Under the majestic aura of an origami dragon hanging overhead, Kaiju is a marriage of artful aesthetics and experimental Thai-Japanese dishes. An intimate setup and a small but sufficient drinks menu make this joint fit for a night out with close friends. For dinner, expect a deuce between fiery Thai flavours and its milder Japanese counterparts. The Salmon Manow Nabe (RM26) is the real deal for rainy nights, but order only if you can take the heat — the hotpot bubbles with a sharp, spicy broth that intensifies with every spoonful. Of all the waiter's recommendations, the Kaiju Open Sandwich (RM24) is most satisfying. The baguette and lamb patty are both mild-tasting, allowing the teriyaki garlic sauce to lend its saltish flavours for a tasty mouthful. End the night with a Japanese tipple — the Calpis + Sake (RM20) melds the soothing virtues of the yoghurt drink with an invigorating hit of sake. Yum!
Avg price per person: RM50
Photo by Burppler Muriel A.