Kuala Lumpur is a metropolitan city where you can find cuisine from all over the world. Japanese restaurants are among the crown favourites. Japanese food is relatively lighter, with many dishes relying on the natural taste of the raw ingredients rather than heavy seasoning. Sushi, ramen, tempura, udon and others are nothing new for Malaysians.
The trick is finding the best Japanese restaurant Kuala Lumpur. Here are our picks:
Best Japanese Omakase: Hanare Japanese Restaurant
Omakase is a unique Japanese dining style whereby a live sushi chef serves patrons directly. Furthermore, the word ‘Omakase’ itself means ‘I leave it up to you’. It’s a practice whereby customers will allow the chef to prepare any food items for them.
A typical omakase dining experience involves various dishes prepared by experienced chefs using the finest and freshest seafoods. At Hanare, you’ll be able to enjoy sushi, sashimi, yakimono, tempura and more as part of the experience.
Address: Vista Tower, 182, Jln Tun Razak, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Contact no:03-2164 2133
Facebook page: Hanare Japanese Restaurant
Instagram page: hanare_kl
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00p.m. -2.30p.m., 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Best Conveyor Belt Sushi: Sushi Zanmai
When small plates of sushi are sent down a conveyor belt that circulates throughout the restaurant, this is called Kaiten belt sushi. Customers can pick and choose whatever sushi catches their eyes. Later on, the colour of plates they pick will determine the price they pay.
In short, Sushi Zanmai has several outlets all over Kuala Lumpur. They offer more than 100 types of Kaiten belt sushi and about 100 different types of items on the ala carte menu too. Furthermore, the moving sushi plates will surely keep your children entertained.
Address: Check here for list of branches
Contact no: 03 8090 1000 (Headquarters)
Website: supersushi.com.my
Facebook page: SushiZanmai
Instagram page:sushizanmaimalaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00a.m. -10.00p.m.
Best Ramen Japanese Restaurant Kuala Lumpur: Bari Uma Ramen
Bariuma Ramen is a chain of ramen restaurants in the Klang Valley. Despite this, they’re still a very well-respected brand. Specifically, their Tonkatsu Shoyu Ramen served with thick-cut flamed Chashu has garnered rave reviews.
Here, the chashu is purposely roasted until the edges are crispy, unlike other ramen places where the chashu is served soft. Furthermore, apart from a series of chashu ramen, they also offer a line of chicken ramen and hot stone rice bowls.
Address: Check here for list of branches
Contact no: 03-7865 6196
Website: bariuma.my
Facebook page: Bari-Uma Ramen Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00a.m. -8.30p.m.
Best Izakaya: Robataya Izakaya
To clarify, an Izakaya is a casual bar where patrons order snacks or grilled items to go with their alcohol. Thus far, Robataya Izakaya has three outlets in the Klang Valley, and it served a wide menu. Furthermore, in addition to light meals like sushi, sashimi and yakitori, they also serve donburi rice bowls, noodles and set meals. Specifically, diners seem to love their grilled robatayaki yakitori, which are on par with those in Japan.
Address: D4-G3-09, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Contact no: 03-6211 2785
Website: robatayaizakaya.com
Facebook page: Robataya
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays, 11:30am -3:00pm; 5:30pm – 11:00pm., Saturdays, 11:30am – 11:30pm, Sundays, 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Best Halal Japanese Restaurant Kuala Lumpur: Wagyu Kokoro Yakiniku
This eatery focuses on everything wagyu beef related, just like its name implies. Therefore, their food selections include sukiyaki and shabu-shabu sets, wagyu beef ramen and wagyu steak rice bowls. Additionally, this outlet is Muslim owned and operated. Therefore, you can be sure no alcohol will be used in the cooking process.
The Yakiniku set is the highlight here, of course. Therefore, you can expect a generous portion of Wagyu beef which you can grill over hot coals. Furthermore, the set also comes with Chicken Yakitori, your choice of ramen and drinks.
Address: D-01-05, STAR PARC POINT, Jalan Genting Kelang, Taman Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact no: 019-234 2035
Facebook page: Wagyu Kokoro
Opening hours: Saturdays to Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m., Fridays 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Go Different, Go Japanese
Very simply, Japanese food is rather balanced and nutritious. Additionally, it isn’t overbearing when it comes to the tastes. In conclusion, Japanese food is suitable for both casual dining and special occasions, making it super versatile for everyone.
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