Buffets offer value and variety, two keywords that often comes into consideration when dining out. Aoki Tei in Sunway Nexis is one of the newer Japanese restaurants in town (by Umai-Ya) that offers the buffet concept where customers pick the items they like from the two-page menu available.
Edamame
Seating is limited here, so either you call ahead to book or get there early. You can attempt to walk-in, but there is a risk of a queue especially during dinner time. Sashimi is a highlight though I find these just okay. If you wake up one morning with an insatiable craving for salmon and butterfish (I did that day), then this would be a good place to consider.
But if you’re into quality and nicer cuts, you’re better off ordering some from here.
Salmon and tuna sashimi
Anyway, Aoki Tei (RM58++ per person – lunch, RM78++ per person – dinner) has a decent variety of items for you to choose from and all are prepared to order so you get them relatively fresh. I did hear feedback from friends who went before me about the sashimi, which can be “frozen” but fortunately, that wasn’t what I encountered.
Soft shell crab handroll
Butterfish
Soft shell crab
Miso soup with clams
I thought the butterfish was decent, as was the salmon and soft shell crab handroll. Aoki Tei serves good soft shell crab, I have to say – a friend of mine told me they get theirs from a reputable supplier. rif and I ordered three plates of soft shell crab to chow down; it’s that yummy. Hopefully they keep this up as quality can be compromised when you change a supplier.
Prawn tempura
Chicken karaage
Chicken katsu
Beef teppanyaki
Grilled saba
Try the grilled saba if you’re into fish but skip the chicken karaage because that one was disappointing. The chicken katsu was better though it wasn’t much to shout about either. There’s chicken teriyaki and also beef teppanyaki – the latter was overcooked so the meat was hard and dry.
Deep fried tofu with oyster
Prawn mentai sushi
Wasabi ice cream
Green tea ice cream
With the buffet, you also get a choice of green tea, vanilla, chocolate or wasabi ice cream for dessert. I liked the wasabi ice cream best. Service is friendly but slow at times, plus they kept mixing up my order. Also, quite a few of the items I wanted weren’t available towards the later part of the buffet (beef sukiyaki, udon, garlic fried rice) so do plan your time accordingly.
Beef skewers
Chicken skewers
Assorted mushroom soup
Beer is free-flow and included in the buffet package
Beer, soft drinks and green tea is included in the buffet package, so beer drinkers rejoice. :) I find beer fills me up really easily so after a small glass, I’m already “full”. Not good if you’re a small eater heh!
Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6/10 (pork free)
Verdict: Decent variety and quality for a Japanese buffet.
Aoki-Tei Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Unit D-GF-05, Sunway Nexis
Jalan PJU 5/2
Kota Damansara
Business hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Tel: 03-6143 6868
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