Rinjin Shokudo @ Bukit Jalil — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

My recent visit to Rinjin Shokudu Subang Jaya was nothing short of disappointing and frustrating. For a restaurant that claims to offer "home-cooked Japanese food", the overall experience fell far below acceptable standards, especially considering the premium price point.

Abysmal Service: The service was outright unacceptable. Despite dining as a group of four, my food was served 20 minutes after everyone else’s, without any explanation or update from the staff. My attempts to get their attention were ignored by one staff member, while another approached reluctantly, offering no apology or courtesy. When I finally asked about my meal, the response was dismissive and nonchalant, with no effort made to address the delay or reassure me.

Unclear Reservation Policy: Nowhere on their social media was it mentioned that reservations were encouraged. We walked in without one and were greeted with a begrudging attitude from the staff. Even though there were several unoccupied tables (none marked as reserved), we were reluctantly seated as if we were an inconvenience. This level of hostility is entirely unwarranted for walk-in customers.

Overhyped and Subpar Food: The food was a massive letdown. I ordered the Unagi Don, the most expensive item on the menu (RM91.80 in total before tax and service charges, in which the set includes one miserable portion of rice, two side dishes, and one drink), expecting a high-quality dish. Instead, I received poorly grilled unagi that lacked the charred flavour typical of this dish. Worse, it was riddled with fine bones to the extent that every single bite was unpleasant. While it’s normal for unagi to have some bones, the sheer quantity made it nearly inedible and completely ruined the meal.

Unreasonable Pricing Structure: The pricing system was unnecessarily convoluted and felt like an attempt to nickel-and-dime customers. Everything—from the main course to side dishes, rice, drinks, and desserts—was charged separately, each with tiered pricing. For what they charge, the food quality and portions were abysmal, with the rice serving being particularly miserly.

Terrible Value for the Service Charge: A 10% service charge was applied, yet the service was anything but deserving of it. Customers are required to order via QR code, service is slow and inattentive, and payments must be made at the counter. The staff's unprofessional attitude only added to the frustration.

In summary, Rinjin Shokudu Subang Jaya delivers neither the quality nor the experience it promises. The combination of terrible service, unwelcoming staff, underwhelming food, and unreasonable pricing left a sour taste in what was supposed to be a pleasant dining experience. Management needs to seriously reconsider their approach to customer service and food quality if they intend to retain their reputation. Until then, I would strongly advise against...

Ichiju Sansai (一汁三菜), literally "one soup three dishes", is the foundation of Japanese meal.

I just got to know about this term, because as a Chinese, I grew up being taught that traditional Chinese meal also consist of "sam sung yat tong" - also 3 dishes and 1 soup! Rinjin Shokudo has been in my list ever since I saw a friend and fellow foodie, Mikey Wes, posted on this place that serves good Japanese food.

Initially thought it as another Japanese sushi style restaurant, I arrived only to find out that it's like eating a bento kind of meal. Many people were seen tucking happily into their meal, and the service was pretty fast too.

Ichiju-Sansai Set Basically one main dish with 2 smaller side dishes, a bowl of rice and a bowl of soup. I chose... (1) Buta Shioyaki - grilled pork slices with salt & served with homemade dipping sauce. As the main dish, the meat was nicely done and I was pleasantly surprised to see the generous portion of the meat given. (2) Unagi Chawanmushi - I'm not complaining when I get to eat a piece of teriyaki eel (although it was just a small piece) on top of the Japanese-style steamed egg. (3) Agedashi Tofu - Japanese-style deep fried tofu dipped in Shoyu-like sauce and garnished with bonito flakes. I like it. (4) no option for soup... It depends on the soup of the day! (5) drink comes at extra cost but cheaper if you order in a set rather than A-la carte.

The set cost me RM28 which is considered to be reasonable. Other options are available but priced differently depending on what you order.

I also ordered A-la carte handmade gyoza (5) pieces at RM12 as I wasn't that hungry. No qualm ordering this again as the fillings were generous for the price.

Rinjin Shokudo 隣人食堂 C-7-G, The Link, 2, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000...

Weird experience dining here. The staff treat customers indifferently. Nobody greets you when you enter, order or when you leave. I feel more welcomed walking into McD. The consolation is all customers were treated with the same indifference so I can't say I was singled out! Oh by the way, it's the same when you call them on the phone too, same woman answered, same abrupt manner.

The best part of the evening was the food was served within 10 mins of ordering. It looked appetising too. Here's the taste test ... Agedashi tofu was tasty. Pumpkin with minced pork was flavourful, well done. Soup was oily and a little salty. As I was halfway through, I could see loads of pepper were used, at least I hoped it was pepper and not MSG! The saba shioyaki was extremely salty. I can take salty food and usually dip this dish in soy sauce. The one that was served here ... it tasted like it was encrusted in salt. Midway though the meal, I really needed water or tea to wash it down. The rice was ok though could taste that it was just a tad undercooked.

It would have been nice to have tea to wash down the saltiness of the meal but alas, this is the first Japanese restaurant that I've been to that do not serve green tea. Mind you, it is on the menu ... at RM10 A cup and that is what it means ... no refills. If I paid that at any other Japanese restaurant (even at a hotel), they will keep it flowing! Let's put this into perspective, the meal of 1 main dish + 3 side dishes costs RM28 but A cup of tea costs RM10.

There was an incident when I was queueing to make payment too but you get the gist, I've commented quite a bit here. Would I go...