Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur Review

Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur Review – New Menu, Refreshed Setting

Words: Caroline Lai
Photos: Han Sen Hau

A stalwart of fine Japanese dining in Malaysia, Iketeru in Hilton Kuala Lumpur has been setting the standard for over two decades. As one of the pioneers in the local culinary scene, its reputation for excellence remains strong. Recently, we had the pleasure of experiencing their newly launched Autumn-inspired Omakase menus.

Located on the 8th floor, beside the swimming pool, Iketeru offers a peaceful, secluded dining space with views of lush greenery and a calming fountain. After closing for renovations in August and September, the restaurant reopened on October 1st with a refreshed entrance and updated interiors. The sushi and teppanyaki counters now sport a sleek, contemporary look, and the wallpaper features a more sophisticated, modern colour palette. True to the Japanese ethos of harmony with nature, large windows invite natural light and offer picturesque views, seamlessly blending the dining space with the lush outdoors.

With seating for 120 guests, including five private rooms (the largest accommodating up to 21), Iketeru is currently showcasing a special Autumn-inspired menu, available until the end of October. Hilton Honors members can enjoy a 25% discount on their bill, adding extra appeal to the experience.

Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur Review

Iketeru Junmai Ginjo

A rare treat for sake enthusiasts, the Iketeru Junmai Ginjo (RM568) is a limited-edition offering, with only 300 bottles available, sold exclusively at Iketeru, Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Introduced in October, this sake is made using the traditional “Kikakumi” method, which involves bottling the sake unfiltered to preserve its natural carbonation, giving it a uniquely fresh and vibrant taste.

Japanese Mocktails

Our meal began with two mocktails. The Suzutan was a sweet, visually charming drink made with lime juice, peach syrup, and green tea, garnished with an edible flower and served with a perfectly rounded ice ball. The Hana Yuzu, a simpler yet equally refreshing drink, combined yuzu juice and soda water, topped with dehydrated lime. Its balanced acidity made it light and easy to enjoy.

Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur Menu

The menu at Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur is a range of à la carte dishes with several sets created by Executive Chef Kunihiko Hamada. Given the recent refurbishment of the teppanyaki and sushi stations, we tried several dishes from each of these omakase menus.

Omakase Highlights

Featured in both the Teppanyaki Indulgence (7-course set menu, RM480 nett per person) and Sushi Symphony (8-course set menu, RM580 nett per person), the Kuchidori Iroiro was an artfully presented assortment of delicacies served on a charming “kawaii” tray with three mini bowls.

In a golden bowl, the Yuba To Asuparagasu No Shira-Ae combined mashed tofu with tofu skin, dressed in a toasted white sesame sauce enriched with soybean paste and a hint of honey. The blanched green asparagus air-flown from Japan was fresh and tender.

A plump, baked oyster simmered in a sweet happou dashi sauce in the Kaki Dengaku To Nasu Olada Ni. Dark soybean paste was served atop fried eggplant, creating a rich balance of sweet and savoury.

The most intriguing appetiser for me was the Hoya Unimiso-Yaki, baked sea pineapple (a rare marine delicacy) paired with sea urchin paste. This unique combination offered a briny depth of flavour, unlike anything I’ve tasted before.

Sashimi & Teppanyaki

As with any top-tier Japanese restaurant, the measure of excellence lies in the quality of its sashimi. Iketeru’s Otsukuri sashimi platter features an impeccable selection of seabream, salmon, yellow tail, tuna belly, and sweet ebi. The sashimi is so fresh that you may consider forgoing the soy sauce and wasabi, especially for the final prawn – it’s so sweet and creamy that it’s worth appreciating on its own.

Following this, we had Iketeru’s teppanyaki mixed grill, a medley of chicken breast, striploin beef, and lamb fillet, accompanied by a side of sautéed vegetables. We loved the homemade buttery garlic soy sauce coating each cut of meat, and the fragrant garlic chips added a nice crunch.

Miwaku No Sushi

The experience continued with a sushi platter featuring tamago, aburi hamachi, negitoro maki, seabream, and uni (with a surprising kick of wasabi hidden in the centre). Another negitoro maki followed, but the highlight was the tuna belly, crowned with a delicate pinch of caviar. Each bite left me wishing for seconds of everything!

To accompany the sushi, we were served a warm and comforting miso soup. It was rich with umami, thanks to the fermented miso paste and dashi broth, with a change in texture thanks to seaweed and small tofu cubes.

Dessert – Matcha Cream Anmitsu

Lastly, a simple scoop of Matcha Cream Anmitsu, smooth and earthy green tea ice cream, balanced the previous courses’ richness, wrapping up this afternoon’s dining experience.

Reasons to visit Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur: Iketeru’s Autumn Omakase menu; refreshed ambience and pretty views of gardens and water features; 25% discount for Hilton Honors members.

Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Level 8, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
@iketeru_hilton_kl
+603 2264 2264
eatdrinkhilton.com/iketeru

Iketeru Hilton Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours
Daily: 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

•   Pork-free
•   Private rooms available
•   Enjoy 25% off from now until October 31st 2024, when you sign up for free as a Hilton Honors Member
•   Flat-rate parking in KL Hilton for diners

Find more Japanese restaurants in KL here and stay up-to-date with the latest gourmet and travel recommendations for Malaysia with  The Yum List Facebook and The Yum list Instagram.