Where Japan Meets Italy on a Plate: Hokkaido Table at The Exchange TRX Elevates Fusion Dining in KL

Nestled within the glittering new heart of Kuala Lumpur’s lifestyle district, The Exchange TRX, Hokkaido Table presents a refined and quietly confident take on East-meets-West gastronomy. A culinary marriage of Hokkaido’s clean, precise flavours and Italy’s bold, rustic charm, this elevated dining destination invites patrons on a flavour-forward journey—one rooted in seasonality, elegance, and inspired imagination.

At the helm is Chef Edwin, a maestro with over three decades of fine dining experience. Known for his respect for premium produce and his artistic yet restrained touch, Chef Edwin’s menu is a masterclass in balance—between tradition and innovation, texture and taste, indulgence and simplicity.

A Harmony of Cultures on the Plate

Soft Shell Crab Karaage with Salted Egg Sauce

A showstopping start to the meal. Golden-fried soft shell crab rests on a bed of crisp rocket leaves, lightly draped in a silky house-made salted egg sauce. The result? A crackling exterior giving way to succulent flesh—enhanced by that unmistakable umami-laced, briny creaminess Malaysians adore.

Kaisen Salad

A celebration of freshness and finesse. Slivers of salmon, kingfish and octopus are paired with coral lettuce, frisée and Thai asparagus, tied together with a delicate yuzu vinaigrette. The salad walks a fine line between zesty and savoury, crisp and tender—light on the palate.

Burrata Caprese

Creamy burrata is the centrepiece of this playful reinterpretation, complemented not only by Roma tomatoes but also unexpected bursts of sweetness from pineapple cubes. Finished with a fragrant mignonette and sprigs of frisée, this dish is part comfort, part curiosity—familiar yet novel.

Engawa Roll

Here, melt-in-your-mouth flounder fin meets the crunch of tobiko, the pop of ikura, and a hint of heat from spicy mayo. This elegant maki is a luxurious bite-sized pleasure, ideal for sushi lovers seeking a little extra flair.

Bara Chirashi Don

A bowl that encapsulates Japanese donburi perfection. Diced sashimi—salmon, tuna, yellowtail, octopus, and flying fish roe—is generously layered over perfectly seasoned rice. Every spoonful bursts with colour, texture, and clean, briny goodness.

The Italian Connection

Lobster Risotto Alle Arrabbiata

A bold centrepiece that speaks to both passion and precision. Arborio rice is cooked al dente in a rich house-made arrabbiata sauce, with notes of cherry tomato sweetness and chili warmth. Topped with succulent Canadian lobster tail, the dish is creamy, spicy and utterly satisfying.

Spaghetti Alle Vongole

A coastal Italian classic, redefined. Premium clams are sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes and olive oil—simple, elegant, and singing with the freshness of the sea.

Baked Salmon Teriyaki

A homage to Japanese comfort cooking, this dish features thick-cut salmon glazed in house teriyaki sauce, accompanied by tender asparagus, hajikami ginger, and sweet fukujinzuke pickles. Every element is delicately prepared, creating a nostalgic yet luxurious main.

Sweet Conclusions

Sasa Custard Mochi

Silken custard enveloped in pillowy mochi skin. This understated dessert melts in the mouth, finishing the meal on a whisper of sweetness and grace.

Hanami Dango

Three dainty rice dumplings, each with its own soft hue, are sprinkled with crushed cashews—a textural and visual delight that evokes the joy of spring festivals.

Verdict: A Fusion Done Right

Hokkaido Table is not simply a fusion restaurant—it is a dialogue between cuisines, cultures and culinary philosophies. From its restrained, wood-accented interiors to its carefully curated plates, every detail is considered. This is a place for slow dining, for celebrating the craft behind each dish, and for those who appreciate stories told through taste.

For romantic dinners, business lunches, or quiet indulgent moments, Hokkaido Table offers a unique proposition in the KL dining scene: refined fusion with soul.