving. However we could not fault the taste. The accompanying ‘chawan mushi’ (egg custard with meat) was soft and silken with a nice slight eggy fragrance. No fault with the ‘miso’ soup either but the rice was not the Japanese variety but a local long grain variety. 

They have quite an extensive menu with the usual Japanese items including sashimi (raw seafood items), agemono (deep fried), yakimono (grilled or pan fried), stewed dishes and noodles. No doubt, enough reasons for us to make return visits in future. Japanese sake is also available.   

Location : No 56, Jalan Temenggung 1/9, SCK 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Kajang, Selangor
Contact : 03-90198260