After what seems like ages, the lot on the top floor of Mid Valley opposite the exhibition centre (previously Sushi King) finally opened to the public, revealing a new contemporary Japanese restaurant: Waku Waku.
Thus, we simply had to go and try it out! Waku Waku serves both Japanese food and fusion-Japanese food, which we will address later.
The décor of the restaurant was quite unique and modern. We found it quite pleasant to look at and to be in.
The restaurant occupies a large space, ensuring ample and comfortable seating.
During our visit to Waku Waku, we were too attracted by the fusion items on the menu that we did not actually try their real Japanese dishes. This was the Kuey Teow Jepun, priced at RM10.90. Simply put, this was Japanese-style fried rice noodles. Served in a hot stone bowl, it was piping hot when served. We poked the egg to let it ooze into the noodles then stirred the whole thing together. We thought this kuey teow was really good! It was flavourful, yet it had a light touch to it. Do not expect it to be similar to the common fried kuey teow with wok hei, but this fusion version managed to keep up very well in our opinion!
We also ordered the Nasi Lemak Jepun. This Japanese-inspired nasi lemak was priced at RM12.90. The rice with coconut milk was served in a hot stone bowl with an egg on top.
The waiter offered to stir it all together for us in order to ensure that the coconut milk was absorbed fully into the rice and to avoid the sides from getting burnt against the stone bowl. Again, do not expect it to be like normal nasi lemak. Instead of fluffy fragrant coconut rice, the one here was sticky and fragrant coconut rice (in true Japanese style). The rice was surprisingly good on its own. The coconut flavour was light not imposing, but added a nice dimension to the sticky Japanese rice.
Of course nasi lemak would be served with sambal and other accompaniments. From the top left moving clockwise: A variation of teriyaki chicken, sambal prawns, sambal and nuts & ikan bilis. The sambal was nice with a strong shrimp paste (belacan) taste to it. It was not spicy and a bit sweet, but went well with the rice for a Japanese fusion styled nasi lemak! This was a new experience of nasi lemak for us and it did not disappoint!
Overall, we liked Waku Waku a lot and will head back one day to try the items on their menu. Despite opening very recently, the staff were very friendly and did their jobs very well. The fusion style food was good and definitely worth a try! Waku Waku has a website which is still under construction (however, it is advertising for vacancies now for those interested), but watch that space in the future for more information!
Restaurant Information
Lot T-015B, Level 3
Mid Valley Megamall,
Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 – 22841172
I’d like to give it a shot though.
