11
Oct

Japanese Restaurant - Isaribi Tei in Penang

   Posted by: CK Lam   in Beef, Cooking, Cuisine, Handicraft, Heritage, Japanese, Penang, Penang Food, Penang Japanese, Penang Restaurant, Prawn, Restaurant, Seafood, Sights, Soup

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If there was ever a time when you had Japanese food to the point you leave the shop beaming from ear to ear, tonight had to be it. The venue? Isaribi Tei Japanese Restaurant which serves authentic Japanese Cuisine of course! This Penang based Japanese Restaurant is located at Burmah Square on Jalan Chow Thye, on the row of shoplots nearby Him Heang. The night was pouring heavily, and with our stomachs growling, this seems to be the perfect place. The garden which leads to the restaurant was beautifully decorated, and even though it was dark, it gave the place a very cozy feeling.

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Upon entering the place, we were greeted by their friendly waiters and shown to our table. Looking around, we can see that the spacious restaurant is decorated with a tapestry of cultures. Wooden panels decorated the walls, while memorabilia of all sorts were donning the sides. We don’t feel that we are actually in an old pre-war shoplot.

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Flick flick flick, the menu was vast and varieties were aplenty. Our family decided to settle for some mini dishes instead of going for a “big” one. I manage just in time to capture the chefs in action preparing our food.

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The first dish to arrive was the was the Rainbow Maki. I have to say that the sushi here is unlike those found elsewhere. Plenty of ingredients with less amount of rice. You can really taste the freshness of the fish and hence minimal amount of soy sauce is required. The sashimi rolls are laid with varieties of fish which gives it a very colourful look indeed. This plate of Rainbow Maki cost RM25.

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My son could not resist himself to the Unagi Temaki which cost RM7 each. The  fresh hand roll comes with balanced ratio of rice to the Unagi. The seaweed texture was good. For the price it was offered, it seems to be a STEAL. Thinking about it now also makes me drool.

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Hubby choose this set of Beef Tataki (semi grilled beef slices) @RM25 which comes with a bowl of rice, miso soup and a tako pickle. This is the first time we tasted partially uncooked beef that doesn’t have blood oozing out!! Some medium rare beef has a strong uncook meaty smell and taste but this is exceptionally fantastic.

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The Seafood Teppanyaki set @RM32 comes with a bowl of rice and miso soup. One can find two big prawns, squid, salmon and a scallop with some mixed vegetable in this hot plate.

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Next came the little delights. We chose a few skewers of Yakitory from its five choices of squid, chicken, liver, chicken skin and shitake. Each of this stick is RM3. The Yakitory are very flavourful especially the chicken and liver. We added on a bowl of Garlic Fried Rice too.

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Dessert on the house is mocha ice cream and watermelon. Besides this flavour, they also have many more to offer and rest assure, all of them are homemade. Definitely gonna try the rest of the flavours on my next trip here. There is even Tempura Ice Cream! Made me curious, anyone have any ideas?

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The food is very fresh and delicious. Beside the two set dinner that we had, set lunch is also available. They also have a selection of imported wines. This restaurant opens daily except public holidays. Reservations can be made at 04 2298684.

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There are plenty of parking spaces available on Jalan Chow Thye itself and also behind the restaurant. Be rest assured that this cozy place will serve up a delightful meal, and worth every cent of its price.

i


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This entry was posted on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 at 6:36 pm and is filed under Beef, Cooking, Cuisine, Handicraft, Heritage, Japanese, Penang, Penang Food, Penang Japanese, Penang Restaurant, Prawn, Restaurant, Seafood, Sights, Soup. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

62 comments so far

TauSarPhneah
 1 

my tummy was drooling all the way when i read through this entry…i could not resist myself esp with the unagi roll… definitely a must try!!! :)
TauSarPhneah´s last blog post..Lebuh Macallum ”Kew Ong Tai Tay” Celebration ??????????????

October 11th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
nathaniel c
 2 

its about time what2see pay a visit to isaribi…

i used to just walk in for their sesame ice cream… its da bomb… homemade thats y…

October 11th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
New Kid On The Blog
 3 

what is the total damage like? i was told it’s kinda expensive right?

New Kid On The Blog´s last blog post..Breeks Café

October 11th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
FoOd PaRaDiSe
 4 

wow…… the foods look nice. Surely will pay a visit one day. Thanks for sharing with us.

