With international travel still on hold, the only way we can immerse ourselves in foreign cultures is by indulging in cuisines at the plethora of international food and beverage outlets here. If you’re into esthetically-pleasing restaurants, with food to pamper your taste buds, then these Japanese-themed restaurants are sure to be on your must-visit list.
You’ll be happy to note that these 4 restaurants have kicked it up a notch in terms of both food presentation and décor. The service is also superb, as the staff lavish patrons with attention – as you would expect from the Japanese. Forget about flying to the Land of the Rising Sun (for now) – these outlets will have you saying konnichiwa before your first mouthful.
So just set your Waze to one of these eye-catching restaurants in the Klang Valley and you’ll be in for a real treat!
1. Yakitori HAKI
You can guess the specialty of the restaurant from its name. That’s right, Yakitori, which translates to Japanese skewered chicken, seasoned with tare sauce or salt, and grilled over a charcoal fire. They also offer a good selection of classic Japanese dishes, along with a variety of alcohol. With an inviting décor, this restaurant is a must-try, especially if you’re a fan of Yakitori!
Address: 34G, Jalan 5/101c, Cheras Business Centre, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12 noon – 11pm, daily
2. Tansen Izakaya
If you’re looking for a place to chill while enjoying snacks and a light meal, then we’d recommend this restaurant. You can say it’s a combo of a café and a kopitiam. In terms of décor, the place is neither too hipster nor too casual. It’s a perfect ‘lepak’ place with the specialty being fresh seafood imported directly from Japan. Getting there can’t be any easier, when it’s located right in between KL and Selangor.
Address: 36, Jalan SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Opening Hours: 12 noon – 3pm (2.30pm last call) ; 6pm -10pm (9.15pm last call)
3. Fujisawa
This restaurant offers an Izakaya concept that serves fresh Japanese favourites, such as oysters and skewers, that go well with, of course, sake. The restaurant’s crowd-puller is its unique seating style: a common area, a bar and a tatami area – where you sit on the floor. If this doesn’t transport you to Japan, I don’t know what will. Their branches in Sri Petaling and Kepong are pet-friendly, so you can bring along your furry friends while you dine on flavourful Japanese cuisine.
Address:
Sri Petaling: 12-1, Jalan Radin Bagus 1, Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Kepong: 21, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1, Taman Usahawan Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
4. Nippori Café
If you want to dine in a place that makes you feel at home, then this café is for you. With a minimalist ambiance, cozy feel and homemade Japanese food, it’s sure to remind you of Nippori in downtown Tokyo, where most restaurants are family-run businesses. If you want to embark on a culinary adventure to Nippon, head on down to Nippori Café and experience it for yourself.
Address: 102 (First Floor), Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: Daily: 12 noon – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm
