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

–

Join our Private Facebook Group and share your passion for food and places around the Klang Valley with our community! We regularly post about hidden gems, places to explore, attractive promos and new food to try!

Click on the picture below and join our Facebook Group today.

The post 10 Restaurants & Bar Around KL & Selangor That’ll Transport You To Japan appeared first on Fun N' Taste.

Feature Image Credit: imaaronccy

Kwai Chai Hong at Petaling Street houses some of the city’s most attractive murals. It is one of the most scenic spots to create picturesque moments for tourists and locals. Apart from photo-taking sessions, there are plenty of cafes and eateries to explore in this area.

Da Bao Restobar is a bao specialty restaurant & bar with great charm. Donning an unassuming storefront which features two big Carlsberg logos, you might mistaken this hidden gem as a seafood restaurant.

Image Credit: imaaronccy

The moment you walk through its doors, you’re greeted by a blinking neon-lit logo – a chubby boy whacking a dough, and a portrait of an Asian women holding a rolling pin.

Image Credit: ohneos.neonstudio

Image Credit: imaaronccy

Image Credit: imaaronccy

Image Credit: dabaomy

Image Credit: hungry_travaler

The interior is furnished with elements from the East like Chinese lanterns, vintage wooden furniture, while featuring an open-kitchen concept with a dining area. Their food looks pretty good too, the menu comprises dessert baos, side dishes, and rice bowls.

When you’re here, don’t miss out their signature Baos which comes with a variety of toppings such as Soft Shell Crab Bao, Pork Bao, Lamb Bao and many more. Combinate any of these topping with their soft and fluffy Baos makes up for one delightful mean!

Image Credit: seanongtp

Image Credit: carimakan_my

Image Credit: imaaronccy

And when you’re done with your meal, their sophisticated cocktail bar upstairs make a perfect drinking spot to shake off the workweek stress.

Image Credit: imaaronccy

Image Credit: dabaomy

Remember to tag your squat for a hangout session! For more info on their F&B menu and updates, do check out their social media pages below.

Facebook: facebook.com/dabaomalaysia
Instagram: instagram.com/dabaomy/

Da Bao 打包

Address: 145, Jalan Petaling City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm, closed on Mondays

Also Check Out: This Ramen Spot In PJ Serves… Matcha Ramen?

–

Join our Private Facebook Group and share your passion for food and places around the Klang Valley with our community! We regularly post about hidden gems, places to explore, attractive promos and new food to try!

Click on the picture below and join our Facebook Group today.

The post This ‘Gram-Worthy Vintage Cafe & Bar Is Your Next Weekend Brunch Spot in KL appeared first on Fun N' Taste.

In the year 2017, café-hopping is the norm for most millennials. A good café goes beyond good food as people expect unique ambience that provides an overall positive dining experience. There are many cafés feature outstanding and interesting ambience, especially with the booming of F&B industry in the Klang Valley.

You certainly don’t need to be a hipster or coffee lover to enjoy a good cuppa in an interesting space while capturing the perfect Instagram shot. With that said, here are  13 most Instagrammable Café in KL and Selangor based on the ambience.

13. Yesterday @ SS15 Courtyard, Subang Jaya [CLOSED]

Kicking off our list is a relatively obscure cafe, Yesterday offers a beautiful overseas-like backdrop for your Instagram feed. Many folk to the back entrance of this café to get the Instagram shot, including bloggers such as Tziaa. When it comes to service and food quality, Yesterday simply don’t deliver as service is painfully slow and food is mediocre and overpriced.

12. Food Art Groceries @ USJ, Subang Jaya

This eatery is a Japanese vegetarian café with clean and tidy light wooden brown look. It’s a good café to get your Instagram shots while staying true to your healthy vegetarian lifestyle. Food Art Groceries is often quiet and relaxing hence you won’t feel nervous or shy to get the perfect Instagram-worth shot.

11. Garage 51 @ Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya

Probably the most popular café in the city, folks of Bandar Sunway often find their way to Garage 51 despite the traffic and parking issue. While the ambiance of this café is decent looking, the food here is definitely Instagram-worthy.

10. LOKL Coffee Co @ City Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, LOLKL Coffee Co is truly an underrated café in terms of its ambience. Framed witty pictures of Malaysian elements are cleverly placed along the long walk way to the cashier counter, along with overall wooden atmosphere makes up great Instagram shots.

9. PULP by Papa Palheta @ Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

A standalone building with urban elements and plenty of wood and steel elements – dark coloured wooden floors, tables and exposed pipes draws attention to colourful bright red and green chairs. While the lighting could be better, the hip and chic environment will definitely draw attention to your Instagram post.

8. Kakigori @ Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya

Located in the heart of Taman Paramount, Kakigori serves Japanese shaved ice desserts in a unique ambience which resembles an ice factory.  A garden-like centrepiece is meant to give a warm experience to patrons. The beautiful brick walls, attached wooden bench and empty shelves makes up for the perfect minimalist Instagram picture.

7. Tree 15 Café @ Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

This café provides a comfortable and cozy vibe, both in pictures and reality. Offering a variety of seating in different spaces, such as the top floor’s quite corner with lots of natural lighting. The outdoor seats on the ground floor is the perfect place for your #OOTD Instagram pictures.

6. Wild Sheep Chase @ Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur

Wild Sheep Chase is a hidden gem located in a quiet neighbourhood of Taman Desa. The interior of this café is clean, simple and neat – white walls and dark coloured furnitures are clever execution for the perfect Instagram photo.

5. Kopenhagen Coffee @ Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur

Kopenhagen Coffee is inspired by the cafe culture in Denmark’s capital city. It’s essentially a minimalist style café with an open kitchen and homely feel to it. Aside from the abundance of natural lighting and minimalist decors, the staffs are friendly and are more than willing to help you take your #OOTD pictures.

4. Someplace Beautiful @ Sentul, Kuala Lumpur

As the name suggests, Someplace Beautiful is truly a beautiful place. The café is essentially a modern minimalist space with clean white and black hexagon tiles and a small wooden house acts as a centrepiece.

3. Breakfast Thieves @ Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

The secret to Breakfast Thieves’ success is great food and even better atmosphere. This Melbourne-inspired cafe features wide windows, high ceilings and tons of natural lights that’s perfect for pictures. Other elements includes wooden structures, concrete floors,exposed pipes, exposing light bulbs and dark metal lamps.

2. VCR @ Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Tucked in the outskirts of Bukit Bintang lies the popular VCR cafe. What makes this place Instagram worthy is the unique outdoor look that helps you capture sky-scrappers and KL’s retro buildings. High ceiling, wooden furniture, scrumptious dishes all stand out due to the eatery’s black frames.

1. Merchant’s Lane @ Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur

Taking vintage to a whole new level, Merchant’s Lane is most likely KL’s most beautiful cafés. Blessed with a variety of old wooden elements, green plants and colourful plates, Marchant’s Lane is where dreamy Instagram photos are captured.

The post Top 13 Most Instagrammable Cafe in KL and Selangor – 2017 Edition appeared first on Fun N' Taste.