At the creative helm of Tokyo Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Okada Ramsey and the Clearwater Group brings forth: KINTSUGI KUALA LUMPUR — inspired by the centuries-old Japanese craft of golden joinery. A thoughtful tribute to the philosophies of its namesake, this award-winning Japanese restaurant from Bangkok aims to deliver an elevated dining experience, with each dish representing fresh, individual flavors that come out as gently and as gracefully as the season imbues.
To dine in Kintsugi is to partake not only in kaiseki and sushi kaiseki — but also in what makes Japanese culture what it is, as embodied in some of its most cherished values: seasonality and patience, enjoying a single moment, and finding beauty in imperfection.
Starting in July 2023, KINTSUGI Kuala Lumpur is complementing its modernist Japanese dining experience, from a progressive Kaiseki and Sushi Omakase structure to a complete format that provides Malaysian gourmands a more casual option through an all-new à la carte menu, mirroring the offerings of its Michelin Selected sister establishment at KINTSUGI Bangkok.
A collaboration between Clearwater Group and Tokyo Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Okada Ramsey, KINTSUGI Kuala Lumpur is a progressive Kappo Kaiseki and Sushi Omakase restaurant that reflects Chef Ramsey’s style of kaiseki cuisine.
With the addition of six signature sets and an array of items ranging from cold and hot appetizers to small plates from the grill, noodles, and rice dishes, and three chef's special dishes, the newly launched à la carte menu caters to guests who prefer a more flexible dining experience to explore Chef Ramsey's tantalizing flavors without committing to the hours-long seasonal Kaiseki and Omakase menus.
Explaining on the new à la carte additions, Chef Ramsey expressed his desire to create a "fun" dining experience that complements the overall KINTSUGI KL ambiance, inviting customers to pop in casually and enjoy the culinary offerings.
"After months of meticulous planning and preparation, we are thrilled to share that we are now ready to unveil the complete vision of KINTSUGI Kuala Lumpur. Similar to what we’ve achieved at the Michelin Selected Kintsugi Bangkok, we can finally utilise the distinct spaces within our establishment as originally intended, providing a truly differentiated dining experience.” “Our primary focus remains on meeting the diverse needs of our valued regular guests while also extending a warm welcome to potential walk-in customers," Chef Ramsey said. With the introduction of the new experience, the restaurant now features distinct areas tailored to different dining experiences. The 18-seat dining room is now designated for walk-in guests seeking a casual and relaxed ambiance, where they can savour the exquisite à la carte offerings, enveloped in the inviting and communal embrace of the space.
In a separate section of the restaurant, guests can immerse themselves in an intimate culinary escapade at the 12-seat Kaiseki Counter, which is now exclusively available by reservation. This allows guests to witness the culinary mastery of Chef Ramsey and his talented team unfold before their eyes as they prepare KINTSUGI Kuala Lumpur's signature Kappo Kaiseki and Sushi Omakase menus.
American-Japanese Chef Jeff Okada Ramsey, having previously opened Babe by Jeff Ramsey and Japas, both also with The Clearwater Group, is known in the Malaysian dining scene as the first Michelin- starred chef to open his restaurant in Malaysia in 2016.
He earned his first Michelin star rating at the remarkable age of 32 while in Tokyo. His exceptional expertise in Japanese cuisine is rooted in his training under Chef Masayoshi Kazato, the official Sushi Ambassador of Japan, before eventually becoming the first non-Japanese recipient of the prestigious title Master Sushi Chef.
In addition to his numerous accolades, Chef Ramsey's culinary prowess was further acknowledged in 2022 when he was honored with the prestigious title of Winning Challenger Chef for Iron Chef Thailand. His remarkable achievement in the Competition added another significant milestone to his already storied career, solidifying his status as a true culinary maestro.
The introduction of the à la carte menu at KINTSUGI Kuala Lumpur marks an exciting milestone in the journey of this extraordinary culinary establishment. With Chef Ramsey at the helm, KINTSUGI continues to push the boundaries of modernist Japanese cuisine with his culinary finesse and scrupulous attention to detail, providing an exceptional dining experience for discerning food enthusiasts in Kuala Lumpur.
Located on the third floor of Isetan The Gardens Mall, KINTSUGI Kuala Lumpur welcomes guests for lunch and dinner every Tuesdays to Sundays. For reservations, please visit www.kintsugirestaurant.com or call +6010 381 1330.