Yakiniku Azmaya / Omakaseya Azmaya |
Yakiniku Azmaya (also known as Omakase Azmaya) is one of the
restaurant operated by Azmaya Group in Robertson Quay area. True to
its name, this restaurant focus on Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) while the
other focus on Shabu-shabu & Sukiyaki. No matter which restaurant
you choose, they are known for their Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Buffet.
The Electric Grill |
Kagoshima Wagyu Beef are normally marketed as Kagoshima Black Beef.
It is well known for its well balanced fat marbling, tenderness and
full-bodied flavour. While Kobe Beef will win the popularity contest
as well as the most expensive Japanese beef in the market, Kagoshima
Beef rated A4 (the minimum rating to be consider as Wagyu) or A5 (The
highest rating for Wagyu) should not be underestimated.
LD, QC and I decided to try out their BBQ $49.90 menu. The actual
price for this menu is $100, however there is a current ongoing
promotion has been there for a few months and no ends are in sight.
1st Round (Compulsory): Wagyu Kalbi, Wagyu Loin, Pork Kalbi, Pork Loin, Pork Neck & Chicken Leg (Marinated with Salt) |
The BBQ meat menu consist of Wagyu Kalbi (or Karubi – short rib),
Wagyu Loin, Wagyu tongue (not available on the night), Pork Kalbi,
Pork Loin, Pork Neck and Chicken leg. For each of the meat you can
choose the marination with salt or with sauce.
1st round order - compulsory vegetable platter |
For the 1st round of ordering, it came with all the meat
selection plus a plate of vegetables. Azmaya uses the electric BBQ.
While it looks a bit petite however it works just fine. There is a
gap in on the grill so the oil can flow to the holding tray below.
Let the Feast Begin!! |
We started with the Wagyu Beef Loin and Wagyu Kalbi. It was thinly
sliced, so with a quick grill its ready to eat. The result is a nice
charred from the marbling, slightly caramelised and melts in your
mouth. Yum, its just delicious.
Wagyu Kalbi and Wagyu Beef Loin |
For the pork, the Loin and Kalbi are almost similar to the beef.
However, the meat will look slightly pale in colour, and not as
tender compare to the wagyu beef. The main difference is the pork
collar. Cuts is a long cube size, looks like a block of fats with
almost no meat. The last time I had something similar to this a pork
cheek in Korean BBQ place in Jakarta.
Cooked Pork Neck |
To
accompany the yakiniku, there are two dipping sauce. One is the
lighter, vinaigrette dressing like sauce. While the other is closer
to tare sauce, which are normally made from soy sauce, sake, mirin,
sugar and sesame. My personal preference is the tare sauce as it
accentuate the meat flavour.
2nd round of ordering |
Shrimp
and Squid are the only two option available for seafood.
Unfortunately, we are more a squid people instead of prawns. Similar
to the chicken, the squid was just all right. Tasted more like frozen
squid.
Squid |
Squid, Wagyu Kalbi, Wagyu Lion and |
The
vegetables selection consist of mushrooms, leek, sliced pumpkin &
sliced carrots. Appetizers such as pickled cucumbers and cabbage with
sesame sauce are available. Both of these appetizers are also good to
order during the meal. They provide a good balance for the fatty
meats.
Vegetables on the grill |
Pickled Cabbage |
Pickled Cucumbers |
In total,
we ordered 5 rounds of beef and pork, so you can say we got a good
investment return here. Out of curiosity, we also tried Azmaya Curry
Rice and Egg Soup. They are decent, but it is not something that we
will order again if we are there.
Azmaya Curry Rice and Egg Soup |
Our 3rd round of order |
Located
in the 2nd floor of the Robertson Walk, you have a choice
of indoor or terrace seating. In the indoor seating, each tables are
cordoned in cubicles which can hold different number of customers.
Lighting is dim and there is no direct ventilation in the cubicle. So
expect to come out smelling like grilled meat afterwards.
Service
was friendly by the Japanese service staff. To call for the service,
just press the bell on your table. However, there are times, they
take a bit of time to get to you as they are short staffed.
Overall,
we find Yakiniku Azmaya provide a great Japanese BBQ experience. For
the Kagoshima Wagyu Beef, my feeling was that we only tasted the A4
grade. For $50, no complain here. Once our Wagyu meat cravings
awaken, we will definitely drop by again. Kanpai!! Cheers!!
Food
& Drink: 8/10
Value:
7.5/10
Service:
7/10
Ambiance:
6.5/10
Budget
per Person: $51 - $80
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