Iketeru at Hilton Kuala Lumpur seems to have its regulars – on a weeknight, it was crowded with patrons tucking into platters of assorted sashimi, sushi rolls and specialty dishes. For an upscale establishment, I would expect service to be more punctilious but it was alas, disorganized.
Restaurant entrance
Shabu shabu nabemono (RM110 – Australian beef)
Our orders were taken and we were served green tea, in anticipation of the dishes to arrive. My shabu-shabu nabemono was better suited for two diners; a steaming one-pot dish of vegetables, cellophane noodles, tofu and Australian beef slices, all bobbing in mild broth.
Tempura Moriawase (RM59)
We also shared a tempura moriawase, a platter of prawn, sea bream and assorted vegetables fritters with dipping sauce. This was rather good as the batter was crisp and wispy, allowing the natural sweetness of the prawns and vegetables to stand out.
Prawn fritters, sea bream and assorted vegetables in dipping sauce
Starters for the “Wagyu Course”
The wagyu course that rif ordered (RM340) comprised a series of starter, salad, sashimi, grilled seafood, vegetables, your choice of steamed or garlic fried rice and of course, wagyu sirloin steak a la teppanyaki.
Salad
Assorted sashimi
This was where the disconnect in service was most apparent, as the dishes were staggered too far apart. We waited more than 15 minutes after the seafood course for the beef to be served which by then, the rice was cold.
Salmon, prawn and scallops, sadly overcooked
Garlic fried rice
Wagyu sirloin beef, cooked medium
I thought the sirloin steak was done beautifully – lightly seasoned and cooked to medium doneness. The same however, could not be said about the seafood for all were overcooked to a point the scallops were rubbery. A heads up to the waiter resulted in mumble of “I’ll tell the chef about your comment”. I was half expecting them to redo this dish as I said before, the higher the tab, the greater my expectation.
Dip the beef slices into the hot soup for a a few seconds to cook
Vanilla ice cream and cut fruits
All in, it wasn’t a terrible experience but not one that I will remember and talk about to others about. I reckon this is to be expected when one chooses to dine anonymously versus an invited review. Fortunately, this was much more pleasant compared to our experience at Chambers. :)
Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork free)
Verdict: Service was polite but disjointed, while the food was decent save for the overcooked seafood from the wagyu course.
Iketeru, Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Iketeru
Level 8, Hilton Kuala Lumpur
3, Jalan Stesen Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2264 2264
Website