Genji may prove elusive for first-timers, but Hilton Petaling Jaya’s helpful staff will gladly point you in the right direction. Soft, unobtrusive music sets the tone for an enjoyable Japanese feast and contributes to quality time with family, friends or other loved ones.

For a refreshing starter, look no further than the California Salad—Genji’s iteration is essentially a deconstructed California Roll. Sashimi is always an accurate gauge of a Japanese restaurant’s authenticity, and Genji’s selection, which comes in thick-cut slices that melt in the mouth, passes the test with flying colours. Presentation wise, the teppanyaki beef tenderloin is nothing to write home about, but the magic happens in the mouth—each bite yields char and the garlic-butter sauce slathered on top enhances the beef further.

Other than tips doled out by the staff, a 'sake meter value' on the drinks menu serves as a helpful guide when ordering drink pairings.

ABOUT THE CHEF:

With almost 40 years of experience under his belt, Richard Teoh is one of PJ’s most respected authorities on Japanese cuisine. Such is Teoh’s tenacity that he managed to learn fluent Japanese during a short stay in Japan, much to the astonishment of his colleagues. Nothing beats natto, rice, miso soup and pickles when it comes to picking his favourite comfort food.