Seeking Solace in Penang - Azuma Japanese Restaurant @ Queensbay Mall

Escaping from Langkawi (that sounded harsh you say? It was NOT your idea of a routine holiday, that's for sure! Click HERE for previous post if you're having doubts!) after 5 whole days on the island, or rather, IN a camp ON the island, we flew back to Penang for a timely restoration-cum-relaxation period. Nursing sore muscles, scratches, blisters, and fatigue, we checked into our hotel the instance our plane (Firefly) touched down at the airport. Penang's air has never smelled this good ... The Air of Freedom?

The Krystal Suites @ Bayan Lepas, Penang

The Krystal Suites (www) is a hotel situated at Krystal Point, in Bayan Lepas, Penang. Krystal Point houses a dynamic range of restaurants, featuring cuisines from all over the world, from Japanese food to Thai food, and Western fare to Chinese cuisine. A query to any Penang flogger: Has Jurin moved from Krystal Point? I did not notice its existence this time around.

For only RM238/night, you can stay in a 2-bedrooms suite, with one King-sized bed, and another room with 2 single beds. Suite amenities include individually-controlled air-conditioner (all 4 of them, one in each room and two in the living room), ASTRO channels, mini fridge, microwave oven (yup, read that right!) free broadband internet service, and free parking space for one car per room. 1 Bedroom Suite starts at RM178/night, with the same amenities except the second room.

Azuma Japanese Restaurant @ Queensbay Mall, Penang

The magnetic force of the comfort, and spaciousness of our suite, my eyes were set on the comfortable, plush beds. But hunger struck at that very moment, as lunch seemed some ages ago. Hence we put off the idea of recklessly neglecting our hunger pangs and slept til morning comes, but instead ventured over to Queensbay Mall, a mere 5 minutes' drive away.

The Japanese restaurant opened for business late last year ... and gaining momentum, judging from the dinner crowd on a weekday's night

Initial plan of dining at TGIF (where else for an American diner's Supersized Portions?) was thwarted when the cravings for Japanese food came knocking at our doors. Or our guts. Azuma has large, transparent windows overlooking the bay and parking lots, thus tempting our curiosity and tastebuds at the same time.

Shake Tataki Maki and Una Cheese Maki @ RM30

Walking in to the restaurant situated on 2F of Queensbay Mall, we were promptly greeted with chants of 'Irrashaimase' and ushered to a table by the windows, with sofa seats. The interior of the restaurant was considerably bright, albeit with yellow lighting (bad for photography purposes!), with a kaiten belt section with freshly-prepared (we hope) sushi for those casual diners.

Running through the menu revealed an impressive list of Japanese and fusion items, from the usual Tenpura, Sushi and Sashimi, to Bento sets, Special Maki, and Japanese Pizza.

The 8-piece serving of Una Cheese Maki and Shake Tataki Maki was one of their recommended item, whereby from the menu, each item is priced at RM28, but for an additional RM2 you can mix and match. The Una Cheese Maki consists of sushi rice rolled with eel, cheese and vegetables, while the Shake Tataki Maki contains shrimp roe, crab sticks, cheese, vegetables, topped with grilled salmon. Each morsel was full of flavour, owing to the creamy cheese added into the rolls, and the perfectly rolled makis. So far, so good.

Azuma Deluxe Combo Sushi (RM60 for 24 pieces)

Of course, breaking free from the monotony of 'prison food' (ahem, I beg to differ, it's more like dorm meals instead), and suitably famished after the ride, we ordered recklessly, til the staff jolted out of his boots. Or apron. He politely reminded us that the Deluxe Combo Sushi is normally reserved for a 'bigger' group, and had us having second thoughts on over-ordering.

Very nicely presented, scoring top marks in aesthetic values (except for one failed salmon mayo roll) ... Tastewise?

Of course, we were in Sushi mode that evening, so we cancelled the other orders instead. The platter of mixed sushi was intimidating, as each sushi was not of bite-sized/dainty proportion, but instead rather filling. To the point of feeling rather bloated by the 5th of 6th piece. The platter includes prawn, salmon, tuna, prawn roe, eel, tuna mayo in beancurd skin, and salmon mayo roll.

All were fresh, the fish firm and sweet, while the cooked items scored as well. Except the ebikko (shrimp roe) which was a little salty. The maguro (tuna) was deliciously thick and succulent, while the tako? (octopus)'s texture was bouncy, and firm.

Azuma Zushi Pizza - Raw salmon and eel pizza (RM28)

Another signature of Azuma's is the pizzas. A combination of grilled eel and raw salmon slices were placed on top the rice (yes, the rice IS the dough!) coated with batter and fried til crispy, topped with some shrimp roe, chopped scallions and garnished with parsley. The crispy exterior coating the sticky rice, paired with the salmon/eel and sauce was heavenly. Minor gripe? The small serving (only about 4" per pc) had us wanting more!

The complimentary green tea ice cream as dessert

Reliving days of yore, we challenged each other to a Wasabi Face-Off. Yeah, 5 days in camp does irrepairable damages to one's brain, it seems! Though the wasabi (horseradish mustard) at Azuma's lacked the sting compared to the average ones elsewhere.

Location : AZUMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT @ No. 100-2F87, Queensbay Mall, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel : 04 6413118.

For second opinions, click them :

What2See, Food Paradise, or Penang Tua Pui

Satiated, replenished and still reeling from lethargy, we attempted to burn some calories (as if) by strolling around the mall, though embedded deep in our minds, we knew that supper's just around the corner ..... ;)