Binchotan JB — Restaurant in Johor

This was an amazing out of body experience - in all the wrong ways.

First, the limited and peripheral things that went well. Decor, service, hot towel and toilets were all on point. Weird point is using double walled glass for hot green tea which didn't feel Japanese, and would mask the temperature of the tea which may lead to scalding. Recommend using Japanese thick clay glasses instead.

Food wise, we paid 1100myr for 2 pax for lunch. This is the first time I have experienced a sensation where my eyes and mouth did not agree. They used premium ingredients, but the food did not have the combination of being greater than the sum of its parts.

Food Temperature was also served at room temperature for many dishes, when you might expect it to be cold or warm, for example the grilled octopus, or the foie gras was room temperature. Bun was cold. The caviar also tasted flat, devoid of any elements beyond salt. I suspect the poor temperature control also led to food being unable to release its natural aroma.

For a place called Binchotan, it had a lack of grilled dishes, and even then those dishes that were served did not evoke warmth, smokiness or being well charred in the taste.

The chefs also lacked finesse, using their hands a lot when they could use the plating tool, and using gloved hands to touch their microphone, then using it handle food again. At this price, we would expect the chefs to be well trained to not have to rely on microphones. The main chef was also teaching another chef during the meal on how to prep the food. Again, at this price, I would not expect to see teaching being done at customers expense. Any self respecting sushi restaurant would not even allow untrained chefs to appear in front of the customer.

Food cutting was done inconsistently cut sizes, octopus entrails being pulled rather than being cut cleanly, without skill, and plating was done by pressing one ingredient on top of the other.

It is not worth the 550myr per pax. We walked away shocked at how much we paid for how overvalued the food quality was, but obviously didn't make a fuss as we were foreigners in another country.

At this price, we will hold them to the same service standards and quality of the major regional cities like Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore and KL, but it was a total flop.

Highly recommend friends to avoid this place, unless they change their head chef and improve their...

This is late post. we visited Binchotan on 13-April -24

Dear Chef Eric & Team of Binchotan JB,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary dining experience my wife and I had at your restaurant last night.

From the moment we stepped through the door, we were enveloped in an ambiance that exuded warmth, sophistication, and relaxation.

Chef's expertise shone through in every dish, each one a carefully crafted masterpiece that delighted not only our taste buds but also our senses. (He took the effort to ensure that our dietary needs were checked ) His detailed explanations of the omakase selections, including the ingredients, preparation methods, and even the proper way to enjoy each dish, added a layer of depth to our culinary journey that we truly appreciated.

I must commend the attentive and gracious staff who ensured that every aspect of our dining experience was nothing short of perfect. From seamlessly changing and preparing our cutlery between courses to discreetly refilling our glasses with water and wine, they anticipated our needs with precision and care, leaving us feeling pampered and indulged. ( We realized that we never had to request anything from the waiting staff the moment the dinner journey commenced except just to thank them)

The ambiance of Binchotan JB provided the ideal backdrop for our evening, with its chic yet inviting atmosphere, complemented by the gentle strains of music floating through the air. It was the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

And of course, I cannot forget to mention the exquisite food and wine that graced our table. Each dish was a testament to the culinary artistry of Chef and his team. The wide selection of wines elevated our gastronomy journey with pure delight.

In terms of value for money, Binchotan JB exceeded all expectations, offering an experience that was not only exceptional but also incredibly worthwhile.

Overall, our experience at Binchotan JB was nothing short of perfection, earning a well-deserved 10/10 rating. We left feeling not only satisfied but also eager to return and explore the other omakase menus on offer.

Thank you once again for an evening filled with culinary delights and cherished memories.

We look forward to our next visit with great anticipation.

Warm regards...

Binchotan offers a different concept of modern Omasake dining experience. Hot dishes grilled using binchotan charcoal takes center stage here instead of sashimi. Entrance to the restaurant is elegantly discreet that opens up into a dimly lit interior with wooden furnishings and a marble counter seating that sets the mood for a gastronomical journey.

Three dinner menus are offered that encapsulate the essence of Japan with an inventive interpretation touch to the dishes. The Kuro Omasake menu has 2 Zensai, 3 Types of Sashimi, 4 Hot Dishes, Truffle Kamameshi, Soup & Dessert. It was an honour to have the mastermind behind the dishes, Executive Chef Jordan, to host and bring us through the evening's culinary showcase.

It was a feast not just for our tastebuds, but all of our senses were ignited. Silently captivated by the chefs, each dish was expertly and delicately prepared and plated. Fresh, premium, and seasonal ingredients were used with a couple of dishes infusing elements of Malaysian cuisine. It was artistry at work as each dish was visually stunning and delectable. The artisanship was extended to the use of Hermes tableware.

Throughout the evening, it was not just sensory but an enriching experience as well. Chef Jordan would explain the inspiration behind each dish, the origins of the ingredients, and the techniques used. We got to interact with the chef directly and "immerse" with the spotlighted ingredients like a close look at a whole truffle.

It was an immersive and memorable dining experience - one that I...