Kaihomaru at Starhill: Restaurant Review

It’s the end of an era on Starhill’s Relish Floor, as Kaihomaru replaces Gonbei San as this mall’s main upmarket Japanese restaurant. The name should sound familiar; this is run by the folks behind Federal Hotel’s Kaihomaru. They’ll be closing that outlet soon and focusing on this Starhill spin-off.

Sashimi Platter

Kaihomaru’s sashimi platter (RM168++) looks like a real brochure of oceanic pleasures.

Everything’s reputedly flown in from Japan; the highlight’s the sea urchin, more mellow in flavor and creamier than expected.

Tuna fans, check out this bowl of rice topped with a triumphant triumvirate of ‘akami’ red meat, ‘chutoro’ medium-fatty flesh and ‘otoro’ succulent-sweet belly. RM98++.

Mentaiko

Mentaiko (RM28++), not fried but left beautifully soft and supple, spicy and savory

Karaage

Well-presented flatfish karaage (RM18++). Tender battered flesh and bones crisp enough to chew.

Anago

The sole, surprising letdown: Anago tempura (RM29++), conger eel that shouldn’t taste so bland.

Dessert

Complimentary creme caramel for dessert.

Liquor

Liquor abounds here, from shochu to shochu cocktails, sake to umeshu.

Kaihomaru is open for lunch and dinner daily, with last orders at around 9:30pm.

Location Details:

Kaihomaru,

Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Find Kaihomari’s directory listing here.