And many bloggers have also blogged about Jogoya, the other famous Japanese buffet restaurant located at Starhill in KL.
I have been to Jogoya twice, but have never ever stepped my foot in Tenji until less than three weeks ago.
I was there for a buffet lunch meeting with blogger Jam who had come to KL for a short holiday. However, during that lunch, I did not bother to take any photos as I was more interested to discuss with him about our impending China trip in August.
And so when I was invited for buffet lunch at Tenji again (what luck!) with a group of friends last week, I decided to take my camera along! I guess it's my turn to blog about Tenji! Haha!
This is the landmark roundabout with the fountain in the middle. Once you see this fountain and the roundabout, you know you have come to the right place.
Many people have asked if Tenji is better than Jogoya. Before going Tenji, I had the same question in my mind. I even asked some bloggers who had been to both but I received mixed responses. So continue reading for I shall reveal which is better!
We reached Tenji at 11.30am sharp. The buffet lunch starts at 11.30am and ends at 4pm daily. My friends were very kiasu (I think me included) and they wanted to make sure we were the first to arrive and the last to leave. Haha!
As we were led to our seats inside the restaurant, we passed by the nice outdoor dining area.
As it was hot, they had lowered the blinds. But later in the evening, when it started to rain and the weather turned really pleasant (to me rain is very pleasant!) they raised the blinds.
Nice or not? Did you notice the TV screens in the photos above?
You might be wondering why there is no one around. Well, that's because we were among the first to arrive and the last to leave, that's why! Haha!
If it was not too hot sitting outside, I would not have mind dining in the outdoor area.
But once inside, there were actually a lot of people already! And I thought we were early birds! Definitely could not beat kiasu Malaysians! Who knows, maybe there were some Singaporeans there. Haha!
The photo above shows the sashimi area where you can get your raw oysters, scallops, kisu fish, prawns, salmon fish, clams and octopuses.
Look at those funny shaped lights hanging from the ceiling. Aren't they cute?
The first thing I did was head to the sashimi area. Look, this is my very own sashimi plate. Yummy!
Can you spot in clockwise direction the raw oysters, salmon fish, kisu fish, tako (octopus), hokkigai (clams) and prawns? Too bad they didn't have scallops! I remember eating scallops during my lunch with Jam!
I think the sashimi here was comparable to the ones I had in Jogoya. But somehow I felt the oysters here were slightly better, probably fresher. So I took four more. Yummy!
Of course these oysters were not as large and meaty as the ones I had in Shangri-la KL last time, but they were pretty good.
If you like sushi, then this place will not disappoint! Anyway, what is a Japanese buffet without sushi, right? I personally don't really like sushi that much, so I did not really eat a lot of them.
Here's the sushi station where a chef was busy making sushi.
There were lots of different types of sushi available.
Below were some photos I took of the individual sushi.
The prawn sushi. I was tempted to just eat the prawns on top and throw away the rice!
Salmon sushi. I did not eat this. I prefer just raw salmon fish! Why eat the rice which is so filling? Might as well save my stomach space for other food! Haha!
Century egg sushi? Have any of you tasted this before? Well, I did not taste this. Not a big fan of century eggs anyway!
My friends and I observed this chef preparing the sushi.
And then I ordered two pieces of ebbiko sushi which one of my friends said was nice. The chef put in extra ebbiko (fish roe) on one of them for me. How nice of him!
See the difference? The one on the right was overloaded with ebbiko! Yummy!!
I don't know, but I think I prefer the sushi here compared to Jogoya. Maybe I didn't try all the varieties in both places so I may not be giving an accurate assessment of which restaurant has the better sushi. But one thing's sure - Tenji definitely score more points for presentation!
I was searching for my favourite unagi (eel) meat but was surprised I could not find it! How could any Japanese restaurant not serve unagi? Well, maybe for that rather cheap price we were paying, they decided not to offer this rather expensive dish!
(By the way, we paid RM39.90++ per person for this buffet lunch. This is promotional price as the normal price is RM77.00++)
What to do? I had to settle for the unagi handroll. Better than nothing!
