{Foodie Review} Koi Sushi Japanese Restaurant (Sandakan)

New Kids On The Block 

Oh ya.. there's a new Japanese restaurant that just opened here in Sandakan. Its name is Koi Sushi Japanese Restaurant. It's situated at the new shop lots in IJM Mile 5 and is on the same block as Anakku. 

Hubby and I decided to try it out, yes, we love trying out new stuffs, especially Japanese. Prior to going there, I checked with my friend if it was okay, here's what she said, 'yea.. OK lo.. just like Kyoto (FYI, I did a review for Kyoto some time back, here), the menu are pretty much the same with some additions probably, but the tables and chairs are VERY small'. She placed heavy emphasis on the 'small' tables and chairs. I couldn't visualize what she meant. You would perhaps do once you get there :p 

We actually popped by there twice. Hahaaa.. not that we ate there twice. We had to turn back when we arrived the first time, realizing that they haven't got their credit card machine set up (as of 13th Sept 2014). Probably not a good thing when people don't bring much cash around these days and it isn't cheap to have a nice Japanese meal. 

Yakiniku Don RM18

Soft Shell Crab Roll RM25

Niku Enoki RM16

Here's what we have ordered and eaten. You must be wondering what small tummy we have. Ah! That's because the yaki udon (stir-fried udon) that I ordered wasn't actually heard by the attendant. By the time I realized that,  I was already full eating the stuffs here and I'm not a patient person. So, lesson of the day, make sure your orders get repeated. 

My hubby is a big fan of soft shell crab. He was quite happy to see that there is spyder roll (soft shell crab roll) on the menu. The presentation was lovely. But the tastes of the crab was kinda overwhelmed by the sauce. Anyways, no big deal, we just scrapped off the sauce and eat them as they are. 

All in all, it was a good and filling lunch (despite of the forgotten yaki udon). It's worth a try if you're in a mood for Japanese. And it's new. Everyone loves trying out new stuffs in town. We went there for lunch, and the place was not packed. I'm not too sure if you'll need to reserve in advanced if you are there for dinner. 

Verdict: OK lor... room for improvements. Still worth a try. 

Price: $$.

Have a good weekend, xoxo, Jen. 

{Foodie Review } Kyoto Sushi Japanese Restaurant (Sandakan) - Best salmon sashimi in Sandakan

Today I'm in the mood for Japanese food. I've been doing some clean-eating this week, since it's TGIF, I've decided to treat myself to some nice Japanese gourmet. On a weekday we always go to Kyoto because (1) it's just few steps away from my shop, convenient (2) it produces fairly decent Japanese food, one of the very few ones I would be comfortable with, in Sandakan. FYI, I live in Sandakan, where we are restricted by choice in terms of international cuisines available. Japanese is one of the most easily found. 

We did not order a lot cos there were just the two of us. I went for my usuals ie the very freshly sliced thick and succulent salmon sashimi and a nabe dish. The thing I love about Kyoto is that its serving is pretty generous for the price we pay. Half of this plate of salmon sashimi already fills up half of my tummy. Usually when I frequent Japanese restaurant, I have this habit of checking with the waiter if the salmon used for sashimi is fresh. Over here at Kyoto, I almost don't need to check cos it is usually fresh. This round, we are lucky to get a very vibrant freshly sliced cut. I can taste the omega goodness in it. Feeling very nourished as I write about it now. Check out the photos on its color (hahaa.. that's all you can savor, cos you can't smell nor taste it from photos). I have not edited the color. That's exactly how vibrant it is. Or maybe .. I do have good camera. 

My second favorite from Kyoto is its Nabe. I usually go for seafood nabe or the niku (beef) nabe. This time, as you realize, I went for the beef nabe. It does not come with rice, so for rice-lovers, you may need to order a bowl of rice to go with it. Again, its portion is generous! My hubby and I share it while he also finished his Tori Katsu Curry Don. 

Salmon Sashimi RM26

Thick and succulent sashimi. Check out the vibrant color. I didn't edit this pic. 

Niku Nabe RM23 (right) Tori Katsu Curry Don RM15 (left)

So again, if you're in Sandakan and in a gastro-mood for Japanese, try Kyoto Sushi Japanese Restaurant. 

Here's their details: 

Kyoto Sushi Japanese Restaurant 

089 236 318 

Lot 132, Block 14, Prima Square, Mile 4, Sandakan 

Tips: for lunch especially on weekends, I usually go just before 12noon, before the lunch crowd to guarantee myself a table. If you have their Kyoto membership card, you will also entitle yourself to 10% off the total bill. 

This is me, fooling with my camera. I also took photo of my hubby. But he told me not to post it cos he hasn't shaved. Since he was the one who paid for our lunch, I guess I would just follow suit :p