2015 Menu: Uokatsu at Plaza Damas 3: Review

Everything’s going swimmingly for Uokatsu, which has netted a reputation as Sri Hartamas’ pre-eminent purveyor of Japanese-origin seafood since 2014. Now sailing into its second year, Uokatsu is making waves with a new season’s worth of the ocean’s opulence – whether you like your fish & molluscs raw or cooked, the tide will turn in your favour here.

Sashimi

The sashimi selection evolves as the months change, but highlights often include hamachi, buri, tai & kanpachi, mostly costing between RM30 & RM44 for several satisfying slices of one type of fish. Crowds love the botan ebi (RM19) – the restaurant reputedly sells a few hundred of this succulent shrimp every week. And for lovers of uni, Uokatsu’s sea urchin reigns supreme.

Rice Bowl Recipes

Our favourite new orders here are the rice bowl recipes – warm, creamy comfort, resting on classic traditions of cooking. Whether it’s the Tai Meshi (RM30), blanketed with sea bream, seaweed & a raw egg, or the Mentai Rice (RM18), burnished with soft, thick strips of roe-topped omelette, this is the sort of lunch that Uokatsu’s loyalists return for over & over again, cramming themselves into this compact outlet’s 10 tables after falling in love with its scoops of premium Akitakomachi rice.

Uokatsu’s Hokkaido Oyster

A mollusc from northern Japan for every budget: If you’re in the mood for splurging, make a booking for Uokatsu’s Hokkaido oyster at least two days in advance; it’s RM200 an oyster but can be sliced & shared – a behemoth that’s fleshy & flavoursome. Alternatively, Hokkaido scallops are also available, capably grilled in their own briny jus, for RM33 a pop.

Uokatsu’s respect for its catch, from trusted suppliers in Japan, shines in how fish is prepared to showcase its best attributes; specials include house-made air-dried mackerel (RM20 for half) & grilled tuna cheek (RM16 for 100 grammes), but even the non-seafood dishes are worth sampling, from the signature onsen tamago (RM3.50) to rich-textured otokomae tofu (RM11) to the familiar but finely executed braised burdock root (RM8).

Dessert

The menu is extensive enough that you might not need dessert, but you’ll probably want it: If Hokkaido melons are in season, snatch a sweet slice for RM15. Otherwise, wrap up with Uokatsu’s own ice cream in flavours of wasabi, black sesame & French vanilla (RM9 each). Wash down with leisurely sips of sake or genmaicha; many thanks to Uokatsu for having us here.