PARDON my ignorance but when I think of Japanese food, I think sushi, sashimi and wasabi. Perhaps that isn’t a fair representation of Japanese cuisine and I realised that the moment I stepped into Yoshoku Kitchen.

This Japanese restaurant isn’t your “usual” Japanese eatery. There’s no conveyor belt and there’s no counter with a sushi master cutting away. What you have is a very modern and stylish Japanese restaurant with an ambience that is very easy on the eyes. Sleek and cosy, Yoshoku Kitchen is an 88-seater restaurant that charms easily.

Yoshoku actually refers to ‘Western-style’ Japanese food. They basically take advantage of both Western and Japanese ingredients and cook it in an innovative way that takes the best of both worlds. The result is bound to be exciting and that’s what I discovered, after savouring their unique and delicious food.

The most creative of the lot has to be the Sumoku Semon Karumaki (Smoked Salmon Salad Roll). This dish puts together the wonders of smoked salmon with creamy avocado and fresh greens. It’s wrapped tight with Vietnamese rice paper and believe me when I tell you how marvelous this creation is. Certainly very different from sushi!

Yoshoku Kitchen is definitely a place that surprises and they certainly did, with another innovative dish called the Soramame No Ebi Kakiage (Deep-fried broad beans and prawn balls). Trust me, I’ve never seen or eaten broad beans this way. It was a refreshing experience. The balls were slightly crunchy and a perfect appetizer.

Smoked salmon with creamy avocado and fresh greens

Don’t be surprised also, to find that they serve edamame (soybean) soup. This green and creamy dish is a nice change from the usual miso soup. They use pureed edamame for the soup and I personally like it very much.

Every dish seems to demonstrate a good deal of creativity and innovation, and the Sakana To Mango (Pan-fried fish with mango) is definitely one of them. Who knew mango, garlic bread and fish could go so well together? The savoury bread, when eaten with the tender fish and sweet ripe mango cubes, brings the dish to a whole new level. Its tasty and definitely a must-try.

For those who enjoy Korean food as well, I think you will probably fancy the Kimuchi Chahan (Fried rice with spicy Korean vegetables). Though slightly spicy, this dish isn’t too overpowering and gives a special twist to your whole experience at Yoshoku. Now you’ll understand what I mean when I say that Yoshoku Kitchen brings Japanese dining to a whole new level.

So do pop by the Japanese restauraunt Yoshoku’s to tickle your taste buds and be fascinated by the deft creativity that’s clearly evident in all their dishes.

Yoshoku Kitchen
10 Jalan Serene
#01-02 Serene Centre
Tel: 64622-2522