First in Malaysia – Fresh Unagi Don at Makoto ∑(ﾟﾛﾟ〃)

My second favourite Japanese food is Unagi, after salmon sashimi, and it’s pretty had to get good unagi here in Malaysia. One of the best unagi meal I had was at Nagoya 3 years ago. Imagine thick pieces of eel, on a bed of fluffy Japanese rice and spring onions, I think I could eat it everyday if it’s affordable hahaha.

Anyways, bringing myself back to Malaysia, somewhere between the jam packed roads of Hartamas, lies Makoto Japanese Cuisine where they import live eels straight from Tsujiki Market, Japan to the bellies of  ravenous unagi lovers.

Chef Hayashi who has 15 years experience in dealing with unagi is also imported from Japan hahaha.

One of the best thing about unagi is that you can make different types of dishes with it, hence no wastage involved. I had first experience eating unagi bones, and it was pretty good! Hone senbei (RM8) is a perfect beer snack.

Back to the star dish of the night, unagi kabayaki don is prepared from scratch. Kabayaki is a method where it is barbecued with soy sauce, dating from the Edo era around 200 years ago. The eel is sacrificed in one swift motion, steamed for 20 minutes, and then grilled with its special tare sauce.

Small (Half) – RM100+ / Big (Full) – RM185+

Top them on top of fluffy Japanese rice, and you will be bestowed with unagi that is sweet, tender and delicious. The unaju is served with pickles and clear soup.

Chef Hayashi also showed us a live eel, in cold water because it helps them to hibernate. It’s soft like pudding, and supple like jelly. Pretty interesting.

Because Makoto prides itself in serving truly authentic Japanese meals, its menu items are mostly seasonal and hand picked throughout the year. Even the staple dish like a sashimi platter gets refreshed. The items here are not the typical Japanese fare that you find in normal restaurants.

Shimaaji Kama Ajiru soup (RM26) / Mozuku su (Seaweed with vinegar) RM10 / Sashimi platter with 3 types of sashimi (RM88)

Matcha flavour 101%! 😍😍 Perfect ending for a great dinner heh heh.

Location:
Makoto Japanese Restaurant (Formerly known as Hikari-ya)
54, Jalan 27/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas,
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday : 12 pm – 2.30 pm/ 6pm – 11.30pm
Friday & Saturday : 12 pm – 2.30 pm/ 6pm – 12 Am