KEN HUNTS FOOD: Eki Sake Bar @ Sunrise Gurney Drive, Penang.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Eki Sake Bar @ Sunrise Gurney Drive, Penang.

With a name like Sake Bar, one would expect the place to be an alcohol-focused space but to be fair, their food offering is worth a look either. Apart from the extensive alcohol beverages, Eki Sake Bar at Sunrise Gurney Drive (not to be confused with Sunrise Tower next to Gurney Plaza) does serve a Japanese-inspired menu, featuring quite a big selection of Japanese delights... from Otsumami, Agemono, Yakimono, Kushimono to Donburi as well as a few noodle choices. Its a place that embodies food and alcoholic drinks. Also noteworthy is the wide Cocktail and Japanese Sake selection. The place has a casual, relaxed ambiance with soft music as background and tall bar chairs (a little odd for dining though); the spaciousness (and tall ceiling) makes the place feels cozier and more pleasant. Moderate price points but above average food offering, if you do like a glass of Cocktail to go with your Japanese dinner, this place is a worth a look.

Truffle Chahan (Rm 32)

Truffle Pasta (Rm 32)

Hokkaido Kani Sarada (Rm 20)

Unagi Kabayaki (Rm 35)

Tsukune (Rm 6.50)

Negima Teriyaki (Rm 5.50)

Tebasaki (Rm 5.50)

Gyu Hire Yaki (Rm 18)

Smoked Whiskey Sour Marmalade (Rm 48)

We were impressed with the skewers especially the grilled Chicken Thigh, lightly seasoned with salt. The meat was tender-juicy inside while the skin was addictively crispy on the outside, it could be one of the best ones around. The Gyu Hire Yaki on the other hand, was quite a disappointment. It was overcooked and the meat turned rubbery. We found it very hard to chew through the rubbery texture. For mains, we had both Truffle Fried Rice and Pasta; we were happy to say that both were very good. The former one comes with various types of Seafood (Prawns, Scallops, a bit of Crab Meat and Prawn Roe). The Truffle aroma was apparent and the Seafood blended well with the Japanese rice. As for the Pasta, Angel Hair was used and lightly tossed in Truffle Oil, topped with Prawn Roe and Salmon Roe for the extra umaminess. For Cocktail, we had Smoked Whiskey Sour Marmalade... which carried a bold Whiskey aroma coupled with sour-sweet combination; the concoction was very refreshing and easy on the palate.