J-Garden

Special thanks to J-Garden for extending this food review invitation.

J-Garden is a Japanese eatery near Queensbay Mall. The restaurant specializes in yoshoku (洋食), which is Western-style Japanese cuisine. While relatively common in Japan, Penang's yoshoku restaurants are few and far between.

J-Garden adopts a minimalist approach in its decor. Sleek modern wooden surfaces give the dining area a homely feeling. Overall, J-Garden has a casual ambience for dining with friends and family.

Omurice (オムライス) is a classic example of yoshoku. It is a dish of fried rice wrapped in omelette, and usually topped with ketchup. J-Garden's Omu Nanban (オム南蛮, RM20.00+) is also served with spaghetti napolitana, fried chicken (チキン南蛮) and tartar sauce.

Customers who order from the special lunch menu can get soup, salad, dessert and drink for only RM6.00+ more. Today's dessert is orange panna cotta. The pudding has a delightful consistency between jelly and fluid.

J-Garden is known for preparing barbecued pork (チャーシュー) from scratch in the kitchen. The restaurant uses premium pork imported from Spain. One way to appreciate this delicacy is through Char Siew Salad (チャーシューサラダ, RM16.00+).

Tsukemen (つけ麺, RM27.00+), also known as "dipping noodles", is a dish where cold ramen (ラーメン) is dipped in a hot bowl of soup called dashi (出汁). Other ingredients are barbecued pork, onsen tamago (温泉卵) and cabbage. Sesame seeds can be ground using a mortar and pestle.

Next, Char Siew Don (チャーシュー丼, RM22.00+) consists of barbecued pork, onsen tamago and shredded cabbage served over rice. Horseradish sauce enhances the succulent pork slices by giving a pungent taste similar to wasabi. The meal includes miso soup too.

Meanwhile, Melted Cheese Doria (昭和レトロドリア, RM24.00+) is a rice casserole cooked with stock and onions. The dish is baked with béchamel sauce and cheese. The browned layer keeps the rice moist and enhances its savoriness. Salad is served on the side.

As for something crispy, Thick & Crispy Tonkatsu (肉厚サクサク豚カツ, RM30.00+) the ideal choice. The pork cutlet is coated with bread crumbs (パン粉) and fried to golden perfection. Compared to Western breading, tonkatsu has a lighter crisp because the breading does not absorb as much oil. The cutlet is typically enjoyed with a brown sauce called tonkatsu sauce.

J-Garden has an exclusive parking area for its customers. There is enough space to fit around 6 cars. In addition, the restaurant has an outdoor section in case customers prefer al fresco dining. Furthermore, J-Garden is a suitable venue for corporate functions and private parties. The air-conditioned section can easily accommodate up to 50 people.

Name: J-Garden
Address: 64-G, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-637-1139
Business hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm, closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/JGardenRestaurant
Coordinates: 5.33650 N, 100.30706 E
Directions: J-Garden is located in Bayan Indah near Queensbay Mall. The restaurant is the corner unit of a row of shops between Eastin Hotel and Shanghai Ding. There are parking spaces at the side of the restaurant.