Tokyo's top sushi bar to make KL debut

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia will be ahead of the world when the first three-Michelin-starred sushi bar outside of Tokyo opens at the new St Regis in Sentral.

"Taka by Sushi Saito" is a joint venture between chef Takashi Saito, 43, and One IFC Sdn Bhd, the developer of the hotel.

This is also the first restaurant by a three Michelin-starred chef for the country.

It is one of three sushi restaurants in Tokyo given the Michelin Guide's highest rating of three stars.

You can expect to fork out about RM1,000 (S$335) per head for a meal at Taka when it opens in April.

Taka will offer omakase menus only, which means you are served whatever the chef wishes to make - which usually means the best he can make that day.

Whatever Saito is serving in Tokyo will be served in Kuala Lumpur. The ingredients, personally chosen by him, will be flown in three times a week.

The KL outlet will be manned by three Japanese chefs specially trained by Saito.

Saito, who will visit four times a year, is famous for his traditional Edo-style sushi. His signature style is a preference for a smaller cut of fish, a touch more sea salt and the use of milder red vinegar in his rice.

One IFC is part of the CMY Capital Group founded by Tan Sri Chua Ma Yu.

"The opening of Taka by Sushi Saito is good for tourism," he said without revealing the cost of the venture. "You can't price a work of art."

The restaurant on Floor 3A of St Regis will have two sushi counters with eight seats each and will feature rare 300-year-old hinoki wood, a Japanese cypress.