October 11th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
CK Lam
 5 

Tau Sar Phneah - You sure is fast and usually take the first seat in commenting…thanks TSP! The unagi roll is good.

Nathaniel C - I can’t wait to try out the sesame ice cream that you recommend :)

New Kid on the Blog - Prices are still manageable, the dinner cost around hundred and thirty.

Food Paradise - I am sure you will enjoy your dinner with your hubby in this cozy restaurant.

October 11th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
pixen
 6 

I like the friendly retired Japanese owner, Yasuyuki Kayashima-san as well. Formerly, that place was a antique shop with a garden outside and western food restaurant if not mistaken serving German food. Even the washroom is facing a rock garden :-D I’m crazy about the sesame ice creams as well :-D I tasted both Black & White Sesame. In his place, I prefer White sesame which they introduced in 2005. The sake range also quite good but be prepare to pay for the price though.

Must try is their Kobe Beef and King Prawn Maki created by the owner himself :-) They still serve those? I also bought several items from him like yukata which are reasonable priced.

Overall, the place is like a ‘home’ ambience you may like to have with wonderful food and attentive hospitality. ;-) itadikimasu!

pixen´s last blog post..Okinawa Spinach (Handama) With Scrambled Eggs and White Sesame

October 12th, 2008 at 6:28 am
CK Lam
 7 

Pixen - I have heard a lot about this place…but didn’t know that they serve good kobe beef. Will check it out on next visit and not forgetting the sesame icecream…haha

I love the ambience and also the talk about attentive service in this place. Feel the very relaxing environment which is very different from the usual Japanese restaurant. Will be one of my favourite place for Japanese food!

October 12th, 2008 at 10:29 am
New Kid On The Blog
 8 

i would love to visit this place… have not seen a washroom facing a rock garden except pangkor laut resort. :)

an idea of how to decorate our home.

New Kid On The Blog´s last blog post..Moms Kitchen @ Tanjung Bungah

October 12th, 2008 at 10:44 am
email2me
 9 

Since CK loves Japanese restaurants so much, why don’t you present us a “TOP 10 Japanese Restaurants In Penang” :D
email2me´s last blog post..Restoran Village Chicken

October 12th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Motormouth
 10 

I was expecting exorbitant prices. but instead, RM3 for each skewers, and RM20-RM30 for the sets are worth it. and the ice cream selection had me drooling.
kinda curious to know what tenpura ice-cream is. maybe like the fried ice-cream in Psr Mlm? :)
Motormouth´s last blog post..Ipoh Famous Canning Garden Chee Cheong Fun

October 12th, 2008 at 10:55 am
CK Lam
 11 

New Kid on the Blog -The door leading to the washroom is kinda of nice too! I forgot to include it in my post…

Email2me - Visiting the top ten Japanese restaurants in Penang is a good idea…but cost a bomb lor. Wait for a while…haha

Motormouth - I find the prices very reasonable and there are also lots more of dishes with some on the very high end and not to mention the imported wine and sake.

I will check out the tempura ice-cream real soon…haha

October 12th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Kaya MeeKoo
 12 

Oh, this must be the place near that “Tree House” restaurant - Jemput Tree?

Even though, I am not a beef-eater, the beef dish presentation looks alluring.

The ice cream flavours do sound interesting .. and tempura+ice cream?? Sign me up please :-) .

October 12th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
buzzingbee
 13 

wahhh cannot tahan looking at all the delicious food here!! :p

buzzingbee´s last blog post..Another night of fun - 2nd Floggers Gathering

October 12th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
PenangTuaPui
 14 

hmm.. this is definitely MUST TRY restaurant….

Fei Fei love theie mangolacy… heehee…

me?? I love all jap food… love sitting at the sushi bar to enjoy sushi.. hee hee

PenangTuaPui´s last blog post..Penang Restaurant: FuHo Restaurant - Batu Maung

October 12th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
lingzie
 15 

i love their special and unique ice creams! i think they have sesame ice cream and blue cheese ice cream too! havent been to this place in quite some time. thanks for reminding me abt this place again! :)

October 12th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
CK Lam
 16 

Kaya Mee Koo - Looks like both of us just can’t resist the tempura icecream from this restaurant which is just next door to Jemput Tree…haha

Buzzingbee - so must take a drive down there and taste it, also can take plenty of photos too.

