By Vimasha Weerawansha
Ambience
The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and the ocean, creating a serene and picturesque setting perfect for any occasion. The environment allows for an unobstructed view of the skyline, especially stunning at sunset. As we walked through the corridor in the corner of the Kingsbury rooftop adorned with elegant bamboo sticks, we made our way into Tenku Japanese Restaurant, where the tranquil decor seamlessly blended with the ambiance of the rooftop, enhancing the overall experience.
The ambience of Tenku Japanese Restaurant is both pleasant and authentically reminiscent of Japan. Upon entering, the serene decor, characterized by traditional Japanese elements and subtle lighting, immediately transports you to a different world. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the gentle sounds of traditional music, creates an inviting and comfortable dining experience.
A highlight of the restaurant is the VIP private sitting area, featuring a Teppanyaki Grill. Chef Amal fired up the teppanyaki grill for us, making the experience truly amazing. This exclusive section offers an intimate setting where guests can enjoy the artful preparation of dishes right before their eyes, adding an interactive and engaging touch to the dining experience.
Welcome Drink : Apple Caramel Mojito
Within 10-15 minutes of our arrival, we were served a welcome drink, the “Apple Caramel Mocktail: Chef’s Special.” This refreshing beverage was sweet with a hint of sourness towards the end, and the sweetness of the caramel was definitely a cherry on top! It set the tone for the exceptional culinary journey that followed.
Miso and Kani Jiro (Miso and Crab Soup)
Next on the Yaki Maki set menu were the enticing starters. We were each served a portion of Miso Jiro (Miso Soup) and Kani Jiro (Crab Soup). The crab in the Kani Jiro was tender and bursting with flavor. This soup, a delightful mix of seaweed, miso, crab, and tofu, was a true flavor bomb, with the umami-rich seaweed elevating every other ingredient. Meanwhile, the Miso Jiro, though sans crab, included all the other elements. The seaweed’s robust taste more than compensated for the missing protein, delivering a soup that was equally packed with flavor.
Maki
Following the soups, we were treated to an exquisite array of Maki rolls. The selection included Tori Katsu Maki, Rainbow Maki, Volcano Maki, Salmon Avocado Maki, Tenku Special Maki, and Spicy Tuna Maki. Each roll was a masterpiece, but the Rainbow Maki and Volcano Maki stood out as my personal favorites. The Spicy Tuna Maki was also incredibly flavorful, delivering a delightful kick. The Tori Katsu Maki, with its perfectly crispy exterior and cheesy center, added a satisfying crunch to the mix. Each bite was a journey through a symphony of textures and tastes, showcasing the chef’s culinary prowess.
Okonomiyaki & Tempura Moriawase
After savoring the Maki rolls, we were introduced to the Yaki course, featuring a delightful Seafood Okonomiyaki (egg omelette with seafood and special sauces) accompanied by a side of Tempura. The Tempura was an exciting mix of batter-fried onion rings, curry leaves, carrots, and seafood, served with a dipping sauce. Each Tempura bite was a revelation, with a crispy exterior yielding to a soft, flavorful inside. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious Tempura curry leaves could be, a food I wouldn’t have considered in any other form.
The Okonomiyaki was the true showstopper, bursting with flavor. The seafood was perfectly cooked, and the addition of Kewpie mayo and other sauces provided a delectable kick to this specially curated omelette. Each bite was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, showcasing the chef’s expertise and creativity.
Yaki
For the grand finale of the main course, we were each served a portion of garlic rice and yakisoba noodles, paired with a tantalizing array of Chicken Teriyaki, Sakana Miso Yaki (Seer Fish), Buta Shogoyaki (Pork), and Wagyu Gyu Niku (Beef) Teppanyaki. My personal favorite was the Wagyu Gyu Niku, which was incredibly succulent and juicy, melting in the mouth with each bite. The Buta Shogoyaki, while a bit too sweet for my taste, still delivered on its intended flavor profile. The Seer Fish was beautifully coated in sauces and offered a delightful balance with a hint of citrus that I thoroughly enjoyed. The Chicken Teriyaki, another favorite of mine, was perfectly marinated and richly coated in savory sauces, bursting with flavor.
All these delightful dishes were presented in a beautiful bento box, enhancing the overall dining experience with its elegant presentation. Each element of the meal came together to create a memorable culinary journey, showcasing the chef’s skill and attention to detail.
Dessert Platter & Vanilla Ice Cream
Our favorite part of the meal was up next: dessert! We were presented with a delightful platter that included fresh fruits, a piece of chocolate brownie, Wasabi Crème Brûlée, a Matcha Cream Roll, and a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream on the side.
The brownie was a chocolate lover’s dream—chewy, gooey, and packed with rich, chocolatey goodness, with crunchy nuts in the middle adding a delightful texture. The Wasabi Crème Brûlée was a pleasant surprise, with its creamy consistency and a subtle hint of wasabi that added an intriguing twist without overwhelming the palate. It was an unexpected delight.
The Vanilla Ice Cream was perfectly creamy, enhanced by a sprinkle of crumble that balanced out its smooth texture with a bit of crunch. However, the Matcha Cream Roll was an acquired taste, and unfortunately, it was not one that I had acquired. Despite its beautiful presentation, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The fresh fruits on the platter were a refreshing touch, adding a light and vibrant end to our meal. Overall, the dessert platter was a delightful conclusion to an exceptional dining experience, each element thoughtfully crafted to provide a memorable finale.
Whiskey & Sake
In addition to their exquisite food offerings, Tenku Japanese Restaurant also serves a selection of Japanese whiskey and sake, perfect for pairing with your meal.
They offer a bento box range available from 12 PM to 6 PM, catering to a variety of tastes. We tried the Yaki Maki, available from 12 PM to 11 PM, and on Saturdays, they offer an Unlimited Yaki Maki experience during the same hours. The restaurant is also allergy-friendly, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their meals with peace of mind.
Overall, Tenku Japanese Restaurant offers a remarkable dining experience, blending authentic flavors with a modern twist in an ambiance that transports you straight to Japan. From the beautifully presented starters to the indulgent desserts, each dish is a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. Whether you’re enjoying the tender Wagyu Gyu Niku, savoring the delicate balance of the Wasabi Crème Brûlée, or exploring their extensive drink menu with Japanese whiskey and sake, there’s something for everyone to relish.
Tenku Japanese Restaurant is not just a meal, but a culinary journey that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Location: 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha, ColomboColombo 00100
Operating hours: Lunch 12.00pm to 3.00pm & Dinner 7.00pm – 11.00pm daily
For more information, visit their website, Instagram or Facebook page.
