Nijyumaru and Sushi Zento are 2 of our go-to Japanese restaurants in Johor Bahru (JB), besides Kinsahi (due to its convenient location within Aeon malls). If my memory serves me right, this is the 1st Japanese restaurant we frequented, before venturing to try other Japanese restaurants.
Hence it seems apt that I restart food blogging with Nijyumaru Japanese Restaurant, that’s conveniently located within walking distance to Sutera Mall. Also a reason why we frequented Nijyumaru.
Due to a very full lunch at Warakuya Japanese Garden, we decided to take it easy, order in moderation, and try different smaller dishes.
The 1st item served was a complimentary dish Sake Sashimi H06 (Salmon) 鲑鱼 @ RM26.90 with thick and fresh slices of salmon sashimi. Generally, their sashimi is pretty good 👍
Even though Nijyumaru usually start us off with their appetizer, which is different every time. We’re not sure what this is except that it’s made from fish, receiving mixed reviews 🤷♀️
On to the 1st new dish, which looks very different from its menu photo Aspala Hotate Bata Yaki Q04 (Stir Fried Scallops with Asparagus) 带子炒芦笋 @ RM22.90. If you like your food with lots of stir-fried onion strips, this is for you 👍
I ordered Kawahagi E39 (Grilled Fish Biscuit) 烤鱼干 @ RM9.9 thinking it will be crispy, since it’s named 烤鱼干, but it turned out to be a chewy seasoned dish, that’ll go well with alcohol. I’m pleasantly surprised with the huge portion of tobiko (flying fish roe) 👍
Despite being an unagi lover, this is the 1st time I’m ordering Unagi Sushi I05 (Eel) 鳗鱼 @ RM18.9 and I’m happy to report that it comes with thick slices of unagi. I can hardly see the vinegared rice, but it’s there. Yumz! 👍
Just like life has its ups and downs, each restaurant will have its hits and misses. To be fair, maybe other patrons like them, just not us.
I ordered Uzaku E02 (Vinegar Eel) 鳗鱼酢@ RM11.9 because it resembles a dish we liked from Crystal Jade. But it turned out to be completely different, and salty. Luckily the portion size is small 👎
Unfortunately, the next 2 new dishes didn’t sit well with us either. The cheese on the Kaki Yaki M29 (Grilled Oyster) 烤生蚝 @ RM15.9 doesn’t have the stretchy fluffy texture, and its pretty dry. I personally prefer Sushi Zento’s version 👎
I didn’t try the Kani Cream Korokke N10 (Potato Crab Meat Croquette) 蟹肉马铃薯泥 @ RM13.9 but both diners who had them gave it the 👎
After covering the good and not-so-good, here’re some Japanese Restaurant staples which are safe bets. I personally quite like the Aburi Avocado Sushi I10 (Avocado) 火焗鳄梨 @ RM8.90, even though I wasn’t expecting the sauce and spring onions (not shown in the menu photo).
Aburi Sake Sushi I07 (Salmon) 火焗鲑鱼 @ RM11.9 and Aburi Avocado Sushi I10 (Avocado) 火焗鳄梨 @ RM8.90
Hotate Sushi I21 (Scallop) 帆立贝 @ RM13.9 and Ebi Sushi I18 (Shrimp) 白虾 @ RM9.9 (comes with wasabi by default)
Chawan Mushi E20 (Steamed Egg) 茶碗蒸 @ RM6.9
As we tally the scores, it seems pretty even? Hmmm…guess I can safely conclude that your Nijyumaru experience is highly dependent on the dishes you order. What’s consistent is their service, where they welcome you with hot towels and free green tea.
I wondered what happened to the free coffee though 🤔 Not because it’s free. But because it tastes better than their paid coffee 😅
Nijyumaru Japanese Restaurant (Sutera Utama)
94, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4,
Taman Sutera Utama,
81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 07-558 9818
Mon to Sun 11:30am – 3pm & 4pm – 10pm
