Nippori Publika — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

First time trying out Nippori and it was absolutely horrendous. So much so I felt like a review was needed to be expressed. Me and my partner order two main meal (creamy udon & chicken hamberg..) and an appetizer (marinated Saba sushi) excuse the naming I frankly don't remember.

The order took less than 5 mins to put out, which was impressive but also suspicious. My Udon was first to arrive - looks presentable..until I tried to move the bowl and I noticed the texture was running on the watery side - which contradicts "creamy". Whatever. Never judge a book by it's cover, am I right?

My Udon might as well as be bathing in cooking cream alone itself...it was tasteless and watery. My partner wasn't able to sit through watching me endure the bowl, so we had made a small complain - could be a faulty bowl. The service was fine, they were also understanding enough to renew my bowl but before it they also mentioned that itis what itis "just cream mix with water" where I can understand on some basic level but honestly not for Nippori standard and definitely not for 35 bucks.

I tried to set my mind aside, thinking it could have been a bad bowl and moving on to my favourite food of mine - sushi. The marinated Saba came ...not anything like the photos, again don't judge by it's cover.

It's as dissapionting as it looks.

I don't think Ive ever dreaded finishing a row of sushi. Dry, processed and it's sitting on a titanic of rice. It's a sad day for me.

So that's 2/3. We didn't have much hope on my partners meal. His chicken patty was slap with curry (which might as well been one of those instant Japanese curry packets sold in a rectangular box) - really just college food.

I sipped on what's left of my coffee to get rid of the taste and sulked the entire dinning experienced then left the place acrimoniously.

Anywho, this is just merely my form of way expressing a bad experience - my bad experience, I can't say for the rest of the customers and this is to only the publika branch.

1 star is more then generous, didn't have an option for...

Nippori's humble beginning started from their original outlet in Empire Damansara. I remember having to queue just to dine there in the past. They have since opened other outlets in b.Land and Publika.

So I was in Publika one day and kebetulan my stomach growled and yelling for food. Spotted Nippori and quickly sat down and ordered the food. For the uninitiated, Nippori was established as a home style Japanese restaurant, maintaining cosy Japanese decor yet feels so modern at the same time.

◾Mentai Fries RM25 - slap the word "Mentai" and it became glorified fries with equally 'glorified' price, similar to "truffle" fries. Delicious and a hit with the young ones, but paying 20++ for fries was kinda painful. ◾Hearty Set Meal - we chose Salmon Miso Head Set RM35 and it came with a bowl of rice, chawanmushi, salad, and watermelon. Worth the money paid with half head of salmon in umami miso soup. ◾Karaage Airplane Set RM20 came in a cute airplane like bento set. Wish that they give at least 2 pieces of chicken instead of one to justify the price. Came with a slice of watermelon, a bottle of Yakult and a bowl of miso soup on the side. ◾Aqua blue lemon would appeal to the young ones where you pour the lemonade into the glass containing blue ice cubes. ◾Iced chocolate

Service was not exactly impeccable and we had to wave out hands a few times to get attention and mind you, the place was near empty at that time. Food was generally good but...

It's a pretty long conversation to decide where to eat last night? because we had in our mind to eat a burger but then it's already closed once we arrive. Sadly for us because today is their last day operating in KL, they will move to Bukit Damansara after all.

Since our home is in between of Dutamas, hence we decided to Publika. Scout any available restaurant that can entertain us after 9:00PM. We had here, Nippori.

FOOD: First timer here, we had japanese before but then not all of restaurant would serve same set. We ordered Miso Soup with Salmon Head, Oyster Kimchi Soup, Salmon grill and Japanese Soba Curry. 4 of the dishes were set to come with minor appetizers. Well said, they provide tremendous fresh salmon. Salmon soup, salmon salad etc... Delicious!

BEVERAGE: As usual i don't order the drink but the rest yes. So, i can't give further comments because I don't even sip it even. lol

DESSERT: This is best ever. We're ordered Belgian Chocolate cake, Strawberry Pannacota and Strawberry Short Cake. Wow! all of the three cakes so good. excellent job doh! and they served it with a fancy plate okey. Givenchy, Lanvin and Noritake. literally me.

Overall satisfaction, excellent. I love the environment vibe. Classy and minimalist, suit us! We're planning to come again to try...