Spring Delight at Tonkatsu by Wa Kitchen, Pavilion: Restaurant review

This review is brought to you in part by Tonkatsu by Wa Kitchen.

Spring awakening: It’s too late to fly to the Land of the Rising Sun to see this season’s cherry blossoms come into full bloom, but there’s still a chance to savour the spirit of hanami, or flower viewing – Tonkatsu by Wa Kitchen has crafted a special meal (now available exclusively at Pavilion until May 15) to showcase the beauty of one of Japan’s most cherished celebrations.

The Hanami Box

The Hanami Box is a hearty bento of steamed rice, seasoned with sakura denbu, a pinkish fish floss that’s fluffy and sweet-savoury, and strikingly styled within the box to evoke a landscape scene of cherry blossom trees.

This uniquely pretty set also includes crunchy breaded prawns, tender pork-wrapped asparagus, onion rings, tori karaage, yaki tamago, baby octopus, pickled vegetables, cabbage and edamame salad, and miso soup – a mighty meal that two light eaters could share. RM35.80+.

The Wagashi set

For dessert devotees, the Wagashi Set (RM14.80+) comprises a choice of either a Full Bloom Set (featuring refreshing Sakura ice cream produced in Japan, Sakura mochi also from Japan, and a fresh strawberry) or a Sakura Tea Set (with two pieces of Sakura mochi and a hot cup of Sakura tea).

The Sakura mochi is a lovely wagashi (traditional confection) made of rice cakes with a red bean paste centre, wrapped with a Sakura leaf, while the Sakura tea is also interesting, conveying a subtle floral scent that’s coupled with a slightly salty flavour from preserved cherry blossoms.

The Hanami Box and the Wagashi Set can both be combined for a total of RM43.80+. All in all, a very pleasant lunch – thanks to Tonkatsu by Wa Kitchen for having us.