Nestled amidst the row of shops located in Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, this particular Japanese restaurant requires a bit of looking about if you wish to pay it a visit. In regards to what makes it so special(?); well, for starters, Yaoki offers those who are partial to Japanese cuisine a taste of what it's like in the Land of the RIsing Sun, without the hassle of traversing great distances.
Built on the first floor of lot 67A, Yaoki serves as an all-authentic Japanese restaurant-cum-sushi-bar where patrons can immerse themselves in a setting that would remind anyone of the picturesque Japan. In terms of its menu, Yaoki boast an extensive array of dishes, ranging from fresh-from-the-sea sashimi, colourful hand-crafted sushi, agemono (deep-fried dishes) and yakimono (grilled and pan-fried dishes) aside from the standard fare of delectable donburi (Rice-bowl) and springy Japanese men-rui (noodles).
If you're there, do try their rather well-received spinach salad to help pave way for hearty appetite. Basically fresh spinach leaves blanched and garnished with a generous topping of savoury bacon bits, the salad is dressed with copious amounts of tangy lemon juice, making the appetiser one heck of a refreshing one. Next, for the main course, you can always opt for the bento sets in which the best seller comprises of the Tempura Don (Assorted Tempura with Rice) or the Yakiniku Don (Grilled Beef with Rice). Paired with a myriad of condiments such as the popular favourite chawanmushi (Japanese egg beancurd), miso soup as well as a serving of Japanese rice, you're all set for a heartening meal. Of course, for sides, a serving of their fresh salmon -or tuna and cod, should you wish to mix things up; wouldn't be a bad choice either. Briny and succulent, the flesh of the sea-dwelling fishes will melt in your mouth, leaving you in pure ecstasy.
However, if you're not entirely partial to substantial bites, give yourself a chance with the host of sushi or maki made available here. Hand-rolled by the on-site sushi chef, you're bound to experience the best of the best, in terms of freshness and flavour. To wash it all down, a bottle of Japanese sake would do you justice, completing the overall culinary experience in Yaoki Japanese restaurant.