Actually this unagi handroll was not too bad! It had to be ordered using the metal clip system. (For those of you who have not been to Jogoya and Tenji, I will explain about the metal clip system in my next post). I had a few of those handrolls! Yummy!
I do not fancy fried stuffs like tempura, but if you do, then you should not miss their tempura station!
This is my tempura dish which my friend took for me!
It was delicious. Well, it does look delicious, doesn't it? Tempura is known to be healthier than normal deep fried food as the batter is lighter and tends to carry less oil.
You can see in clockwise direction 2 tempura prawns, 2 tamago egg rolls, 1 shishamo fish (on stick), 3 tempura mussels and of course the bowl of tempura dipping sauce.
During the lunch with my friends, we were given seats that were near the doorway. It was quite hot despite the place being an air conditioned place. I guess it's because the door kept opening and closing whenever someone walked out or in.
All my friends were complaining about the uncomfortable and warm environment so I asked the staff if we could shift to another table. Unfortunately, she said we could not because the place was fully booked that day!
Imagine - it was fully booked even though it was lunch time on a working day! No prize for guessing how full it would be during weekends!
To cool myself down, I quickly went for this coconut drink.
I think it is similar to the imported coconuts I had in Jogoya. Very cool, refreshing drink! If there's one drink you must not miss, it is this coconut drink! The coconut is different from the usual local coconuts you drink as it has an aromatic pandan flavour to it.
In fact, there's usually a queue lining up for these coconuts so you can see how popular this drink is. I myself drank 3 coconuts!
We made a beeline for this coconut and tried to get as many as we could. Talking about kiasuness!
As we actually sat just in front of the coconut counter, it was quite easy for us.
This is the coconut counter although at the moment I took this photo, the coconuts had already run out, so no long queue in the photo.
Do you see the chocolate fondue? Now that reminds me of desserts!
But this post is already too long! So I shall talk about desserts in the next post, if you don't mind.
Besides Japanese food, Tenji also serves a variety of Chinese, Korean and Western food too! I will blog about that in the next post. Also, in my next post, you will know my conclusion - whether Tenji or Jogoya is the better Japanese buffet restaurant, so stay tuned.
Sayonara and have a happy weekend! : )
FIRST COMMENTER
I think I should be able to find food of my taste in this Japanese Restaurant.
Oh my! I'll be back..
that's a lot of food!!! I think jogoya's quality had dropped.
I enjoyed having lunch with you at Tenji last time around! Thanks for bringing me there.
Okay, I'm back - done reading your interesting food-laden post.
The place reminds me of a nursery with all that greenery. Pleasant though. I'd prefer the air-cond section too. For that promotion rate, the buffet is a steal! Are the coconuts included?
Great detailed review. Yeah, sushi is too filling though the ebbiko sushi is nice if you don't mind it overly salty.
From the two reviews, I'd say Tenji is a better place and at that rate, it'll win hands down.
Thanks for the review. Great pictures too, Foong.
So, your Guilin trip is still on? Great!
Such extensive review and photos! :)
The price is quite affordable lah, when looking at the varieties available. I'm salivating over the oysters.
If I go to buffet, I won't touch anything that comes with rice. Get full much quicker. Have to leave plenty of space in the stomach for all the food available! :D
The buffett lunch's quite a good deal.
Century egg sushi would be nice. I have never tried one though.
How can you eat sushi without the rice?! It's the essence of sushi...haha. Although, I would agree with you...eat the raw salmon and ditch the rice ;)
I must go for my raw salmon fix soon...haven't had it in awhile.
wadui! by the time i finished reading ur post, so many comments in ody! dashat dashat!
dat's a good price u paid for the food. the coconut looks cute! i want to 'fire' the chef that gave u extra fish roe on ur sushi! not fair! LOL..
I never been to any of those 2 restaurants
I wonder when will I ever make FC in your blog haha.
