My favorite Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
Here is a list of recommended Japanese restaurants for Malaysians and foreigners in Malaysia. I've compiled a list of Japanese restaurants that I've enjoyed during my long stay in Malaysia. I've made a balanced selection, including Muslim-friendly and non-halal options. This is the definitive list of Japanese restaurants in Malaysia that I can recommend to everyone. I hope this list sparks your interest in Japanese cuisine, please enjoy. This article includes restaurants in Selangor as well.
🇯🇵 : restaurants from Japan
Descriptions of each Japanese dish are introduced on another page.
I'll made a separate page of personally recommended Muslim-friendly Japanese restaurants soon.
Uo Shin
Specialty: Sushi
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation: Urchin, Mongo Ika (Squid), Negitoro, Scallop
The cost performance is excellent, especially considering the rarity of finding delicious sea urchin at this price range. Operated by the same company as Shin Zushi. I recommend Urchin, Mongo Ika, Negitoro and Scallop.
Kaihoumaru
Specialty: Sushi
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
A Japanese go-to sushi restaurant for over a decade, located on the ground floor of Federal Hotel in Bukit Bintang. It offers a relatively reasonable price range for an authentic sushi dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick and casual meal or a place to celebrate, this restaurant is versatile and consistently reliable.
Kinmedai
Specialty: Sushi
Location: Publika
Halal Status: Non Halal
Located in Publika, this sushi restaurant is highly regarded by the Japanese community. The lunch menu offers excellent value for money. The calm ambiance, along with the warmth of the chef and staff, creates a very comfortable atmosphere. As the restaurant is named after "kinmedai" (golden eye snapper), their kinmedai sushi is a must-try and simply exquisite.
Kinmedai (golden eye snapper)
Kame Sushi
Specialty: Sushi
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
Kame Sushi is well-regarded by Japanese residents in Malaysia. They offer high-quality sushi at very reasonable prices. Whether you're a fan of Toro (fatty tuna) or Uni (sea urchin) hand rolls or prefer something simpler, their Negitoro Maki is a must-try. They have different menus for lunch and dinner, but if you choose a course that includes the Negitoro Maki, you won't be disappointed.
Negitoro Maki
KURIYA
Specialty: Sushi, Soba
Location: Pablika, Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
This Japanese restaurant is inside Bangsar Shopping Mall and offers very high-quality food. The sushi is especially good, as good as sushi-only restaurants. Although the location is not so convenient, this place has stayed open for over 10 years in an expensive neighborhood, which shows how great it is.
Makoto
Specialty: Eel
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
Makoto, located in the foodie haven of Sri Hartamas, is an eel restaurant. While the prices may be a bit steep, it's the place to go if you want to experience authentic Japanese unagi (eel) over a bed of rice, similar to what you'd find in Tokyo.
Unajyu
Tenmasa
Specialty: Tempura
Location: KLCC
Halal Status: Non Halal
Tenmasa is an exceptionally rare tempura specialist in Malaysia. If you have the chance to dine here, it's not just satisfying; it's on par with tempura specialists in Tokyo. While the prices are relatively high, it's strongly recommended for those times when you don't want to compromise on quality. It's a great choice for a special dining experience.
Omakase
SUKI-YA
Specialty: Sukiyaki, Shabu Shabu
Locations: Bukit Bintang, Bukit Jalil, etc.
Halal Status: Halal
My recommendation: -
When it comes to sukiyaki and shabu-shabu in Malaysia, Sukiya is the go-to place. They offer a fantastic all-you-can-eat experience with excellent value for money. What sets them apart is their Halal certification. The taste is more than satisfactory, making it a top choice for sukiyaki and shabu-shabu enthusiasts.
Momo Paradise🇯🇵
Specialty: Sukiyaki, Shabu Shabu
Locations: Bukit Bintang, Mont Kiara, etc.
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation: -
Momo Paradise offers a high-value all-you-can-eat sukiyaki and shabu-shabu experience. The quality of both beef and pork for the all-you-can-eat option is outstanding. They also offer a wide range of vegetables and ingredients.
When it comes to sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, you also have another option called Shabu-You. They are quite evenly matched in terms of overall experience. Mou-Paradise focuses more on hot pot, while Shabu-You offers a variety, including fried items and DIY waffles. They both deliver delicious experiences, so you can choose depending on your location and preference.
Kingyu
Specialty: Wagyu, Sukiyaki
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: food menus don’t contain pork/alcohol but serves alcohol separately
My recommendation: Premium Loin Aburi Sushi
Kin Gyu is a hidden gem for Japanese cuisine in Sri Hartamas. It's part of the same group as Kyomo (a yakiniku restaurant) and Itsumo (a yakitori restaurant) in the area. While the prices are on the higher side, they offer completely private dining rooms, making it perfect for celebrations and business dinners. The exterior of the restaurant may not be flashy, but the surprise comes when you step inside to find a beautifully designed interior.
