KEN HUNTS FOOD: Tairyo Japanese Restaurant @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Tairyo Japanese Restaurant @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Debuted in late 2018, Tairyo Japanese Restaurant occupies a prominent lot of Iconic Hotel at Icon City. The Japanese restaurant positioned itself as one of the places for premium Japanese food... the menu is overwhelmed with Japanese delights, from the usual Japanese starters to Don, Noodle dishes, Nabe, premium Bento sets or even seasonal offerings freshly imported from Japan. Seating is generally comfortable... diners get to choose the standard dining tables or the tatami-seating (reservation required); one of the decent places for Japanese food in the neighborhood.

Tairyo Bento (Rm 68)

Gyosen Bento (Rm 68)

Mentai Tamago (Rm 10)

Gyu Tataki Salad (Rm 13)

The premium Tairyo and Gyosen consist of many cleverly combined side dishes; the former choice carries Nigiri Sushi with fresh Sashimi, Chawanmushi, Tempura, Saba Shio-yaki, various greens and starters... while Gyosen Bento features Zaru Udon, Karaage, fresh Sashimi, Sanma Shio-yaki and so. Both carry the same price tag but unique in different types of offering. There were some hits and misses around.... the good ones were the fresh Sashimi, warmly served Chawanmushi. The Nigiri Sushi was below par... the texture of the Rice was horrible, the Rice could not hold together and was falling apart at the nudge of the chopsticks. Also, the Sanma Fish was uncooked... it spoiled the entire Bento and no compensation was given for the mistake (less-impressive for handling unforeseen issues).

Gyu Tataki Salad on the other hand, was quite impressive. We love the fork-tender, juicy Beef Tataki. Together with the Wafu-dressing, the combination was refreshingly light on the palate.