PJ's Best Japanese

After the fiasco that was Watami, it was time to go back to basics. Forget nice interior design and mood lighting, forget places where they know your name but are willing to serve up reekingly bad scallops. Go back to anonymity in return for good, fresh sashimi and sushi. And so it's back to Sushi Tei in Tropicana City Mall.

In the years I have eaten at Sushi Tei, I have always come away with the impression of crisp efficiency. It's not warm and effusive, but orders are taken promptly and food presented quickly, and as of this visit, still very fresh.

A little spartan, but the food makes up for it.

I like Sushi Tei most for the lightly grilled sushi selection. I'm a big raw food person, but there is something delicate about the hint of char on the outside of a still rare piece of good fish. It brings out the flavour of the seafood, intensifying the natural sweetness via the caramelising of the sugars in the meat. I have yet to enjoy this kind of aburi sushi as much else where.

Aburi Sushi RM26.80

 The high diner traffic at Sushi Tei means that inventory moves quickly and is replenished fast. Therefore sashimi is always fresh. I have had two instances when the waiters have told me that they would not serve a particular item because it fell below their standards. This is something Watami needs to take to heart.

The Salmon Zukushi (RM29.80) was great - perfect slabs of salmon and salmon belly, rich and glistening with the healthy Omega oil sheen and pure orange perfection, set off by the deep coral of the salmon roe.

Salmon Zukushi

The butter fish (RM13.80) was firm, creamy coloured and exactly the right temperature, as was the other platter of assorted sashimi I ordered. I like a selection of both fatty and non-fatty fish in my sashimi and i find mix and matching the best way to go.

Asama sashimi (large portion) RM35.80

 The first cooked dish which came fell a bit short. The Kani Ikura Fried Rice was my way of getting Erin to eat rice, since she would do a lot for the 'little balls' which she loves so much. However, the rice was a tad dry, and the dish too peppery for even my liking. Not a good way to burn RM19.80.

Kani Ikura Fried Rice RM19.80

The Ika Teriyaki (RM15.80) was much better, and we were surprised that Erin relished her few rings of it. Must be that sweet teriyaki sauce!

Ika Teriyaki RM15.80

The Tempura Moriawase was simple, but good. No bells and whistles, but a good batter and well-drained.

Tempura Moriawase RM13.80

Soft shell crab maki RM8.80 was simple, straightforward, and perfectly fried.

Misaki sushi, RM28.80.

To round up the carbs and protein, I ordered the Kani Avacado Salad which is a goodly assortment of tossed leaves and fresh crab legs with my choice of dressing - sesame, of course, because of the lovely rich taste the toasted seeds impart on the vegetables.

Kani Avocado Salad, RM14.80.

The bill for four adults and a child came to RM250.56.


Sushi Tei
Tropicana City Mall
Lot G-16 Ground Floor
Jalan SS20/27 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03 7728 9299