Kampachi

Kampachi Japanese Restaurant (勘八) is one of the five eateries in Hotel Equatorial Penang. The word “Kampachi” refers to the greater amberjack, a prized fish in Japanese cuisine. Located next to nada lama, this award-winning restaurant from Kuala Lumpur positions itself as a semi-fine dining establishment. The ambience is described as tranquil and upscale, while the waiting staff’s etiquette is exemplary

In contrast with the mainstream Japanese restaurants in Malaysia, Kampachi sticks to traditional Japanese cuisine. Popular choices here are sushi (鮨), sashimi (お刺身), tempura (天麩羅), rice bowl (丼物), noodle (麺物), bento (お弁当), teppanyaki (鉄板焼き), robatayaki (炉辺焼き) and toubanyaki (陶板焼き).

As soon as we are seated, we are provided with towel tablets so that we may refresh ourselves. When soaked in scented water, the towel tablets expand to several times their original size.

Being a huge fan of raw fish, my natural choice today is Sashimi Lunch Set (お刺身ランチ, RM68.00). The presentation of this platter is commendable indeed.

There are 4 types of fish used for sashimi: salmon (鮭), mackerel (鯖), butterfish (白マグロ) and tuna (マグロ). Fish is extremely fresh because seafood is directly sourced from Tsukiji fish market (築地市場), the world’s largest fish market in Tokyo, Japan.

The set meal also includes a small serving of kobachi (小鉢) as appetizer. Kobachi literally means “small bowl”. I also love the jelly-like consistency of chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し). Also included are pickles (漬物), miso soup (味噌汁), salad, rice and fruits.

The Tempura Lunch Set (天麩羅ランチ, RM50.00) substitutes sashimi with tempura; other ingredients remain unchanged.

Tempura is typically made from seafood and vegetables. Kampachi’s tempura uses shrimps, sweet potato and eggplant. Raw food is coated in wheat flour batter, and then fried in scalding oil to give a lovely coating of crisp. I tend to enjoy tempura directly, but some people prefer to use tentsuyu (天汁) as dipping sauce. Tentsuyu is made from dashi (出汁), mirin (味醂) and soy sauce (醤油).

Kampachi also has a teppanyaki counter and sushi bar for lone diners. Meanwhile, the restaurant also furnishes several tatami (畳) rooms for diners who prefer some form of privacy. It has also come to my attention that Kampachi serves buffet lunch on weekends, and buffet dinner on Saturday evenings. However, I have yet to try either buffets before.

Address: Hotel Equatorial Penang, 1, Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-632-7000
Business hours: 12:00pm-2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm