Menu of Sushi Tei in George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Menu Overview

Sushi Tei, nestled in the bustling Plaza Gurney of George Town, offers a broad menu that captures the essence of Japanese dining. Specializing in sushi and traditional dishes, this restaurant presents a compelling mix of classics and contemporary flavors, though execution varies across offerings.

The menu’s highlights deserve focused attention. The Sashimi Regular and Salmon Ikura Oyako Don stand out for their freshness and balanced taste profiles. The salmon belly, in particular, delivers a buttery texture that melts on the palate, perfectly offset by the briny pop of ikura. Similarly, the Salmon Nabe with Steam Rice offers comforting warmth and delicate umami, ideal for cooler evenings or when you crave something hearty yet refined.

Tempura selections such as the Ebi Tempura and Yasai Tempura showcase skillful battering and frying techniques. The batter crisps without overpowering the natural sweetness of prawns and vegetables. The tempura assortment, blending chicken and burdock root, introduces an earthy complexity that elevates this fried staple beyond mere indulgence.

Sushi Moriawase, like the Aburi Sushi Moriawase (8 pcs), offers an enticing variety with seared salmon, eel, and maguro that provide a satisfying smoky edge. However, some customers noted the sushi rice tends to be wetter than ideal, affecting texture and binding. This subtle imbalance can detract from the otherwise fresh ingredients and thoughtful fish selection.

For warm dishes, the Kake Udon and Kaisen Chicken Tan Tan Ramen bring comforting broth-forward experiences. The dashi base in udon leans slightly sweeter than the Japanese standard, and while generous in portion, some presentation elements such as worn cooking pots could benefit from refinement. The Tan Tan ramen, with its rich, slightly spicy chicken broth, offers a bold contrast to the lighter noodle dishes.

Among side dishes, the Chawanmushi is a crowd favorite for its savory depth and generous ingredient inclusions, despite occasional inconsistencies in texture noted by diners. Equally, the Chicken Katsu Curry Rice blends crispy, juicy chicken with a mildly spiced curry that suits local palates.

Service at Sushi Tei receives mixed feedback. While the ambiance is welcoming, efficiency and attentiveness sometimes fall short, as evidenced by delayed orders and communication lapses. The self-ordering system, designed to streamline dining, can be hampered by technical slowdowns, impacting the overall experience.

In summary, Sushi Tei at Gurney Plaza delivers authentic Japanese flavors with particular strengths in fresh sashimi and carefully prepared tempura. While some dishes like sushi rice and chawanmushi warrant improvement, and service consistency could be enhanced, the restaurant remains a solid choice for Japanese cuisine lovers in Pulau Pinang. The balance of traditional dishes with creative touches and generous portions makes it a worthy stop for both casual and seasoned diners.