Kannichikan
Locations: Old Klang, Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation: Omi Beef Sirloin
If you want to eat delicious meat, go to Kannichikan.
Personally, this is my favorite Japanese-style barbecue restaurant in the KL area. The overall quality of the meat is excellent. They also offer dishes like Yukke and A5 Wagyu beef. As far as I know, they only offer A5 Wagyu beef at their Old Klang branch. Sri Hartamas branch is small and always crowded, so I recommend Old Klang. However, Sri Hartamas has many great restaurants in the vicinity, so you can explore other options if you prefer.
Yukke
Yakiniku Jyu Jyu
Specialty: Yakiniku
Locations: Lot 10 Bukit Bintang, Gardens mall Mid Valley
Halal Status: food menus don’t contain pork/alcohol but serves alcohol separately
Jyu Jyu offers a Halal-certified yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) buffet. While they do serve alcohol, they also provide alcohol-free courses, making it suitable for Muslim patrons. Their quality is satisfying, and although the prices are reasonable, their biggest strength is their Muslim-friendly approach.
Yakiniku Goro
Specialty: Yakiniku
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
If you're more focused on cost, Yakiniku Goro may be the better choice compared to Kannichikan. Whether you want the best barbecue possible or just want to enjoy good Japanese barbecue at a reasonable price, these two are great options.
GYUKYOKU
Specialty: Yakiniku
Location: Jln Raja Laut
Halal Status: Non Halal
The restaurant named by a Japanese celebrities, renowned among Japanese in KL for its top-quality offerings among those available. You must try Kiwami Tongue and Jyo Karubi. Not only does it boast scenic views, but its intriguing design includes memorabilia like Messi's autograph, Pacquiao's gloves, balls thrown by Ohtani, and a signature from ONE OK ROCK on the walls, adding an entertaining touch. It's a fun dining experience.
Jyo Karubi
Ma Maison
Specialty: Tonkatsu
Locations: Bukit Bintang, Mont Kiara, etc.
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation:：Jumbo Hire Katsu
Mameton offers top-quality Japanese cuisine with a menu that offers various options. They provide an all-inclusive dining experience, including rice, cabbage, miso soup, and free refills of tea. The prices are also reasonable, making it one of the top Japanese restaurants in Malaysia.
Maisen🇯🇵
Specialty: Tonkatsu
Locations: Sunway Pyramid
Halal Status: Non Halal
"Maisen" is a well-known restaurant chain in Japan, renowned for its "Hirekatsu Sandwich." The Hirekatsu Sandwich consists of thinly sliced pork tenderloin cutlet sandwiched between slices of bread. It's a popular item on Japanese lunch menus. Maisen's version features a crispy and juicy tenderloin cutlet served with a special sauce, all enclosed in soft bread. It's a beloved dish both within Japan and internationally.
TORITAMA
Specialty: Yakitori
Location: Pablika Mont Kiara
Halal Status: Non Halal
The prices are on the higher side, but you can enjoy high-quality yakitori here. There are also unique menu items that you can't find at other restaurants. Except for the private rooms, all seats are at the counter, making it a place that focuses on serving delicious yakitori.
Oyakodon
Seirock-Ya
Specialty: Ramen
Locations: Petaling Jaya, Puchong, etc.
Halal Status: Halal
My recommendation: Tori Shiratama Gokumi Chicken
Creating Halal-certified ramen without using pork or soy sauce in a ramen-centric world is a significant challenge. However, Seirock-Ya has managed to produce authentic ramen that impresses even those who may have had reservations about Halal ramen. They have taken on the challenge of perfecting chicken-based ramen while adhering to Halal standards. Try this exquisite bowl of ramen to experience their unique approach to Halal Japanese cuisine.
IPPUDO 🇯🇵
Specialty: Ramen
Locations: Bukit Bintang, Sunway City, etc.
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation: Akamaru
Ippudo is a renowned and highly popular ramen chain in Japan. The level of authenticity they bring to Malaysia is impressive, even when compared to their establishments in Japan. While their original Hakata-style ramen, the Shiromaru, is delicious, it's rather standard. Personally, I would recommend their more impactful Akamaru ramen.
KANBE
Specialty: Ramen
Location: Mont Kiara, TRX
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation: Tonkotsu ramen
Kanbe Ramen is often hailed as the strongest contender in Kuala Lumpur's ramen scene. Not only is their ramen delicious, but they also maintain the quality of their menu, service, and restaurant ambiance to match those in Japan. It's been open for over two years, and it still consistently draws long queues. Clearly, everyone wants to savor authentic Japanese ramen prepared by Japanese chefs.
