May 8, 2025

Torito hits city centre with Peruvian Japanese fare

Torito, a new Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, sits on level 53 of Banyan Tree KL, its interior reflecting the captivating colours of the Peruvian natural landscape – vibrant green and azure blue – and the herringbone floor in terracotta tiles mirroring the desert sand.

Torito (means bull in Spanish) promises a lively city centre escape, inspiring tastebuds with bold flavours and breathtaking skyline views.

The launch was officiated by Ricardo Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru to Malaysia. Latina artist Tania Alcala Serrano sculpted and painted the gallery of Torito miniature statutes that welcome guests as they enter.

The Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei) menu prepared by renowned Chef Iván Casusol for guests and media members consisted of:

*Cassava bread dipped in Peruvian chili sauce (RM32) – soft pillowy bread went well with the unique sauce that was hardly spicy, more like a mild mustard;

*Nikkei rolls (RM65/RM70)- tuna, prawn and onion tempura, salmon and avocado with garlic furikake – this was my fav for the evening, so fresh and subtle in taste, the crispy onion bits provided a nice textural difference;

*Barramundi ceviche (RM68) – lightly sour and tart. I’ve come to realise that ceviche, whether it is Mexican Spanish or Peruvian, and even our umai from Sabah, bear many similarities in taste and texture. Either you like it or you dont, fortunately, I love;

*Charcoal Grilled Hokkaido Scallop (RM125) with the natural sweetness of the scallop providing tantalizing flavours, enhanced by the interesting mix of the creamy Peruvian sauce;