It’s difficult to know the existence of Tomoe Japanese Cuisine, situated behind rows of shoplots at Jalan Mendu. But to find it is a delight all by itself - since we can count all the Japanese restaurants in Kuching with one hand.
From the outside, it looks really quaint. Inside, however… is another story. I’m disappointed at the decor, or lack thereof. The lighting is harsh and bright, no beautiful Japanese paintings on the wall (well, there are, but they’re tiny it’s negligible), the wooden tables and chairs are plain and uninteresting. In a nutshell - no atmosphere.
I’m willing to forgive the lack of atmosphere if the food is phenomenal.
And it is, sorta. Not phenomenal. The honorary title of phenomenal would be authentic Japanese food, in Japan. I recall an experience in Tokyo that an old shop celebrating its 50th anniversary in an alleyway has food that blew my socks off. If I was wearing any socks at that time. It’s customary at some establishments to take off shoes and socks before you enter a restaurant.
Salmon Sashimi (RM20 for 8 pieces)
Tomoe’s food is really good. Really, surprisingly good. It didn’t blow my socks off, but it’s definitely better than I’d expected it to be. And the cherry on top of the cake? It’s not that expensive either, and for the price you pay you get substantially more.
Chicken Teppan (RM12.80)
Sashimi’s cuttings are nice and generous, unlike certain places that cut really thinly and hope you don’t notice. The wasabi is moderately hot - at least it’s not as bad as Sushi King’s. While Sushi King gives you unlimited supply, eating a whole dollop feels like eating nothing at all.
Cha Soba (RM10) - more noodle than ice, which is nice. :)
I ordered Cha Soba - which is green tea noodle with cold broth mixed with quail egg, wasabi and spring onions. Lovely, but broth is slightly weak and diluted, imho.
Tai - (RM3 for a set of 2), White Tuna (not recommended) (RM8 for a set of 2), Suzuki Sashimi (RM3 for a set of 2)
Would I go back? You betcha - affordable Japanese food without sacrificing much quality. I already went there twice and each time I’m very happy with the service and food. Highly recommended.
Hmmm… I must try this when I get back to Kuching next week. Wahaha! Don’t care much about the inner deco as long as the food looks/tastes fine. They look appealing to me. =p
daniel @ 28th Apr 2008
it’s not worth to eat the ala-carte at sushi king. tomoe got lots of good feedback, the price are really quite OK.
Irene @ 28th Apr 2008
Daniel, ur coming back next week???
robinwong @ 28th Apr 2008
Daniel, where are you now? If you say KL, or Singapore or… some big city, then sorry la… Japanese food there should be slightly better. :D But do give it a try!
Irene: You’re right, it’s not worth it. Sushi King is now my third choice in my list of Japanese restaurants to dine in. *LOL* Pretty sad ranking. :D
Robin: *nudges* :D
Elvawenn @ 28th Apr 2008
Elvawenn, I’m in Johor Bahru, consider a big city as well. I wanted to try but none of my friends are interested. Crap. Just to sincerely inform you that I have now moved to danielliew.com, do drop by.
Robin, Oh ya! I am going back next week.
daniel @ 30th Apr 2008
Wow, looks nice! There’s another Tomoe in Subang in Klang Valley, Peninsula Malaysia. That one is really nice too, and quite affordable too, with the best wasabi and beef I ever tasted. I wonder if the two are related…Must try this Tomoe the next time I’m in Kuching :)
Josh LIm @ 2nd May 2008
Josh: Coincidentally, the beef from Tomoe here is heaven sent too. :) I was surprised at the portion - it’s as big as steaks, sliced into thin pieces (but not small enough - chewing was a bulging cheek affair). Yummy!
Do give the Kch branch a try!
Elvawenn @ 3rd May 2008
I was conned by the lovely remarks by the local bloggers who had their meal at Tomoe Restaurant. Their service was awful, misplaced order (my main course never arrive and the waitress who took my order was indenial…and the meal needed to take another 15mins for it to be ready) and mind you a Japanese restaurant serving local rice instead of Japanese short grain rice???
michelle @ 17th Nov 2009
Hi Michelle, I’m sorry you had an awful experience there… I’m sure at some point or another we all have been disappointed by other people’s recommendations, made worse by the expectation we had before entering the restaurant. From my personal experience so far, they have been timely with my orders and did not misplace orders or anything, though the waitresses could smile a bit more. They look like we owe them money. LOL! And as for the rice, I’m pretty sure even T’en Ichi does not use that kind of rice as a small pack retails for RM50-RM60 and if incorporated into their menus, the price we pay will be through the roof. Considering Tomoe is more of a mid-range restaurant I’ll say it’s acceptable to use local rice. That’s just my 2 cents though! :D
Ann @ 5th Apr 2010