As far as Japanese restaurants go, Kampachi of Hotel Equatorial located at Bukit Jambul was and still remains as one of the top ones in Penang. Kampachi’s reputation is so strong that when you think of having great Japanese food, the restaurant comes into mind. However, the indulgence comes with a price, as Kampachi is also one of the most expensive Japanese restaurants in town.
Because of that, I never stepped foot into Kampachi even though I had lots of opportunity to visit them. For each state that I went to either study or work, there is a Kampachi restaurant. For example in Melaka where I had my pre-U, in Penang where I grew up and in KL and Bangi (Selangor) where I completed my degree and worked for 4 years.
It’s kinda ironic considering I am more than willing to pay and go for some unknown Japanese buffets lol. So one day I just decided it was time to aim for quality instead of quantity and finally had my first meal at Kampachi. Oh well, better late than never.
One noticeable difference with Kampachi as soon as we started ordering was that the waitresses were professional, helpful and able to give recommendations. Even when you ask about the ingredients, they were able to answer accurately and confidently. Some would just run back to the kitchen to ask the chefs for answers lol.
By the way I didn’t go alone yeah, my brother came along and I decided to treat him because it was New Year. Besides, he always fetched me home whenever I took a flight. So you can say it was both a celebration and ‘thank him’ meal. Tori No Tatsuta-Age (Deep-fried Marinated Chicken) @ RM22 was his order, made even before I could open the menu lol. Good choice though, the fried chicken used the thigh part resulting in a very succulent taste and can be dipped into ponzu sauce.
Then for my compulsory sashimi fix, Shake (salmon) Sashimi @ RM42. It was the most expensive item we had that night, but deemed worth it for the thick slices given. Freshness was top notch too. All it required was a quick dip into the shoyu for the extra flavoring.
Spider Roll / Soft Shell Crab Roll @ RM28. Now this was awesome. Kampachi is certainly not stingy with the portion of soft shell crab and fish roe. The cuts may look little but the soft shell crab was actually very compacted in the rolled sushi. Each bite was greeted with crunch and burst of flavor.. simply divine.
Lastly, Kanitama Dashi Maki (Japanese Crab Omelette) @ RM16, which was actually an appetizer. I decided to show it last because although it was not bad, it was the least impressive dish. Like any Japanese Omelette, it was sweet tasting – no surprise here. But I felt they could have used less imitation crab meat and more real crab meat instead to prepare the omelette. When asked, the waitress explained that the imitation crab meat was used because they had a nicer color and stronger flavor. To be honest for Kampachi’s standard, I expected no less than fresh ingredients.
The bill came to a total of RM124.20 inclusive of 5% Government tax and 10% service tax, not cheap but I thought the salmon sashimi and Spider Roll was money well spent. Equatorial Hotel charged RM5 for the car park (per entry rate) that will be absorbed by Kampachi (deducted from food bill) if you show them the parking ticket.
After this satisfied experience, I find their weekend buffet lunch (RM62++) and dinner (RM86++) very attractive and worth going if the food quality is as good as the ones served in ala carte. Suffice to say I will definitely be back to try their buffet one day!
Hotel Equatorial Penang
1 Jalan Bukit Jambul
Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 04 643 8111
GPS Coordinates: N5 20.235 E100 17.060
Operating hours (Daily):
Lunch 12.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Dinner 6.30 pm – 10.00 pm (Bar is open at 5.30 pm)
ermm?? u got new gear?
yeah, but this was taken with old gear lol
does ur pics mostly taken using flash when inside restaurant?
yes.. I use bounce flash
kampachi is one of my fave jap restaurant. satisfied with the pavilion branch :)
Indeed. When it comes to good Japanese food,it has to be kampachi. Even though slightly premium price. Bt still it’s money well spent I think.
Yeah, Kampachi is one of the best Japanese restaurant that I have tried, regretted never knew it earlier. The thick slice of sashimi is worth every penny of it.
The weekend buffet is really great in terms of quality. In fact penang running out of good japanese food location. However the one thing they lack for buffet is variety, they don’t have Unagi on the menu ( for buffet )
is it halal?
hi hafidz, from what I researched, the place is halal
Looks really good. However portions are somewhat small from what I see.
Agreed.. I didn’t feel full to be honest. But quality over quantity I guess
paideemark2, keng liao vkeong! :p
btw, vkeong, mind to share what flash you use? and how to bounce it? :p
did you ever find people halau you when you take pictar at most restaurant? (besides the PJ lorong seratus curry mee)
PS: what lens you using with paideemark2 now?
eh.. sam, these photos were not taken using 5dmk2.. they were taken using my old 400D. I am using 580ex2. On bouncing, you just need to tilt the flash to face upwards, that’s all. But Kampachi’s ceiling is tricky for flash bouncing because they are made of wood, and it made the flash very warm.
hmm.. i have never been chased out before, just told that no photos were not allowed in 1 or 2 occasions.
i know, am referring your lantern pictar for the 5dmk2 :p
i see i see, thanks a lot for the info! :D
The serving size is small, sad to say.