Cheers to Kampai Yakiniku in Bamboo Hills, KL

Cheers to Kampai Yakiniku in Bamboo Hills, KL

Located in this hip and happenin' new commercial area off the DUKE Highway is this Japanese eatery that serves terrific flame-grilled cuisine.

Kampai Yakiniku is located in the hip and happenin’ commercial area known as Bamboo Hills. (KY Speaks pics)

[NON-HALAL]

Bamboo Hills, a new cosmopolitan area located just off the DUKE Highway, is perhaps the latest “happening” dining spot in Kuala Lumpur these days. And if you happen to be in or around the vicinity when hunger pangs strike, one place you should check out is Kampai Yakiniku.

As it is a purposefully built commercial area for food, parking is ample and getting to the restaurants is very convenient. Those who enjoy the sight of beautiful trees and water features – definitely Instagrammable! – will be in for a treat as well.

As the name implies, Kampai Yakiniku specialises in Japanese grilled meat. The word “kampai” – literally meaning “finish up your drink” but often equated to “cheers” – means there’s plenty of sake and other alcoholic beverages to choose from to go with this brand of cuisine.

Mmm, check out that marbling – who doesn’t love Wagyu beef? (KY Speaks pics)

The menu includes a wide selection of beef of various cuts and quality, from sirloin and ribs to tongue and luscious Wagyu. There’s Wagyu sashimi and offal, too, guaranteeing a feast for those who like to be a little adventurous with their food!

In addition, there’s chicken, seafood, and vegetables for grilling, as well as ready-to-eat appetisers and small bites, soup, and several types of fried rice. In short, there’s something for everybody. And while they serve alcohol at this joint, its meaty offerings are pork-free.

Two types of rice for the savouring: crispy Wagyu – the superior option – and garlic fried rice. (KY Speaks pics)

If you’re omnivorous, you should clearly go for the meats – the cuts here are packed with flavour, buttery and luxurious, with simply a touch of sea salt required to bring out the rich, natural aroma and taste.

You get the option of grilling the meat yourself or leaving it to one of the servers to do the deed. (Always leave it to the servers, who at least know what they’re doing!)

The seafood set, flame-grilled right in front of you, comes with these huge scallops. (KY Speaks pics)

So, what should you specifically go for? For something filling, order the crispy Wagyu rice (RM 25) or the more traditional garlic fried rice (RM 15).

The latter is very good in itself, but it’s worth spending a bit more and going for the Wagyu option, as the bits of tender meat and fat really add to the overall flavour significantly.

If you’re game to share, try the combo mixed platter (RM 118), which comes with two types of scallops, tiger prawns, squid, Norwegian salmon, and vegetables.

Norwegian salmon, tiger prawns, and grilled veggies are part of the mixed platter. (KY Speaks pics)

The seafood – grilled on the spot – is fresh and juicy, especially the tiger prawns and scallops. But this writer can’t rave enough about the salmon fillets, served tender with the texture on point – sheer perfection.

Perhaps it has to do with the griller’s skills (see above for why you should trust them to do the work)!

Overall, Kampai Yakiniku promises a positive experience, although the restaurant can get a little warm on a hot day as it is semi-alfresco-style.

If you can’t stand the heat, it’s highly recommended you drop by at night! Kampai!

For more information on Kampai Yakiniku, visit its website as well as Facebook profile.

Kampai Yakiniku [NON-HALAL]
Lot P3A, Taman Bukit Bambu (Bamboo Hill),
Off Lebuhraya Duta,
Ulu Kelang, Segambut, Kuala Lumpur

Read the original article here, and read more articles by KY Speaks on FMT Lifestyle here.

Trying to influence your cravings since 2005, Kar Yeong was Guest Judge on Versus 1001 Rasa Baba’s 2018, R.AGE Food Fight Judge 2015 and NTV7 Foodie Blogger 2014. To read more about Kar Yeong’s food journeys, visit his blog at KYspeaks.com.

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