Ippudo Gurney Plaza Kushiyaki Platter

What Chiefeater VK Ordered at Ippudo Gurney Plaza

Dinner before leaving Penang meant choosing something lighter, so I went for the Kushiyaki Platter under the Beer for Free promo at Ippudo Gurney Plaza.

The platter arrived on a slate board with a colourful mix of skewers — okra, button mushrooms, brussels sprouts (mekyabetsu), chicken thigh with Japanese leeks (negima), pork belly (buta bara), and cherry tomatoes wrapped with pork (tomato-maki).

How It Ate

Each skewer was attractively charred with a light dusting of seasoning, the kind that gives enough flavour without masking the ingredient itself. The okra was surprisingly juicy, the mushrooms plump, and the pork belly skewers had the right amount of fat to stay tender without turning greasy.

The platter leaned clean and well-executed rather than smoky or heavily marinated. The negima delivered the best balance, with the chicken staying moist and the leeks adding sweetness. The buta bara skewers were enjoyable, especially with that slight caramelisation from the grill.

Brussels sprouts were a nice surprise — slightly charred on the outside, soft and sweet inside. The okra remained firm without being fibrous, and the tomato-maki brought a fresh burst of acidity against the pork.

It was a satisfying set, especially if you prefer your kushiyaki simple and ingredient-forward.

The free beer, however, was a Tiger draught, not a Japanese beer. That one is on me — I should have checked before ordering, but I was expecting Asahi or Sapporo given the branding. That said, the platter itself was nicely done and pleasant to eat.

Pricing

Kushiyaki Platter (Beer for Free Set) – RM52.00
Includes:
• Okra Kushi
• Negima Kushi
• Button Mushroom Kushi
• Mekyabetsu Kushi
• Buta Bara Kushi
• Tomato-Maki Kushi
• Free Tiger Draught (1)

Service Charge (10%) – RM5.20
SST (6%) – RM3.12
Total: RM60.30

MVX Summary

Score: 7.3 / 10

M – Meal Value (7.8/10)
A well-prepared selection of kushiyaki with clean flavours and proper grilling. Portion is fair for the pricing, and the variety keeps it interesting. The free beer adds value, though the choice of Tiger may not appeal to those expecting a Japanese brew.

V – Vibe & Venue (8.2/10)
Ippudo Gurney Plaza maintains a modern, polished Japanese ambience. Service is prompt and the overall dining environment is busy yet comfortable. Good for solo diners and small groups.

X – X-Factor (6.0/10)
The platter presentation is attractive, and it’s rare to see brussels sprouts served on kushiyaki in chain restaurants here. The promo is a draw, but the beer mismatch reduces the sparkle slightly.

Business Hours
Sunday to Thursday
11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Friday and Saturday
11:00 am to 11:00 pm