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Text: Chang Chin Lin, Brian
“Welcome to Yaki Yaki”
I walked into the restaurant located at the Federal Bowl, in Bukit Bintang Central. Yaki Yaki is not easy to spot. It is nestled in a secluded corner of the four-way intersection opposite the Coffee Bean at Plaza Low Yat. The smiling receptionist dressed in all black greeted me and politely asked if I had made any reservations.
I walked into the spacious and dimly lit restaurant and noticed the bamboo shoot and frosted glass feature. The sound of water cascading down into the pond in the middle of the dining area created a relaxing atmosphere. A row of Tatami or VIP rooms surrounded the dining area. A number of rooms were occupied by groups wanting to dine privately. I took my seat on the comfortable leather seating and thought of the restaurant’s interior as classy, yet tranquil. The aromatic smell of barbequed meat drifts from the barbeque corner whetting the appetite of restaurant patrons.
I checked out the buffet spread and was spoilt for choice. Yaki Yaki offers a range of Japanese food, barbeque, and a fusion of western and local food. The Sushi bar offers a range of Sashimi and Nigiri sushi served on an authentic wooden mat. The Sashimi choices include salmon, scallop, amaebi (sweet prawns), mackerel fish, tako (octopus), squid, sea bass and the famous unagi (eel).
I picked a selection of Sashimi and took my seat. I dipped a piece into the wasabi and soy sauce. The freshness of the piece of Sashimi was appetising and I helped myself to another serving of Sashimi. The highlight of the Sushi Bar is the Three-Coloured Egg, which consists of a slice each of century egg, herbal jelly egg and herbal egg. The name of the dish is derived from the yolks. Restaurant patrons also find the Salmon Flower and Orange Tofu an appetising delight.
The restaurant features their soft-shelled cheese crab. The crab meat is mixed with cheese and a dash of cream sauce. I thoroughly enjoyed the crispness and flavor of the dish. At the Barbeque corner, restaurant patrons have the advantage of choosing their favourite food item. The items are barbequed at their own table on a small barbeque pit fuelled with Japanese white charcoal.
At the far left hand corner of the restaurant I found some California and Maki rolls and some fried items. I picked the Golden Dragon Ball which was a deep fried ball made of crabmeat. I also picked a selection of Japanese Mochi to satisfy my sweet tooth.
The desserts and drinks bar offer a variety of fruit drinks, coffee and ice cream. The coconut drink and gelato ice-cream were the highlights for me. The restaurant also offers a selection of wine and liquor for its dinner and supper patrons.
The dedication and experience of the chefs at Yaki Yaki is displayed in the quality of the food on its buffet spread. Its attentive and friendly staff, food selection and pleasant atmosphere distinguish it from its competitors.