Well, looks the variety of sushi is different form the time I went there. When I was there, there wasn't much inari about... especially not ebiko inari. And the tempura during the time I went for it was all cold and soggy... guess it all depends on the time we eat their buffet.
Looks good I must.. I think I should go eat with you next time.. you're luckier! hahaha!
well very sad to hear that all those restaurant are doing worse and worse.. i dunno why, it's like our culture to get things worsen, cannot maintain the standard.. you see so many "good examples" out there.. saisaki, shogun, jogoya, tenji~~ all the same fate.. :(
I'll not compare nor complain so as long as I have plenty of fresh seafood which must include those yummy oysters, lotsa prawns (tempura), salmon ebiko and magura. ^_^
That makes it 4 japanese restaurants on my go-list next time in KL. Bring me there pls pls pls? XP
War...Tenji? Jogoya? Yupe! read about your review on Jogoya but never Tenji. The interior is really great i thing. There are patches of green here and there which creates good natural ambience for dinners. But it does look hot right?
Hahaha....once inside there are more kiasu people than you guys. They are so kiasu that I believe they fast for a week and then camp out a day earlier just to be the earliest kiasu birds. Who knows...some of these birds were from Singapore right? KIASU!!! LOL (pun intended)
OMG...the osyters look so yummy. I have never eaten any oysters in such big proportion... =(
War...only RM40....for so damn much things to eat. :0 so damn cheap o.
The coconut looks very different ler. Are these the skinned ones?
War...chocolate fondue....yeah I noticed that but I have never tried any of it before. Poor me. LOL :D
So we only get to know about it in the next post lar. Until we meet again...
I love sashimi, although unagi isn't very high on my list. Hehe. I love the look and feel of this restaurant. Great post :)
Never been to either one. Almost did go to Jogoya but it was a full house.
Definitely gonna pay Tenji a visit soon!
*Stomach growling*
fondue? i dont remember seeing it in jogoya!
tenji, already on my must-try list when im in kl next time ;)
foong foong... whichever wins... Tenji or Jogoya, u belanja me there la ok? :p
The sushi, sashimi etc look very fresh. The place is very pleasant too. I have not been to any Japanese restaurant in Malaysia before. WOuld love to try next time. The price is good too at just RM40 per person. Can eat and digest and eat again :o)
Looks pretty good!! And CHEAPER!!! Hahaha~
The food look great!
Jogoya better or tenji?
in our country got these 2 buffet restaurant ot not? i know penang none la
Nice food pics but I have not been to either one.
molly, congrats! You are FC here for the first time! : )
Oh, yes! I think Tenji suits you cos since you don't really like Japanese food and raw food, you can always go for the hot dishes and also the Chinese and Western food! : )
happysurfer, the buffet is worth it right? Yes, the coconuts are included and you can take unlimited coconuts! : )
Glad you enjoy reading this review, but don't be too quick to make conclusion on whether Tenji or Jogoya is better cos I haven't finished comparing the two! Gotta wait for Part 2, yes? : )
I like the outdoor garden too, but it may not be so convenient as you would need to walk further to get your food. Inside is definitely more convenient and more comfortable with the air cond.
Yes, Guilin trip still on : )
eiling, yes you are right. I was disappointed with Jogoya the last time (which was the second time for me) I went there! And I hate that certain food are reserved for VIP members! : (
jam, oh, you are most welcome! Can't wait for our trip to China!! : )
lina, thanks! The promotional price is OK, but not the normal price! Haha! Won't touch anything that comes with rice? That's smart! ; )
mei teng, yes the promotional price is worth it! Quick! Go and enjoy it before it ends on 31st July! Then you can try those century egg sushi! : )
Haha! You'll ditch the rice too? Lots of fresh raw salmon there! Don't miss it! : )
merryn, the coconut looks cute? Haha! Not as cute as little Ethan! : )
You'll fire that chef for giving me extra ebbiko? haha! Don't fire him! When you go there, you can also ask for more ebbiko ie. if it's still the same chef lah : )
borneo falcon, Quick! Fly over to KL and try them! : )
ladyviral, you will one day! Just be patient! : )
You know what? This review is only good for now. A few weeks later, no, maybe a few days from today, you can actually throw away this review cos things may have changed. Quality of the food may have gone down, some food may no longer be there etc. etc. That's just the way things are! I don't know why they can't maintain the quality!