Hanabi
Specialty: Mazesoba
Location: Sri Petaling
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation: Mazezoba
If you're looking for mixed noodles in KL, this is the place to be. It's a popular restaurant in Kuala Lumpur where the seats are always filled during meal times.
Sukiya🇯🇵
Specialty: Gyudon
Locations: Mid Valley, Bukit Jalil, etc.
Halal Status: Halal
My recommendation:：Gyudon + Half boiled egg
Sukiya is a well-known Japanese gyudon (beef bowl) chain. With Yoshinoya's exit from Malaysia due to COVID-19, Sukiya is the best Japanese-based gyudon chain that has obtained Halal certification. This achievement deserves special recognition, and their gyudon is highly recommended.
Densetu No Sutadonya
Specialty: Pork Bowl
Location: Pabulika Mont Kiara
Halal Status: Non Halal
The legendary Sutadon, loved by hungry young male students in Japan, has come to Malaysia. The founder started the restaurant with the idea of "giving young people cheap and tasty food to eat a lot." It first opened in Bukit Bintang but moved to Publika with a better menu and lower prices.
Gindaco🇯🇵
Specialty: Takoyaki
Locations: Bukit Bintang, Soraris, etc.
Halal Status: Halal
Gindaco, a famous takoyaki chain from Japan, has expanded to Malaysia. They maintain a level of quality that is almost indistinguishable from their Japanese counterparts while obtaining Halal certification. This is a must-try for Muslims interested in Japanese cuisine.
Hoshino Coffee 🇯🇵
Specialty: Cafe
Locations: Mid Valley, Lalaport BBCC
Halal Status: Halal
My recommendation:：Chicken Katsu Curry
Hoshino Coffee, a Japanese coffee chain, has expanded with Halal certification in Malaysia. Although known for coffee, their overall food quality is high. The Chicken Katsu Curry is a standout dish, offering the flavors of standard Japanese curry rice with crispy chicken katsu.
YAYOI🇯🇵
Specialty: Japanese Cuisine
Locations: Bukit Bintang, Mid Valley, etc.
Halal Status: No Pork, No Alchol
YAYOI has opened outlets in Malaysia with consideration for Muslims. While they do not have Halal certification, their "Yayoi Gozen" set, which includes a variety of side dishes, is a recommended option. The inclusion of their popular Chicken Nanban dish in this set is highly praised.
Yayoi Gozen
Chiquyo
Specialty: Japanese Cuisine
Location: Petaling Jaya
Halal Status: food menus don’t contain pork/alcohol but serves alcohol separately.
My recommendation:：Chikuyo Zen
Chiquyo is a Japanese set meal restaurant located on the 4th floor of Amcorp Mall, it offers generous portions and excellent value for money. Despite not having Japanese owners, the ambiance and the friendly staff make you feel the Japanese spirit. Their tempura and salmon sashimi are customizable options, but their freshly fried tempura is especially recommended.
OZEKI
Specialty: Japanese Cuisine
Locations: KLCC
Halal Status: Non Halal
OZEKI offers an extensive menu of high-quality Japanese dishes. They have a clean and elegant dining environment suitable for everyday meals, business meetings, and celebrations. Their specialty, delicious hamburg steak, is a must-try, and their prices, especially for the set menu at RM42, are quite reasonable.
Teppan-style Oroshi Hamburg
Edoichi
Specialty: Japanese Cuisine
Locations: Soraris, Bangsar South
Halal Status: Non Halal
Silver cod, known as "Gindara," is the king of seafood when it comes to grilling. The quality of this fish is so high that it needs minimal seasoning—simply grilled with salt is the way to go.
As an Edoichi fan, I also recommend trying their Salomon Toro Teriyaki Jyu. It has a crispy exterior and a tender interior, making it incredibly delicious.
Gindara
Kinsankichi
Specialty: Japanese Cuisine
Location: Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
Personally, Nishikichi is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Malaysia. It's been serving customers in Sri Hartamas for 23 years. While there are no Japanese staff, they provide a dining experience that Japanese people would appreciate.
Dashi Dining Saya
Specialty: Japanese Cuisine
Location: Lot 10 Bukit Bintang
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation:：Combo plate
For those looking to enjoy everyday Japanese cuisine, we recommend Saya, the deli located at Lot 10. In the dining area, they offer a plate where you can choose a main dish along with two side items. You have the option to customize the side dishes, and for an additional charge, you can even pick your favorite side dishes from the deli section across the way.
Shakariki432
Location: Pablika, Sri Hartamas
Halal Status: Non Halal
My recommendation:：Negi Umatan
This Japanese restaurant from Osaka has become extremely popular in Thailand. Their success in Thailand is a testament to their excellence, as every dish on their menu has been delicious. The Negi Umatan, their signature dish, is especially recommended.
