Omakase means “It’s up to you”
It is very rare to find exceptionally authentic Japanese restaurants in KL, or in Malaysia even. Hanare Authentic Japanese Cuisine is one of the precious gems, a rough diamond to be exact, waiting to be unearthed and glitter its way through the fussy taste buds of Japanese food lovers. It was a night of surprises, for we were all treated to an Omakase menu, also known as Chef’s Recommendation or “Surprise me!”. Depending on the seasonal items available, the chef would prepare the items that showcase his finest ability in the culinary world.
Chopsticks and plate
Cup of green tea
The first dish that was served was Angle Fish Liver in Vinegar, a light and refreshing appetizer that served to clear up my palate for the subsequent dish. The slightly sour vinegar definitely opened up my appetite, while the extremely succulent prawn made me wish there was a bigger piece on the plate. And yes, those black eggs on top were caviar.
Ankimo Sumonono (Angle Fish Liver in Vinegar)
When the chef was asked to surprise us, he really did go the distance with Shirako Chawan Mushi. Disguised as a normal glass of Chawan Mushi, this dish had something beneath the unassuming surface for the unassuming diners.
Shirako Chawan Mushi ( Steamed Cod Fish Milt Egg custard )
Upon discovery, we found a piece of white and silky smooth item which got everyone interested and curious. “What is this?”, asked James who’s sitting next to me. I dug into mine and found a similar piece too. Someone then mentioned, “It’s the cod’s sperm sac!”. The what? I took a few seconds understanding the meaning behind and I almost thought I wouldn’t be able to muster my way through consuming this. But James took a bite and said it’s not that bad, so I trusted him and went ahead. Sure enough, it tasted creamy and smooth, quite similar to the texture of tofu but firmer and richer. Still, I would have preferred not knowing what it was before I ate it. *LOL*
Cod Sperm Sac or Shirako
Cold Sake
The next plate looked more familiar, putting me at ease after the unique delicacy before. The Assorted Sashimi came with unconventional items such as the Crab leg, tuna belly and scallop. There was no question about the freshness of these items, for they’re flown in all the way from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, 3 times a week! There’s no way you can get Japanese food fresher than that (short of flying over to Tokyo, that is).
Sashimi (King crab leg, tuna belly, scallop)
Kaki was a dish of fresh oysters served in a unique way – with cream sauce. I have always taken fresh oysters with lemon juice or Tabasco, for fear of the fishy smell, but the chef here managed to achieve the same effect (if not better) with Chinese cabbage and cream sauce.
Kaki (Chinese Cabbage with Fresh Oyster in cream sauce)
Fresh oyster
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Comments (23)
aw, got shirako!!!
muz be nice one lar
ai wei recently posted..Happy Valentines Day
Now this is one of the most authentic Japanese cuisine I have seen in a while, looks as good as Eyuzu at Eastin Hotel.
The wagyu beef looks like a bit tough from the photo O.O
mimid3vils recently posted..Ying Ker Lou
Love Hanare. I couldn’t get enough of the shirako. Can’t wait to go again. i’ve already made a date with hubby.
Lyrical Lemongrass recently posted..Hanare- The Intermark KL
sperm sac??? =____= urghh…..cannot imagine that
angle fish liver??? urghh…hate that as well…
but overall the food looks great and i love how the ice cream, mackerel and beef miso looks.. XD
ericleeh recently posted..Bird Crying By The Lake In A Forest
Fantastic post and pics
Why am I kneeling in the pic with you? haha. xx aly
everything looks so good! n something new to know bout wagyu beef in jap restaurant! yums!
Caroline recently posted..Lou Sang and Finally I Met Foongpc !
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sarah, Caroline Ng May Ling, Ciki, iamthewitch, iamthewitch and others. iamthewitch said: *NEW* Learn a word a day: Omakase means "It's up to you" Tell that to your chef and brace yourself!
… http://fb.me/UXLYdMC3 [...]
the price pretty much explains the variety of the unique dishes!
xin recently posted..Last Minute Valentine’s Idea- Baskin Robins Valentine’s Cake
I though Obama kasih apa… LOL!!! Eyewwwww….sperm sac? No, thank you. I think I will just draw the line at cod roe. LOL!!!
suituapui recently posted..Just a name…
Is this a place for V-day celebration?
khengsiong recently posted..Post-CNY post
The place for V-day celebration is next to your loved one, don’t you think?
But yes, of course you can celebrate it at Hanare too!
It all looks great. Wish I had a restaurant like that near me. Can not say, I would of ate the cods sperm sac though!
Natalie recently posted..Photo Essay – The Killer Lure of Turgutreis
I’m not sushi person, I can’t eat raw stuff (tummy). But I have to say you take amazing sushi photos here.
oh, i heard of this “omakase”, it’s like the chef will decide what you eat base on what he has, and everything will come very impromptu and creative.. wow, this one really looks great lor, and definitely have to lah cos it’s so expensive, haha!!
[SK] recently posted..14022011 叮噹再現
Wow everything just looks so pretty and high quality. Definitely gonna try this place soon
Baby Sumo recently posted..Happy Valentines Day
Oops, I forgot to forward you the menu, yet you managed to get all the info.
Shameless plug – my omakase experience: http://marcky.my/the-omakase-experience-hanare-the-intermark-building-jalan-tun-razak/
Marcky recently posted..I Miss You In The Morning Sarawak Laksa @ Chong Choon- Kuching
All these food look so new to me..
so far, i have been to Jogoya in KL.. 
claire recently posted..HappY ValentinE EveryonE!!
the food looks very sophisticated ah..
dont really fancy japanese food, but can try try la
ken recently posted..Nikon Coolpix S1100pj is Cool
this is my first visit and I just wanted to stop by and say Hi Everyone.
Cod sperm sac? Never eaten before in my life!!
foongpc recently posted..Celebrating Birthdays and Chinese New Year At Tao
Me too.. very rare delicacy I must say!
Sooooo expensive the food! But looks really good! : )
foongpc recently posted..Celebrating Birthdays and Chinese New Year At Tao