Before I begin, I have a confession to make. Japanese food is not high on my go to list, mainly for two reasons. Allergies to seafood and I am vegetarian. So if I'm honest, receiving an invitation to a free-flow night of drinks and snacks at IPPUDO had me sceptical, HOWEVER; I am Irish and was intrigued by the lure of free alcohol! And boy, am I glad I went!
IPPUDO at The Bangsar shopping centre has a warm, welcoming vibe and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a bar I could see myself enjoying post-work drinks in, especially on the last Friday of every month when their Free Flow Drinks Fest happens.
We were invited to sample the Free Flow Drinks Fest and thoroughly enjoyed the curated selection of Ozeki sake (Silver, Gold & Gold Dry), gin, liquors, beer and cocktails.
I started with a cold Silver sake and was impressed with the smoothness, while my companion had a bottle of Kirin beer. Due to dietary restrictions, we sampled snacks from the main menu rather than the free-flow menu. I am not usually a fan of sweet potatoes, but how they cooked them here makes me almost a convert.
Another of the snacks I was surprised by was the Brussels sprouts. I love sprouts and eat them regularly, but these were elevated by the grilling technique and the sprinkle of chilli. Delicious! We sampled some great truffle fries, and my companion was licking his lips at the chicken pieces cooked in salsa and ponzu sauce.
With the nibbles being enjoyed, I decided it was time to try another sake and went for the Gold Dry one (cold) this time while my friend had a warm Gold. My choice wasn't to my taste, but the less dry version was more consistent with my flavour profile.
Next, I decided it was time to try the liquors and opted for the Half Moon Yuzu, and, since I loved it and it was free-flow after all, I had a second. I then wanted to sample the Hakutsuru Genshu Umeshu, and I now have a new favourite drink!
Being a novice to the food and drink of Japan, the free-flow drinks fest was the perfect introduction. I sampled a few different ones, found my favourites, and enjoyed them until I was ready to leave.
The overall experience and ambience of the IPPUDO at Bangsar Shopping Centre was thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing. At 168++ RM per person, it represents excellent value for the quality of food and drinks you receive. I will certainly be booking a table and returning with a group of friends.
The Free Flow Drinks Fest is the last Friday of every month. Call 03 2011 6238 to book a table at the Bangsar outlet or find out more about events at your local IPPUDO check out their website.
