Matsuki Japanese Restaurant, located near Gurney Drive in Penang, is indeed one of the more established Japanese eateries in the area, with a history dating back to around 2000. Despite its somewhat austere and unassuming facade, which might give the impression of a run-down establishment to those unfamiliar with the locale, Matsuki offers a surprisingly extensive menu of Japanese dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant is also known for its ample parking space, making it convenient for a quick and hassle-free dining experience.
The Unagi Cheesy Ebiko Fried Rice at Matsuki Japanese Restaurant is a hidden gem that’s part of their special à la carte menu. This dish features aromatic fried rice that’s hard to resist, paired with fresh unagi (eel) and topped with ebiko (shrimp roe), creating a truly unforgettable taste experience. The combination of flavors and textures, with the creamy cheese and the burst of ebiko, elevates this dish to a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
Grilled Salmon with Chawanmushi and Miso Soup is a classic Japanese set meal that offers a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.
Chawanmushi is a traditional Japanese savory egg custard, served as a side dish. The name translates to "steamed in a tea cup," and this dish is exactly that: a silky, smooth custard made from a mixture of eggs and dashi (Japanese broth), often filled with various ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, or kamaboko (fish cake). The custard is delicately steamed until just set, resulting in a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The subtle flavors of the chawanmushi offer a gentle contrast to the rich, smoky taste of the grilled salmon.
Miso Soup is a comforting and nutritious soup made from dashi stock (often made with kombu seaweed and bonito flakes) and miso paste, which is a fermented soybean paste. The soup typically includes ingredients like tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions, and sometimes vegetables like daikon or mushrooms. Miso soup adds a warm, savory element to the meal, balancing the richness of the salmon and the delicacy of the chawanmushi with its earthy, salty flavors.
Katsu Curry is a popular Japanese dish that combines two beloved elements of Japanese cuisine: crispy breaded cutlets (usually pork or chicken) and a rich, savory curry sauce. The word "katsu" refers to a cutlet that is coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to a golden brown, while "curry" (or "kare" in Japanese) is a thick, mildly spiced sauce made with a roux, typically flavored with onions, carrots, potatoes, and a variety of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
The magic of Katsu Curry lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior of the katsu provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, hearty curry sauce. The curry itself is typically milder and sweeter than Indian or Thai curries, with a comfort-food appeal that's loved by both children and adults in Japan.
Katsu Curry is usually served with steamed white rice, and sometimes garnished with pickled vegetables like Fukujinzuke (sweet and crunchy pickles) or Rakkyo (pickled shallots). It's a dish that perfectly embodies Japanese home-style cooking — warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Matsuki Japanese Restaurant
62, Jalan Pemenang
George Town
10250