Enjoy exquisite, Japanese gastronomic delights without leaving Malaysia – including meat so tender you can cut it with chopsticks – as MAiSEN, the esteemed Tonkatsu chain restaurant, opens its doors for the very first time on our shores at Sunway Pyramid!
With a legacy approaching 60 years and a tradition of culinary artistry passed down through generations, MAiSEN is renowned for delivering the definitive Tonkatsu experience, featuring delightful golden crispiness, a tender and delicate sensation, and the authentic flavours of Japan packed into every single bite. What makes this eatery special is its dedication to premium ingredients and original culinary practices, as well as being the home of “tonkatsu so tender it can be cut with chopsticks.”
We were delighted to be part of the launch of the restaurant, where we we treated to amazing delicacies that are definitely not to be missed. But before we jump into the full experience, we noticed that there are 2 major factors – besides the pork – that make the outlet special.
First off, are the sauces. Rounding off the MAiSEN experience are the delectable tonkatsu sauces imported from Japan. They embody the original recipes of MAiSEN’s founders, prepared through the slow infusion of fresh ingredients and an array of spices. The quartet of sauces – Amakuchi (delightfully sweet and tangy), Karakuchi (bold and savoury), Zesty Salad Dressing (a harmonious blend of MSG-free aji ponzu sauce, apple juice, and sesame oil with a refreshing hint of nuttiness) and Maisen’s Umami Spice Salt (a delightful fusion of bold, aromatic, and savoury flavours, featuring hints of garlic, turmeric, zesty lime, and more) – are legendary. All you have to do is pair your tonkatsu and salad with these sauces and experience a burst of flavours.
Then we have the kedachi which symbolises the upright stance of panko breadcrumbs, often compared to the grace of blossomed flowers. Imported from Japan, MAiSEN’s panko breadcrumbs bring a unique crispiness. Crafted from fresh bread, they achieve the perfect kendachi texture for exceptional flavour and texture.
Now, on to our gourmet experience!
We started off with three different appetizers: Edamame, Pork Potato Croquette and Tenderloin Katsu Sandwich.
Edamame
Edamame is a basic dish, but it was our first time trying them. It’s prepared with immature soybeans in their pods, which are boiled or steamed and served with a touch of salt. Gotta admit, edamame is quite addictive, because we couldn’t stop eating them!
Pork Potato Croquette
Next up, we had the Pork Potato Croquette. The croquette is filled with tender pork cubes, boasting a soft and fluffy texture and irresistible flavour that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. We wondered how they came up with the wonderful creation, because it was extremely good! Although the meat was in cube form, enjoying the croquette was hassle-free, because it was so tender. Overall, that croquette was super flavourful and gave a kick to our taste buds. That golden crispy layer? It just made the experience delightful.
Tenderloin Katsu Sandwich
A classic and best-selling item on the menu. A delectable twist awaits you, as tender pork marries fluffy bread, resulting in an irresistible culinary masterpiece. Added to the bread is Sando sauce that gives a tangy but sweet flavour. It’s super good and a must-try. We heard that in Japan, the Tenderloin Katsu Sandwich sells like crazy and we now know why.
Now, for the mains. We had the chance to try a variety of Tonkatsu sets. Each set comes with bottomless portions of fluffy Japanese rice, crisp-sweet cabbage, and savoury umami miso soup. And there were fruits on the side too.
Tenderloin Katsu Set
Embark on a journey of indulgence with this set, which showcases the pinnacle of premium pork tenderness – a taste sensation that remains unmatched. The set comes with rice, fruits, miso soup and salad that is refillable. We were amazed by the beautiful, golden layer which covered the juicy pork. Every bite guarantees a crunch, followed by tenderness and a flavourful kick from the pork meat.
Loin Katsu Curry Set
For those seeking hearty satisfaction, the succulent pork loin promises a palate-pleasing experience that lingers. We Malaysians love curry and this is probably one of the best Japanese curries we’ve ever tasted. It was super flavourful, creamy and perfect for those who can’t handle spicy dishes. To be honest, the curry tasted like Maggi kari – but with extra oomph, of course!
Tenderloin Cheese Katsu-ni
Treat your palate to an explosion of flavours with this signature dish. From the initial softness to the satisfying crunch – its an absolute must-try. At first sight, we thought the dish was gonna be overwhelming, given the amount of cheese it was coated in. But the flavour was pretty balanced. It was definitely cheesy, but not in way that overwhelmed us. It was rich, creamy and super crunchy, all in one bite.
Katsumabushi Tenderloin (Hire) Set
Uncover the ultimate Tonkatsu MAiSEN signature dish in this 3-step set. It comes with bite-sized tenderloin katsu served over rice, accompanied by a rich dashi broth, onsen tamago, and delightful side condiments. And there’s a special way to enjoy this set. First, scoop the Tonkatsu and rice into a bowl for a simple, favourful meal. Next, enhance the dish with sesame seeds, wasabi, and green onion toppings. Last but not least, pour savoury dashi broth on Tonkatsu and rice to complete the experience.
Overall, we had an amazing experience at MAiSEN. The ambience was cozy, with its authentic Japanese theme, and beautiful, conversation-piece ceiling. The seating areas are not that big, but can fit a good number of people. The staff there are super friendly, carefully tending to you and making sure your meals arrive on time, and that your glass of green tea is always full.
Experience Japan’s renowned Tonkatsu brand, MAiSEN, at Sunway Pyramid today! We bet you’d be going back for more!
MAiSEN
LG1.45, Lower Ground One, Sunway Pyramid Mall
