Buffets have always been a gastronomic adventure for me. The allure of a vast array of dishes, the freedom to sample a bit of everything, and the sheer joy of going back for seconds, thirds, or even fourths is unparalleled.
However, amidst all my buffet experiences, a Wagyu buffet was uncharted territory. The thought of indulging in the rich, marbled texture of Wagyu beef without the exorbitant price tag was both exciting and intriguing.
After some in-depth research, I discovered that this particular restaurant was among the select few offering a Wagyu buffet in Malaysia.
Getting to Wanomiya Wagyu Restaurant
Situated within the iconic Menara G Tower, reaching the restaurant is fairly straightforward. A brief train journey to Ampang Park followed by a brief 5-minute stroll will lead you right to its doors.
Once you reach Menara G Tower, you can show your reservation to the security personnel and he will guide you to the correct lift.
Atmosphere at Wanomiya KL
While the menu showcased three lavish sets, only Set B and Set C were available during my visit.
Without much contemplation, I chose Set B, which promised a sumptuous spread at RM298 (excluding taxes).
This set was comprised of unlimited servings of Miyazaki A5 Wagyu in three distinct preparations, a trio of seafood dishes, three types of sashimi, and a delightful duo of meat paired with tatsumi lettuce.
It’s worth noting that the entire set is presented to diners once the order is placed, setting the stage for a grand feast.
Although the dining time is limited to 2 hours, it’s an ample amount of time, especially considering the extensive range of unlimited add-ons available.
These include appetizers, yakimono, yasai, agemono, handrolls, and a variety of hot dishes like wagyu curry don.
Wanomiya Review: Living the unlimited Wagyu dream
The Wagyu beef was, unsurprisingly, the primary focus of my visit.
The diverse cuts and the array of accompanying sauces, from the spicy Wagyu oil sauce to the tangy Thai sauce, peanut sauce, and sharp wasabi, made each bite a unique experience.
The marbling was exquisite, creating a mosaic of fat and meat that promised a burst of flavors.
As I placed a piece on the grill, it sizzled and released a tantalizing aroma that was a prelude to the explosion of exquisite taste.
Needless to say, the first bite was a mind-blowing moment thanks to the beef’s juiciness and the fat rendering down during the cooking process, infusing the meat with its rich flavor.
In fact, some Wagyu beef cuts were so tender they seemed to dissolve on the tongue, releasing a buttery, rich taste that was both sweet and savory.
The interplay of textures and flavors, from the velvety fat to the robust meatiness, was a dance of culinary delight.
However, a few cuts were slightly more sinewy, offering a chewier experience which, while flavorful, required a bit more effort to savor.
The staff’s dedication to ensuring a seamless dining experience was evident in their promptness, regular check-ins, and their initiative in assisting with the barbecue.
Seafood & shabu-shabu pot review
The salmon sashimi was another standout. Its undeniable freshness and the generous, thick cuts were a testament to its premium quality.
As for the shabu-shabu pot which was brimming with Wagyu slices, added a touch of interactive dining, especially with the waiter overseeing the cooking. Unfortunately, the Wagyu miso soup didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Dessert at Wanomiya KL
The dessert offerings were a delightful end to the meal, where there was a wide selection of Baskin Robbins ice-cream and delectable Mochis for those with a sweet tooth.
However, some ice cream flavors were not available during my visit, which dampened my dining experience a little.
Things that could’ve been better
While the meal was generally quite superb, there were a couple of aspects that were less than perfect.
For one, the inability to select specific Wagyu cuts due to the chef’s selection policy was a tad disappointing.
Furthermore, the restaurant’s decor and ambiance didn’t quite live up to the premium pricing of its menu. I was later told by a waiter that the current design was inherited from the previous tenant.
Additionally, despite having made a reservation in advance, the staff informed us that all the window seats were already occupied.
My verdict
All things considered, the experience offered value for money and its prime location in KL, along with easy LRT access, was definitely a plus point.
The buffet genuinely delivers on its “unlimited” promise, with the only caveat being the chef’s selection of Wagyu cuts. For anyone with a penchant for Wagyu, this buffet is a culinary journey worth embarking on.
Details:
Wanomiya – All You Can Eat
Address: Level 28, Tower B, G Tower, 199 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400, Kuala Lumpur., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Open now
Operating Hours:
Monday- Sunday 12:00 – 22:30
Halal: Yes (as per their Facebook page)
Reservation: Yes