I enjoyed Jogoya the first time and thought it was the best buffet in town. Second time I went there, I was so disappointed with the quality of the food! Really, Jogoya had let me down!
SK, my thoughts exactly! Why can't they maintain the high standard like when they first started? Maybe you should start one restaurant! : )
anton, ooh! You like oysters and tempura prawns? Then I think you will be satisfied with Tenji : )
JL, no problem! Will bring you there cos I also want to go again. Haha!
tekkaus, yes it's pretty hot outside especially in our hot Malaysian weather! But if it's cloudy or rainy, it's very nice to sit outside!
Haha! You never know - some might be from Singapore!
Yes it's very worth it cos you can eat as much oysters as you want! The more you can eat, the more worthwhile it is!
Never tried choc fondue before? Well, if you like chocolates, you will like it. Otherwise OK only. Come and try Tenji during this promotional period - only lasts until 31st July! : )
vera, hi there! Thanks for dropping by! : )
kenT, never been to either one? Oh, then you must at least try Tenji! Quick! Before the promotional period ends on 31st July! : )
annant, yes, I don't think there's any choc fondue in Jogoya. When will you be in KL? Better book early to avoid disappointment! It's always full house! : )
nic, whoa! You think I so rich, is it? Only eat when the price is discounted : )
ai shiang, you got it right! Can eat, digest, and eat again! Totally worth it! LOL!
day-dreamer, yes, it's good! And worth the money! : )
keeyit, haha! To know which one is better, you have to wait for Part 2 : )
limpek, I think these buffet restaurants only found in KL. Not sure if you can find them in other states. But outside Malaysia, Jogoya is found in Taiwan. Actually it came from Taiwan.
pikey, really? Then you should make it a point to go during this promotional period! : )
The only thing I like about Japanese food is Miso soup! :D
Oh and btw, you don't only post really long post but you include a heck of a lot of images to boot ... hahaha!
Happy weekend buddy :D
great foods, nice ambiance and good variety of dishes. Ican say it's a nice place. ok you had 3 coconuts? your nuts foong! lol
see you on your desserts =) post
Haven't been to Tenji le... definitely no chocolate fondue in Jogoya, so Tenji must be better! hohohoh
this ms b Jap food heaven. so cheap some more. i wont b surprised their profit margin is thin but make up for it in numbers ( customers )
Next time you and Jim want to meet up, I oso want to follow ah. :D
These are great and inviting pictures *wink*. I've been craving for Japanese food in a while and seeing these pics made me really drool. I won't mind getting in line for Japanese food! Thanks for sharing.
the only Japanese restaurant i've ever been to is Chikuyoteh at Raja Chulan. i wonder if it's still around.
wow sushi
they are all tempting
and now.. im craving to look for the nearest japanese cuisine here lolz
just dropping here buddy
Yaya, bring us to tenji or jogoya the next time lina and I meet you! XD
I have a small appetite, so going to buffets is a waste. :P
This Japanese buffet looks good! There is such a wide variety of dishes. Too bad I'm not able to try them.
I am going to miss out on this becos I stay in Singapore :(
RM40 for this buffet only!? That's cheap.
Hi! You made me hungry. I wish I could go to that elegant Japanese Resto too. I love sashimis!
chop!
Wow so nice la this place Foong! And I oso love fish roe sushi, the chef was nice to give u extra fish roe. So yummy!
Late night ec dropping, enjoy ur weekend. :)
My son would love this place, and expecially the ebiko...his favourite.
nice place and nice foods!
nick phillips, you only like miso soup? What happen to all those other tasty Japanese food? I try to put in more images in case my readers can't stand the long post they still have some pictures to look at. Haha! : )
ayie, 3 coconuts very few only, my friend drank 6! Double my number. Haha!
neo, better go now during the promotion period! Very the worth lah! : )
bengbeng, not sure about their profit margin, but they are making lots of $$$ cos full house everyday! : )
lina, no problem! : )
mira, you don't mind queuing? I do! Haha! Thanks for dropping by! : )
life ramblings, I have no idea cos I've never been there! : )
bluedreamer27, do you have Japanese restaurants in the Philippines?
