KEN HUNTS FOOD: J Garden @ Belissa Row, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Friday, July 24, 2020

J Garden @ Belissa Row, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

With an overwhelming Japanese food options across the Penang's landscape, it can be a challenge to reconcile and think of which one to go to. But if you are looking for a place with modern, relaxing ambiance without putting a dent on the wallet to enjoy a quality Yoshoku (Japanese-styled Western Food), head to J Garden. Celebrating its 5th anniversary this coming August (2020), the Japanese-styled restaurant has moved from its previous location (Persiaran Bayan Indah) to its current place at Belissa Row (Pulau Tikus). Like its previous setting, the restaurant has a simple but relaxing atmosphere. On the menu, it carries all the well-loved signature dishes with over 50 unbelievable dining deals await, offering a wide spectrum of classic and contemporary Japanese meals.

Many Thanks to J Garden for hosting us.

Tender Chicken Nanban (Rm 25/ top up Rm 6 for set)

Authentic Cha Shu Don (Rm 22)

Melted Cheese Doria (Rm 24)

Starting with some of J Garden's best sellers- the Tender Chicken Nanban is a dish not to be missed. It is definitely a dish that cannot be found else where... juicy, tender Chicken meat coated with airy batter being fried till perfection and topped with sweet-savory-sour, addictive caramelized Onion sauce. Good on its own or even better to enjoy with their creamy home-made Tartar sauce. While it is contenting to enjoy the dish alone, it is more tummy filling and palate-pleasing to make it a set (additional Rm 6)... with Japanese Rice, Miso Soup and various condiments.

Equally promising is the Authentic Cha Shu Don... home-made Japanese Cha Shu, cooked and braised for hours... is a dish ideal for someone who enjoys the pockets of fats melting in the mouth, accompanied with sweet, alluring J Garden's special sauce. Fancy a Cheesy dish? Not an issue, the regulars' all time favorite- Melted Cheese Doria is a dish to go for. Similar to Gratin, the Japanese-styled Doria is a way of cooking rice with white sauce on casserole, finished with baked Cheese top. J Garden's own Béchamel sauce is addictively creamy and milky in flavor, rich but not overly cloying. The Chicken Rice beneath the Cheese blanket is flavorful on its own but strangely moreish if eaten together with the baked Cheese.

Seafood Soup Spaghetti (Rm 33)

Taste Omelette Curry Rice (Rm 23)

Pork Hamburger Steak with Demi-glazed Sauce (Rm 27)

Gorgeous Smoked Salmon Salad (Rm 16)

Romantic Tiramisu (Rm 16)

The Japanese-Western fare continues with Seafood Soup Spaghetti... al-dentely cooked Spaghetti served in a clear Consommé and topped with butter-fried Seafood (Prawns/ Scallops/ Fish/ Squid). The dish may seems bland at first but the Consommé packed a bunch of flavors. The soup is reasonably seasoned but backed with a clean but discernible vege-sweetness. As comfortable as it goes with the Spaghetti, the Seafood with a bold buttery aroma adds in another dimension to the dish. Fans of Japanese Curry will be happy to know that J Garden's Taste Omelette Curry Rice is a good testament as to whether the restaurant serves good Japanese Curry. In this dish, a sheet of soft, pillowy Omelette is blanketing Japanese-styled Ketchup Fried Rice. Whether for the sake of balancing the daily diet or to assuage the guilt, J Garden's Gorgeous Smoked Salmon Salad is a good choice. The dressing can be either Balsamic Glaze or Japanese Goma sauce... simple, straight-forward but delicious timeless combo. Put the meal to a complete stop by ordering their Romantic Tiramisu, one of the few sweet meal enders. The creamy Italian Coffee cake has a bold presence of liquor, a gentle cut to the sweetness and providing another layer of fragrance. While it may not be suitable for kids, it is certainly an indulgence for Coffee and Dessert lovers.

French Toast (Rm 10 for original/ Rm 12 for Sour Cream/ Rm 12 for Matcha Sauce/ Rm 12 for Orange Sauce)

Fruit Sandwich (Rm 14)

Japanese Curry Toast (Rm 9)

J Garden has recently rolled out its Tea Time menu, offering an array of Toast and light meals. Amongst the highlights are fluffy French Toast served with different options of sauces- Sour Cream, Matcha and Orange sauce... a change from the usual Honey combo. Japanese-styled Fruit Sandwich is also one popular item under the Tea Time menu- ecstatically pleasing and toothsome. Takeaway is also available, food items will be carefully packed in specially designed packaging... definitely a good idea for mini parties or gatherings.