October 12th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
CK Lam
 17 

Penangtuapui - This place definitely have a nice setting where one can enjoy eating nice Japanese food.
A good place for a gathering too!

October 12th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
CK Lam
 18 

Lingzie - You are most welcome. This is also a nice place for a light snack, icecream or even for a drink.

October 12th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Carole Tan
 19 

Hi CK , not only the sesame ice cream.. U should try the wasabi ice cream too …

October 13th, 2008 at 12:54 am
allenooi
 20 

another japanese restaurant that i must try out. i love japanese food. i think it’s time for me to go for japanese food again. i already forgot when is the last time i have it.

food looks nice especially the rainbow maki.

October 13th, 2008 at 2:52 am
coketai
 21 

First of all, Congratulation on your new home!! With more space and functionality, I hope you can do more, eat more and blog more!!

LY.Tai

October 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
allie
 22 

Unagi handroll! I like it.

How do te beef tataki taste like?

allie´s last blog post..Roasted Goose @ Mongkok

October 13th, 2008 at 10:17 am
550ml jar of faith
 23 

Am a fan of this place as well - the portions are huge so I make sure I go in with a growling stomach every time! The sushi’s really awesome and yes, the ice cream menu is such a refreshing treat!

550ml jar of faith´s last blog post..Quintessential Penang, Kafe Kheng Pin, Penang Road

October 13th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Trailing Spouse
 24 

Congratulations on your new domain ck lam! I just returned to Penang and will definitely try out this place! It’s too bad I’ve been given strict instructions by my obstetrician to avoid sashimi though :(
Trailing Spouse´s last blog post..Week 10

October 13th, 2008 at 11:38 am
CK Lam
 25 

Carole Tan - Nice to see your recommendation. Hope I will be able to try out the wasabi icecream too.

Allen Ooi - The rainbow maki has more ingredients than rice…and the fish is so fresh.

Coketai - Nice to see you again after quite some time. I have been eating a lot lately…eating more, blogging more and growing fat more…haha

October 13th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Steven Goh
 26 

is that very expensive? I know that the price for japanese food are usually a big hole in my pocket.

Steven Goh´s last blog post..One of the Best Rojak In Penang @ Rojak 101, Esplanade

October 13th, 2008 at 11:57 am
CK Lam
 27 

Allie - If you take beef, you should try the tataki. Tender soft slices of beef without veins and very pleasant taste.

550ml Jar of Faith - Their sushi’s are well known for its freshness and taste. Besides that, customers get very attentive services.

October 13th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
CK Lam
 28 

Trailing Spouse - Besides sashimi, this place serves many others like teppanyaki, udon and rice sets. Eat what is best for you…everything will be fine.

Glad you drop by my new ‘house’ :)

Steven Goh - The prices are quite reasonable…with set lunch and set dinner.
For twenty plus, you get a hearty beef tataki set.

October 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
duckie
 29 

this place looks nice. but i sometimes have problems wanting to take photos at these places. how do you do it?

duckie´s last blog post..Yau char kwai, ham chim peng & hwa chee

October 13th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Foong
 30 

I have been to this place only once a long time ago….the only thing I remember was that it was quite pricey then and nothing really remarkable about the food. They have changed chefs, perhaps?

Foong´s last blog post..Cheap and good hawker food

October 13th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
cariso
 31 

Frankly speaking, I like the ambience of this restaurant but not the price *Ahem*…

cariso´s last blog post..Shing Kheang Aun Restaurant

October 13th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
samyeap
 32 

wow…the foods looks delicious but I seldom go to such Japanese restaurant as the prices are a bit expensive though the foods are excellent.

so far, the best Japanese foods I had was at Tanjung Prima. There is a Japanese Restaurant facing the low cost flat of the Ivory Condo.

samyeap´s last blog post..They did it again..

October 13th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
CK Lam
 33 

Duckie - I do encounter difficulties at times but luckily managed to have some taken but not all of them.

Foong - I am not too sure about the chefs but the food we had on that night was fine. Maybe you could give this place another try!