JL, haha! Sure, sure but I only scared no more discounts!
eastcoastlife, I guess buffets are not so suitable for you since you have small appetite. Yes, it's actually quite cheap during this promotional period : )
a common singaporean, come to Malaysia, then you can visit this restaurant : )
tita beng, you like sashimi? Then you would love this restaurant! Btw, any Japanese restaurant in the Philippines?
mariuca, yeah nice chef to give me extra fish roe! Haha! Thanks for dropping EC. Gosh! You dropped by at the unearthly hour of 3am? : )
pete, oh your son loves japanese food? I'm sure he'll love this place cos he can eat unlimited ebbikos! : )
superman, yes nice food indeed : )
Foong, my response to your query about junkmail on Jim Long's post.
Err...., frankly I rarely receive junkmail - most times, not even one in a week! Strange, eh? I'm probably off the radar.. haha....
haha you're right, foong. Hence I did try Tenji before and I blogged about it... but somehow you seem to get the good side of it compare to my visit. I remember Shogun, the first time I was there, it was good.. then the second time was a bad drop.. guess buffets need to go as early as possible :P when they arwe newly open.
happysurfer, yes you must be off the radar. Haha! Anyway you should be thankful! Cos I get irritated with those junk smses! : )
ladyviral, you are right! Go to buffet restaurants that just newly open. Once they are established, the quality tend to drop, I really don't know why!
the food there looks pretty good! too bad i went there last time without booking, it was already full. next time will drag friends to go there. hehe. have only been to jogoya once but nv have to urge for returning
wow neat place... i've never been to tenji.. haha.. and yeah the presentation of the place looks great... the sushis too.. and i would certainly visit the tempura station if im there.. haha.. =D
and you kept on saying singaporeans are kiasu in this entry! haha..
oh i've never veen to jagoya too.. =P
xin, you don't like Jogoya? Well, I don't like it too the second time I went there. The food was all pretty average. But first time I went there, it was arguably the best buffet in town! Too bad the standard had dropped!
kenwooi, never been to Jogoya and Tenji? Oh, you should at least try one time. I recommend Tenji cos they are having promotion now : )
That's still a lot foong =), your friend had too much =)
ayie, not when you are at a buffet meal that stretches for more than 4 hours! LOL!
That doesn't work for me foong, i can only stay there leisurely til 2hrs rare that it's 3 only when I'm just hanging out with friends. Can't eat that much too =) hehe
ohhhh at Solaris, Mont Kiara! okok I know the place ;)
I can eat 20 oysters at one time!! :-D
so yummy where is tenji??
ayie, well, I guess when you are with friends, you can stay much longer not from the eating but from chit chatting : )
monica, 20 oysters! Wow! Then you must go Tenji! You can eat as many oysters as you like at the fraction of the price! : )
eating is more fun with friends =) chit chat comes with it =)
TH, it's located at Solaris, Mont Kiara. You can check out the map here : )
yes we do foongpc there are several japanise restaurant here in the philippines and we just love to dine in there
but im not so good in using chopsticks hehe
I'm not sure whether I can fit in so many hours of buffet as you guys did. As for the chat, that's more than welcome, as long as it doesn't affect your job hours XD
I'm sure we can hear plenty of pointers about Jap food from Lina the next time we meet. I'm going to make it a point to visit KL during the weekdays otherwise Lina can't come! XD
ayie, definitely more fun with friends : )
bluedreamer27, not good in using chopsticks? It's OK, just need some practice and getting used to : )
JL, you can fit in the many hours as long as you have friends to chit chat with.
Oh, yes. Let me know when you are coming to KL next time and make it on the weekday : )