Is Sushi: midget among giants

Suddenly there are surge of Japanese/ Korean food joints among the higher class fine dining Western restaurants. Somehow, they are always concentrated among Ipoh Garden Medan Bistari area. Does it mean that the residents here are fans of far eastern cuisine? On colleagues suggestion, we tried the new Japanese restaurant here for lunch.


I Sushi may not stand out from outside but easily recognizable none the less. Located in Medan Ipoh Bistari, it is very near to famous joints such as Michaelangelo's Pizzaria. Look for the new row of shops opposite Sakai Cafe which was reviewed quite long ago, and in the same row as Sushi Zento. From the outside, the colourful OIC cafe would probably stand out near the other far end of the row, away from the main road. I Sushi is just beside OIC cafe.

chicken katsu set

Typical of all Japanese restaurant, expect to see kaiten style of sushi on conyervor belt, the typical Eastern curtains covering the toilet, bamboo decoration somewhere, and a few lantern style lights. And as most restaurants' habit, expect the "irasshaimase" when you come in. However, service here is rather "cold" despite the welcome shout. The waitresses, although dressed traditionally, appeared sterile and felt like they just want to end their shift. Then again, maybe they are just having a bad day. I have to give credit to the waitress who was in charge of filling my ocha cup though; as she was diligently filling everyone's cup as soon as it is emptied. Good job, finally!


Never mind the service or deco. It is all about food and price. The menu is typically japanese, though leaning more towards rice variants and sushi. Not many of noodle (rame/ soba/ udon) variety which was more popular in urban Japan. Interesting facts is that our impression of Japanese food is probably sushi or sashimi, but in reality, they have more rice or noodle joints for daily consumption.

maki sushi

saba sushi set

There are lunch sets to save the wallet, therefore I ordered the chicken katsu set (RM9.90). It is not bad, the chicken katsu is rather tender, served with teriyaki sauce. The amount is more than enough for the bowl of rice. The dish is served with mash potato which was bit of letdown. The only saving grace is it is not the mash potato made from real potato rather of powder. Therefore, the consistency is nice, though I prefer more milk and butter in my mash potato. The maki sushi is average, nothing to shout about. With the price, overall, the katsu set is definitely worth it. The ala-carte sets which the rest ordered, were sadly, not so. According to my friend, the buta kimuchi futo maki set (RM25) somehow do not have enough amount of meat up to his expectation. The taste of kimchi is not everyone's favourite so think twice before going for the pork. Saba sushi (RM25), according to another friend who enjoy sushi, was also average at most.

buta kimuchi set

Eating here is not cheap, coupled with green tea (RM1.50 per head, refilling allowed), it will make a dent in the wallet. It is expected from any Japanese lunch. However, with the price, anyone would expect something extra. Food here is average, but among some rather good Japanese joints here in the vicinity, it will be a uphill battle for I Sushi.

mash potato

ratings: 2 half poink!
comments: although the rest are not happy with their choice, I was rather "ok" with my RM9.90 set. Higher poink for the set!

Is Sushi Restaurant
NO 6&7, Festival Walk@ Ipoh
Jalan Medan Ipoh 1
Medan Ipoh Bistari
Ipoh
05-5460742