October 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
little inbox
 34 

Wasabi ice-cream…hmm sounds interesting.
Too bad, I don’t take beef. :(
little inbox´s last blog post..New World Park Food Court Again

October 13th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
peteformation
 35 

Wow, this place looks cosy. Good place to enjoy Japanese food.

peteformation´s last blog post..Putu Mayam and Putu Piring - The Authentic Indian Food

October 13th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
CK Lam
 36 

Cariso - Ambience and prices is quite subjective when it comes to dining out but I reckon it is worth paying for its good quality here.

Sam Yeap - Prices might be slightly higher but still ok compare to others. Will try out your recommended place at Tanjung Prima.

October 14th, 2008 at 12:20 am
CK Lam
 37 

Little Inbox - No worries, as you get to choose to have the chicken or fish.

Peteformation - I agree too. There are not many Japanese restaurant around town that is done up so cozy and warm.

October 14th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Christy
 38 

Hey, I agree! I’ve been here too…and I was like the last customer. I worked late and we had to scout for some late dinner…and we stumbled upon this place.
For some last minute stuffs, I definitely like it:)

Talk about coincidence, it was also raining when I was there!! Heavily too:D

Christy´s last blog post..Famous Char Koay Teow @ Pulau Tikus Market

October 14th, 2008 at 9:05 am
pixen
 39 

Hi… just to add a few of my fav japanese restaurants in Penang which i think it’s worth if you appreciate freshness and it’s worth your money. I frequent these places besides Isaribi each time I’m in Penang. In random order…

Sushi Kapyo Miyazaka (P.Tikus) - Seafood is fresh and chef’s creation also. He used local fishes a lot for freshness and he won’t serve a dish if the seafood is not available for that day. I like the way he serves some of his sushi/sashimi set in long glass plate :-D There’s one soup to try is fish cooked in milk. I like the salad served there with tangy taste and topped with Aonori (green tea seaweed) instead of the normal fare with mayo…erk. The chef is friend of Lilian if you read one of her blogs. :-D

Kirishima - Wagyu is very good too. I like the wagyu served on heated stone. Had a surprise when I ordered Kirishima Bento set which food served 2 trays on top each other and Dobin Mushi (Clear soup in teapot). My order took up most of the space I think!

Sumida - I knew them since Pg Mutiara days where they serve semi-buffet japanese cuisine. The Chef never served his raw seafood more than 2 hours on table…he said contamination after that is guaranteed. So, I took his advice and never got sick. Watch out next time at buffet table!

Aji no ren - it’s everyday family fare meals frequent by japanese families. Prices are reasonable and reservation needed!

Matsuki (Cantonment Rd) - serves family fare meals. Price reasonable. Friendly staffs. My family will book a room because compared to other japanese restos in Penang they have bigger (hmm i think biggest) room. Very good if you have toddlers :-D
pixen´s last blog post..Okinawa Spinach (Handama) With Scrambled Eggs and White Sesame

October 14th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
CK Lam
 40 

Christy - Nice to know that you like it too…this is definitely one fine place with good, fresh food in town.
Maybe we could visit this place together when you are back in town and see if it does rain on that day….talking about coincidence…haha

Pixen - Thank you, my friend…for such a fine review of the Japanese restaurants in town. I will visit them to try out the food.

October 15th, 2008 at 11:51 am
eve
 41 

I just went there yesterday!! The Salmon Don wasn’t that impressive and I always love to try Katsu Don from different restaurant unfortunately they do not served any. Anyway, the Teriyaki Chicken is good. will go back for more!!

eve´s last blog post..Vintage Bulgaria @ Hillside

October 15th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
lk
 42 

What a great discovery for me! Is this restaurant better than the one in Cititel Hotel?

lk´s last blog post..Braised Buddha’s hand gourd with mushroom

October 15th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
gill gill
 43 

wah…so many Japanese Food Fans here! i’m one of them. So poor, no money to venture all the japenese food :P
gill gill´s last blog post..Fun Tea Garden at Jalan Lim Chew Leong Penang.

October 16th, 2008 at 12:05 am
squall
 44 

wow…is japanese food…long time din’t eat japanese food alr…when back malaysia sure will go to eat…drooling now… :p

squall´s last blog post..Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Open House @ Inter Continental Hotel Phnom Penh

October 16th, 2008 at 9:10 am
CK Lam
 45 

Eve - Thanks for visiting my blog. Will try out your favourite Katsu Don on my next Japanese food outing.

lk - Nice of you dropping by. I have yet to try out the food in the Japanese restaurant in Cititel…it is pending in my list.
Btw…you have a very informative blog full of yummy dishes :)

Gill Gill - No worries …we go for Japanese food once in a while…the food taste better that way, right?

