A Fusion of Japanese and American Buffet @ Yama & J Unknown12:26 AM 3 comments

If you are looking for Japanese food but tired of the same similar tasting of Japanese food, Yama & J is here to offer another alternative. The Japanese buffet prepared by this outlet has an American twist to it which is very unique and you couldn't find it anywhere else in Malaysia. I was around during the opening ceremony and this is my verdict of that very place.

The uniqueness of this place is that it is actually more of a pub or bar than your regular sushi joint. That is definitely a refreshing experience. And the only thing Japanese about that place, is the waiters and waitresses yelling "IRASHAIMASE" as soon as a customer enters. I seriously think the main requirement for working at a Japanese restaurant is impressive lung capacity.

First I will show you guys the buffet corner.

Edamame and Fried Salmon Fish Head

Sashimi platter

Assorted sushis

Mussels Sashimi With Special Chilli Paste

Assorted Sushi 2

Unagi Sushi

Fish Head Noodle style Udon

Pretty decent sushis over here and the sashimi are pretty fresh as well. The Fish Head Udon is something different. The fusion is interesting as the soup base is made of the common miso soup with a salmon fish head added into it. There are several ingredients added in as well to make it similar to the fish head noodle soup over here. The taste is unique but I found the soup base is just too fishy for my liking. I think if this soup is further developed, it could be a very nice dish.







The sushi are packed properly. The won't go all C4-blasted when you picked it up with your chopsticks. Taste-wise, it is quite good and I love the arrangements and presentation done for each dish.

The main selling point of Yama & J besides of its unique concept of bar and sushi buffet, is obviously their signature dishes. These dishes were the original recipe of Chef Yama especially the sauce he used. He has a nickname called Master of Sauce so this bound to be something to look forward.

Baked Salmon -  contains the ingredients of tempura snow crab, cream cheese, avocado and asparagus on top with baked salmon as well. This dish was garnished with the chef's signature sauce as well. 

Happy Sumo Roll - Shrimp tempura, cream cheese and snow crab on the inside. On the outside, there are deep fried potato strips garnished with the chef's signature yuzu, homemade eel sauce and strawberry sauce. 

Red Dragon Roll - A combination of spicy tuna, big eye tuna, and cucumber. The dish is garnished with the chef's signature spicy ponzu garlic sauce.

Japanese Lasagna - An interesting combination of snow crab meat and avocado. It was topped with a baked layer of cream cheese as well with yet again, the chef's signature sauce which is getting overused 

Art of Maki - A combination of salmon, avocado and crab meat, all wrapped with tuna and served with chef signature yuzu sauce again. 

Mango Waikiki Roll - This roll contains fresh salmon, avocado and crunch on the inside. It is topped with mango and red tobiko on the outside served with the chef signature mango sauce. 

To be honest, it is hard for me to judge the taste of these dishes as they tasted extremely similar except for the Mango Waikiki Roll which happens to be my favorite of the night. The sweet, sour and salty taste really blends well in my opinion. Each of these signature rolls definitely have a taste that you would not get anywhere else but here. The sauce are unique but I felt it is a bit overused and it overwhelms the whole sushi taste which emphasizes on the freshness of the ingredients. I still think it needs to be toned down to get the best out of it.

Free-flow Ice Cream

Not to forget the free flow of ice cream! No buffet is perfect without free flow of ice cream. NOT EVER. 

Grey Meal's Rating - This rating is based on my personal taste and experience and it may not accurately represent how you will feel towards the food and dining experience. I will not be held responsible for false reviewing if your opinion differs greatly from mine. Dine at your own risk.

Food: 6/10

Environment: 8.5/10 (very cozy and I like the fusion of american style in it)

Service: 8/10 (helpful and friendly staff as well.)

Yama & J

M-6-1, Palm Square,
Jaya One, Jalan University,
46200, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Tel No: +6016-381 8896 / +603-7931 7372

Facebook: Yama & J