Hmmm…there’s no easy way to go about saying this. So, I’ll just go ahead to state that we’ll most likely not return to Warakuya Japanese Garden.
In the spirit of exploring different Japanese restaurants in Johor Bahru (JB), we decided to visit Warakuya Japanese Garden, which has a high rating in Google reviews. While I was initially impressed by Warakuya’s Chawan Mushi @ RM7.9 👍, where they made the effort to remove the shrimp’s digestive tract aka no shit, there were more misses than hits in the dishes that followed.
As usual, I’ll like to start with the better dishes. Warakuya Japanese Garden’s oyster dish: Teppan Kaki @ RM23.9 👍 was rather innovative. I can taste the freshness of the oyster, accompanied with a hint of sweetness from the beancurd skin. Interestingly I was reminded of the hawker fried oyster omelet.
Warakuya’s grilled cod fish: Gintara Shio @ RM37.9 was okay 👍 Flaky, and not as dry as its grilled salmon.
Nothing to argue with their Tatami Iwashi @ RM17.9.
I’m torn by Warakuya’s Tempura Zaru Soba @ RM25.9 🤷♀️ The Cha Soba clumps together, though it tastes okay. Its tempura is average, but the tempura dipping sauce is missing the standard grated daikon.
As for Warakuya’s Chicken Nanban Age @ RM17.9 🤷♀️, maybe it’s just a mismatch in expectations? I was looking for a kick in its sauce but it was mediocre at best.
Great presentation! Average sushi.
Salmon Hana Ikura @ RM23.9
Aburi Mori Nigiri @ RM37.9
Ebi Nigiri @ RM8.9
As mentioned earlier, Salmon Shio Yaki @ RM20.9 is dry and tough 👎
Alas their Soft Shell Crab: Kani Karaage @ RM25.9’s tempura batter is too thick 👎
Warakuya provides free pudding as dessert. Feel free to skip if you’re too full, or looking to fill your tummy with something more delicious.
Warakuya Japanese Garden (Sutera)
No. 2, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4,
Taman Sutera Utama Skudai,
81100 Johor Bahru
Tel: +60 07-5545 000
Mon to Sun 11:30am – 11pm
