Kuala Lumpur - Good food always tastes better when shared with good friends. During my recent trip to Subang Jaya, I met up with Edward, Donny, and Lesley for dinner at the ever-popular Shin Zushi, a Japanese restaurant that has earned an outstanding reputation for serving premium-quality sushi and sashimi at surprisingly affordable prices.
Despite arriving during dinner hours, the restaurant was buzzing with customers. Shin Zushi is known for attracting constant queues, and it is easy to understand why. It has successfully bridged the gap between expensive omakase restaurants and budget conveyor-belt sushi chains. Diners enjoy expertly hand-pressed Edomae-style sushi, thick-cut sashimi, and fresh ingredients without paying premium prices.
We began our meal with a pot of hot green tea before moving on to one of my favourite parts of Japanese cuisine—the sashimi.
We ordered the Salmon Belly Sashimi, Hamachi (Yellowtail) Sashimi, and Madai (Sea Bream) Sashimi. Every plate was beautifully presented, and the fish was exceptionally fresh. The slices were generously thick, allowing us to fully appreciate the texture and natural sweetness of each variety.
The salmon belly literally melted in the mouth with its rich buttery flavour, while the hamachi offered a delicate sweetness and firm bite. The madai provided a clean, subtle flavour that highlighted the freshness of the fish.
One of the evening's highlights was the Ishikari Nabe, a traditional hot pot originating from Hokkaido. Originally created as a hearty meal for fishermen, the dish features fresh salmon and vegetables simmered in a rich miso-based broth. Our pot was packed with salmon, mushrooms, tofu, vegetables, and noodles. The broth was wonderfully comforting, full of deep umami flavours, and perfect for sharing around the table. Every spoonful was warm, satisfying, and ideal for a relaxing evening meal.
To complement the excellent food, we decided to enjoy a bottle of Kubota Senjyu Ginjo sake. Brewed by the renowned Asahi Shuzo Brewery in Niigata Prefecture, Kubota Senjyu is one of Japan's most celebrated premium sake labels. Our 720ml bottle, priced at approximately RM180, proved to be an excellent choice. It had a clean, crisp, slightly dry profile with a silky smooth finish that paired beautifully with both the delicate sashimi and the richer flavours of the hot pot. Rather than overpowering the food, the sake enhanced every course, making the meal even more enjoyable.
What impressed me most about Shin Zushi was its consistency. Although the prices remain remarkably reasonable, there is no compromise on quality. The chefs clearly take pride in their craft, carefully preparing each piece of sushi and sashimi with attention to detail. It is this dedication that has earned the restaurant its loyal following.
Beyond the delicious food, the evening was made even more memorable by the wonderful company. Sharing stories, laughter, and great conversation with Edward, Donny, and Lesley reminded me that the best meals are not simply about what is served on the table, but about the people gathered around it.
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