Feature Image Credit: Yakitori HAKI Facebook, @jin_shotoniphone, @vivianssf
Malaysia has one of the biggest expatriate community from Japan. This is not surprising as we have many businesses that are Japanese-run or inspired by Japanese culture. For food in particular, Malaysia is a host of many Japanese F&B—yakitori, ramen, you name it.
While we wait for international borders to reopen, let us to take you on a journey by exploring these 10 Restaurants & Bar Around KL & Selangor That’ll Transport You To Japan.
1. Yakitori HAKI 串烧居酒屋
Image Credit: Yakitori HAKI Facebook
Image Credit: Yakitori HAKI Facebook
Image Credit: Yakitori HAKI Facebook
The name of the shop showcases its speciality, Yakitori – Japanese skewered chicken seasoned with tare sauce or salt and grilled over a charcoal fire. They also serve other classic Japanese dishes along with a good selection of alcohol. Besides their food, their décor makes it inviting for one to wind down after a long day with good food and a great environment.
Address: 34G, Jalan 5/101c, Cheras Business Centre, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm, daily
2. Tansen Izakaya 炭鲜居酒屋
Image Credit: Tansen Izakaya
Image Credit: Tansen Izakaya
I’d say Izakaya is the hybrid of kopitiam and a café because it is the ideal place to chill after a busy day with some snacks and a light meal. It’s not too hipster but it’s not too casual – the perfect balance. Their food speciality lies in seafood as they serve fresh seafood from Japan. Their menu comprises of the usual Japanese meal options but sashimi lovers, you guys are in for a treat because they guarantee their cuts to be fresh.
Address: 36, Jalan SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm (2.30pm last call) ; 6pm -10pm (9.15pm last call)
3. Butaya Izakaya 豚家居酒屋
Image Credit: Butaya Izakaya 豚家居酒屋
Image Credit: Butaya Izakaya 豚家居酒屋
Image Credit: Butaya Izakaya 豚家居酒屋
Another crowd favourite Izakaya is this place where they aim to offer an authentic traditional Japanese gastropub experience with their food, drinks and vibes. Butaya Izakaya offers all the classic Japanese dishes with a heavy dose of Japanese culture as the detailing of their décor would make you feel like you’re in the old days of Japan. Well, this is another fun way to immerse yourself and appreciate the Japanese culture, so do check it out.
Address: 14, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm
4. Fujisawa 藤泽居酒屋
Image Credit: Fujisawa藤泽居酒屋,Sri Petaling Branch
Image Credit: joobeebites
Image Credit: reverieland.escape
Also, an Izakaya concept that serves fresh Japanese cuisine such as oysters and skewers that goes well with Sake. Keeping their customers’ needs in mind, they have 3 different areas in their outlet: a common area, bar and tatami area – where you sit on the floor. Their Sri Petaling & Kepong branches are pet friendly so you can also bring your furry babies while you dine on flavourful Japanese cuisine.
Address:
1. 12-1, Jalan Radin Bagus 1, Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
2. 21, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1, Taman Usahawan Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30 pm – 11pm
5. Miyako Land Izakaya 宫古岛居酒屋
Image Credit: sugoidays
Image Credit: Haraju Holdings
Image Credit: Haraju Holdings
Miyako Land Izakaya is designed specifically to mirror Japan’s very own tropical island paradise – Okinawa. Founded by a Japanese family from Okinawa, Miyako Land aim to offer an authentic Okinawan experience with their food, drinks and vibes. The laid-back island vibe decoration offers a feast for the eyes and Instagram feed. Even the service crew are all donning Hawaiian beach flower shirt.
Address: Lot 4, B Land, Lot, 2, Jalan 51a/225, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm
6. Ramen Bar Shishido
Image Credit: Ramen Bar Shishido
Image Credit: Ramen Bar Shishido
Image Credit: @jin_shotoniphone
Well since normal bars are overrated, we go with ramen bars because why not? This bar serves its ramen with numerous flavour of flavourful pork soup – be it spicy or savoury. Besides ramen, they do offer other Japanese meals on their menu including ramen burger which is great when you can’t just decide on one thing. Whisky fans rejoice as they offer their whisky highball drink during their happy hours.
Address: The Gasket Alley, 15-5 @, Jalan 13/6, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 12 am, closed on Monday
7. Nippori Café
Image Credit: Nippori Facebook Page
Image Credit: Nippori Facebook Page
Image Credit: Nippori Facebook Page
Nippori café is more than just a café, it’s a home. It makes you feel warm, inviting and comfortable as they serve homemade Japanese food to their customers. The café is inspired by the area of Nippori in downtown Tokyo where most businesses are family-run. Quaint, cosy and home-cooked meals. If you’re missing home-cooked meals but feeling adventurous with your food, head on over to Nippori Café.
Address: 102 (First Floor), Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: Daily: 12 pm – 2.30 pm, 6 pm – 9 pm
8. Saisai Japanese Restaurant
Image Credit: Eat Drink KL
Image Credit: Sai Sai Japanese Foursquare
Saisai’s marketing is pretty old school but reliable as their popularity is due to the good old word-of-mouth rather than social media. They are simplistic in their food and décor and they also offer small portions of their dishes for customers to sample on. Another guaranteed reason you should check this place out as it is frequently dined by Japanese expats and their families which surely means their food is worthy of your visit as well.
Address: Hartamas Shopping Centre, F-0-9 Plaza Damas, Jalan Sri Hartamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 5.30 pm – 11 pm, Monday – Saturday, closed on Sunday
9. Kanbe, 163 Retail Park
Image Credit: Kanbe Facebook Page
Image Credit: nirejikato
Kanbe’s speciality is in their ramen specifically their ramen broth. You could opt for their ramen in two types – Hakata which is a firm and thin noodle or Tsukemen which is a thick and chewy noodle. Their tonkotsu broth is simmered for 48 hours and is offered in eight different flavours. I could break down all those eight flavours for you but wouldn’t be better if you tried it in person? 😉 Well, I can give you one tip, it’s an explosion of flavours.
Address: GF-08, 163 Retail Park, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
10. Fujiwara Yakitori Bar
Image Credit: @vivianssf
Image Credit: @vivianssf
Image Credit: @vivianssf
Image Credit: @vivianssf
This one is for all the Initial D fans! Fujiwara Yakitori Bar is located at Jalan Kampung Pasir in KL, below Sakura Den. The highlight of this Initial D-themed shop’s menu are their yakitori and cold beers. Be sure to snap some photos with the Toyota Sprinter in front of the shop.
Address: 24, Jalan Kampung Pasir, Kampung Pasir Baru, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 2pm – 10pm (9pm last call), closed on Monday
Also Check Out: Co-Cane Is Run By 6 Engineer Graduates In Their Early 20s, Selling Coconut & Sugar Cane Fusion Drinks
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