Squall - Nice hearing from you…let me know whenever you are in Penang…can go for makan together.

October 16th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Criz Lai
 46 

Sounds like a great place to visit. I would bring my Japanese guests there next time. :)

http://crizfood.blogspot.com/

Criz Lai´s last blog post..REVIEW – TYE SIN STREET ECONOMY BEE HOON

October 16th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
CK Lam
 47 

Criz Lai - The ambiance is very suitable for a gathering and entertaining guests…especially Japanese guests as the boss himself is a Japanese who is always helping around.

October 17th, 2008 at 10:22 am
pixen
 48 

Anyone been to Shin Miyako @ Penang Road, next to Oriental Hotel?

pixen´s last blog post..Yakigyoza - Japanese Pan Fried Dumplings

October 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
CK Lam
 49 

I have seen that place…wanted to try but saw many old folks sitting around the entrance…kind of unpleasant.

October 17th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
soo sean
 50 

I had tried few of their ice-cream flavours. They have all sort of ‘weird’ flavours, miso, wasabi etc….
Btw, they do have some dishes which are not in the menu. Next time you can ask for it.

October 19th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
CK Lam
 51 

Soo Sean - Thanks for the tip :)

October 19th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
JamieDawnRose
 52 

wow… must go n try soon! thanks for the recommendation!

JamieDawnRose´s last blog post..SUMIDA Japanese Restaurant

October 20th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
CK Lam
 53 

Jamie Dawn Rose - I am sure you will like this place since you are a great fan of Japanese food :)

October 25th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Tan
 54 

Hi CK my first post in yr blog!! After my vintage car roundup i went for dinner at Isaribi Tei well the food not bad but i love the ice cream the most! Try G Hotel one day with yr hubby then remember to post it here ya!! Keep it up! Send my regards to yr hubby ya!

November 9th, 2008 at 12:10 am
CK Lam
 55 

Tan - Nice to get to know you. Will take your suggestion to try out the Japanese food at G Hotel.

Hope to get the opportunity to meet you and your wife one day. Btw…can I get to see the group photo taken during the event?

Hope you have an enjoyable makan makan trip to Ipoh…would be nice to hear about your yummy makan places.

November 9th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Rebecca
 56 

Hi CK!
Isaribi Tei does serve really delightful Jap cuisine. Muz go again when i bk in Pg. Just that when I’m bk I’m so bz gorging myself with the local hawker fd! heh.. Luv ur blog..I get reminded of what I’m missing in Pg!! hhaha..

November 11th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Rebecca
 57 

Oh.. hw abt a floggers gathering here then?? too bad i missed the last one ;(

November 11th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Rebecca
 58 

ahh..juz read atr of your post, and saw that the 3rd gathering is gonna be a pot luck.. how ahh..for us out-of-towners?? Got kitchen to rent ahh? hehhe.. is the date almost decided yet? gonna hv to put it into my calendar so i wont miss it!

November 11th, 2008 at 7:40 am
CK Lam
 59 

Rebecca - Thanks for dropping by my blog. Looks like you are also a fan of Isaribi … anyway who could resist tasty and fresh Japanese food in nice ambiance, right?

Will get the date of the 3rd gathering in the coming days and will have it publish then.

November 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Rebecca
 60 

Can’t wait!

Rebecca´s last blog post..Behind the kitchen at Edeiweiss Cafe, Penang

November 13th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Wan Sen
 61 

I’ve been to this restaurant before, just recently! I love Japanese food. :-)
Wan Sen´s last blog post..Orang Asli Village

November 15th, 2008 at 2:39 am
CK Lam
 62 

Rebecca - I will be waiting to see your review!

Wan Sen - Nice to know another Japanese food fan. There will be more reviews on this type of food in the coming days…do drop by.

November 16th, 2008 at 1:29 am

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  1. Kirishima Japanese Restaurant @ Cititel, Penang | What2See : Best of Penang Food!    Nov 07 2008 / 2pm:

    [...] Japanese Restaurant - Isaribi Tei in Penang [...]

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    [...] Japanese Restaurant - Isaribi Tei in Penang [...]

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