It’s easy to miss Koji in a tucked-away position at T Place (Bukit Mertajam) but if you do like a Japanese-inspired menu, this place is worth checking out. The place is accessible via a small wooden entrance next to the signage- step in the place and you will notice the open kitchen with bar seating followed by a spiral staircase which leads to the upper floor, a space with proper dining setting. On the food offering- the regular menu offers an interesting range of Japanese-Fusion dishes while the Seasonal menu takes diners to a gastronomic journey on the seasonal highlights. We sampled their 4-course Spring menu (Seasonal menu) priced at Rm 109 per diner. 

Many Thanks to Koji for hosting us that evening.

[Main] Lemon Parmesan Chicken

[Main] Tiger Prawn on Risotto

[Soup] Tomato and Bell Soup

[Starter] Ahi Tuna Steak

[Dessert] Kumquat Lime Cheesecake

Lychee Mint Cooler (Rm 15/ left) and Mango Peach Fruit Tea (Rm 14/ right)

Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake (Rm 65/ carafe)

Koji’s Spring Menu comes with 4-course… with Soup, Starter, Main and Dessert and there are 2 choices when it comes to Main dishes. The Tomato and Bell Soup was something special, unlike most Tomato Soup which can be monotonous, Koji’s was multi-dimensional with a mellow smoky Bell Pepper fragrance… as well as a mild spiciness to it. The next course was Ahi Tuna Steak, a Tuna Tataki-inspired dish served on a bed of Sauerkraut; the edges of the Tuna were slightly more cooked than the usual Tuna Tataki, giving it a firmer texture and stronger contrast to the soft middle part. The sauce was somewhat sweet (something like Teriyaki sauce) and the crunchy acidic Sauerkraut cuts through the sweetness; probably one of my favorite Tuna Tataki variants out there. 

For Mains- Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Tiger Prawn on Risotto; the former one was served on a bed of creamy Mashed but with a hint of citrusy acidity. It was easy on the palate while the Chicken Breast was nicely cooked with a meaty texture. The latter choice was grilled Tiger Prawns served on creamy Risotto, the crustaceans were fresh and succulent but a pity that the Risotto was slightly overcooked and lacked the much-sought after “al-dente” texture. For meal-ender, the Kumquat Lime Cheesecake was something special. Unlike any Cheesecake, Koji’s rendition was not as creamy as expected; the texture was somewhat similar to frozen Mousse with a citrusy touch. A special note: their Honjozo Sake which sells by Carafe is worth a look- clean tasting and easy on the palate, perfect for light drinkers seeking for something special to go with their meal.     

Additional Information:
Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Business Hours: 5:30 pm to 12 am. Closed on Mondays. 
Contact Number: 013- 420 2097