Do you remember the first time you had sushi? Were you wary of the concept of raw meat, something unfamiliar to your culture? Or were you open to trying anything and everything? Either way, Japanese cuisine has made its way into Malaysians’ diets. It’s not uncommon for a friend or family member to suggest visiting a Japanese restaurant for dinner during the weekends.
Traditionally, many dishes are made with non-halal ingredients. Ramen is typically cooked with a rich pork broth, and teriyaki sauce usually contains mirin. Luckily for Malaysians, many places have adopted other methods of preparing those dishes without sacrificing the authentic taste of Japanese food.
So now, we have an abundance of places to go to, but how many are consistently good? The quality of the raw fish used greatly affects the taste and overall dining experience, especially if you’re feasting on sashimi, where the star of the show is just the meat itself.
If you’re on the hunt for a new spot to go to this weekend, carry on reading this list of 10 Japanese Restaurants in the Klang Valley for sushi so fresh, you can taste the ocean.
1. Sushiya
Sushiya (not to be confused with the major chain Sushi Ya) is all about premium ingredients that are fresh. The restaurant is decorated with light coloured wood and Japanese motifs to give you a sense of zen the moment you walk through their door. As it is located in Mont Kiara, the prices do reflect this more atas area, but the taste and quality of the food speaks for itself.
Everybody loves donburi, and at Sushiya, they take it to the next level. Their Premium Hokkaido Don (RM165) features every quintessential ingredient used in Japanese cuisine, like an assortment of sashimi and a generous helping of juicy fish roe that’ll pop and melt in your mouth.
The restaurant also serves delicious eats like Salmon & Ikura Don (RM65) and their Salmon Sashimi Set (RM40). Other than that, they have Aburi Engawa & Unagi Don (RM70), Ika Geso Karaage (RM25), and a selection of rolled sushi.
Block A, A-G-03, Jalan Kiara 2, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 6211 3299
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
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2. Edo Ichi
Edo Ichi is known as the first Japanese restaurant in Malaysia to adopt a true Edo Period Style. With 3 outlets in Malaysia including Bangsar South, and another in Singapore, Edo Ichi is determined to serve the best authentic Japanese cuisine to its patrons.
Fans of the cuisine are already familiar with dishes like sashimi, donburi, and nigiri. Those looking for Japanese flavours with an innovative twist should head down to Edo Ichi to try their Edo Ichi Pizza (RM38). It’s made with a homemade rice cracker and topped with salmon, eel, flying fish roe, and spicy sauce— this collaboration is something you don’t want to miss out on.
You should also check out dishes like their Ishiyaki Sutamina Una Don (RM58), a hot stone bowl dish of garlic fried rice and roasted eel, as well as their Sukiyaki (RM48), sliced beef and vegetables in a hot pot with sukiyaki sauce.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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3. Mitasu
Although Mitasu is known for their buffets, this restaurant located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur has a pretty solid à la carte menu, too. You might miss this outlet if you weren’t actively looking for it, as you’d have to walk down a flight of stairs to get to the main entrance.
For starters, Mitasu has a good selection of salads to choose from, like Sake Sashimi no Kari-Kari Kawa Salada (RM25 for large) that’s topped with raw salmon and crispy salmon skin. If you want less vegetables and more meat, the restaurant has Niku Shogayaki (RM23), pan fried slice beef in ginger sauce, and Saba Shioyaki (RM17) also known as grilled mackerel.
Sashimi galore! Have a small sashimi party with the Mitasu Sashimi Moriawase (RM150), a platter of 7 types of raw fish, specially selected by the chefs on the day itself. Of course, they also have special sushi rolls like Sake Mentai Maki (RM25) and Ebiten Tobikko Maki (RM19).
Wisma Chuang, 2506, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2110 2833
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
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4. Sushi Zanmai
Sushi Zanmai is one of those reliable Japanese places that you can find in almost every shopping mall. Even after years of operation, you still may find people in queues at some outlets, waiting to be seated. The franchise has almost 40 branches nationwide— a true testament to how well-loved they are in the country’s food scene.
Ever find yourself in a situation where you know you’re craving sushi, but can’t decide on what kind you want? If this is the predicament you’re in, you should get their Aso Sushi (RM37.80). This sushi platter comes with 12 pieces of nigiri like blue-fin tuna, broiled scallop, salmon, eel, and a cucumber roll. This way, you’ll have a wide range of options to sample from!
One good thing about Sushi Zanmai is that many of their dishes come in 2 sizes, so you can order according to your appetite. They also dishes like Miso Ramen (RM11.80-RM22.80), Tendon (RM14.80), a rice dish with assorted tempura and hot-spring egg, and Chicken Katsu Curry (RM16.80-RM25.80).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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5. Rakuzen
Similar to the franchise mentioned above, Rakuzen is another chain of Japanese restaurants with a loyal following. They have over 20 outlets scattered across the Klang Valley, each one almost always packed on the weekends.
At least once in your life, you’ve probably tried to stuff a whole slice of sashimi or sushi into your mouth only for it to fall back into your soy sauce. It’s okay to admit so, this is a safe space. Well, if you don’t want to go through that kind of trouble again, opt for their Bara Chirashi Son (RM32), a rice bowl with a variety of cube-sized seafood and vegetables.
If the goal is to walk out with a full and satisfied stomach, check out the Sushi to Mini Udon Zen (RM42) that comes with a platter of 7 types of sushi, udon, chawanmushi, vegetables, and fruits. For something to snack on, Rakuzen offers fried delicacies like Kaki Fry (RM28) and Cream Croquette (RM20).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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6. Nippon Sushi
Since 2018, Nippon Sushi has been serving halal Japanese food to Malaysians at an affordable price point. This franchise is rapidly expanding— with 19 outlets nationwide since its inception, they have no plans on slowing down and even aim to open branches in other countries.
Like other Japanese spots with conveyor belt sushi, the price of the sushi depends on the colour of the plate. Here, each plate costs between RM2.10 to RM5.40, most of which come with 2 pieces of nigiri. They have the likes of Inari Sushi (RM2.10), Spicy Salmon Mayo Sushi (RM3.20), Roasted Chicken Mentai Sushi (RM4.30) and Hana Ebiko (RM5.40).
Nippon Sushi’s menu also includes rice bowls, yakimono, noodles, and teppanyaki. Customers can feast on dishes like Prawn Teppanyaki (RM28.30), Tan Tan Ramen with Minced Chicken (RM17.20), and UnaKing (RM39.80), rolled eel sushi.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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7. Kingu Kongu
Over the past couple of years, Kingu Kongu has grown to become one of KL’s staple Japanese restaurants with a loyal customer base. The eatery is Muslim-owned and halal, so you can order to your heart’s content. If you’re wondering if their name derives from the Japanese word for “King Kong”, you’re absolutely right.
Kingu Kongu prides itself in its selection of yakitori which translates to grilled chicken. In this case however, yakitori is used as an umbrella term to refer to any form of grilled skewered meat. Some options include Smoked Duck Yaki (RM12), Black Angus Beef Teriyaki (RM16), and Baby Octopus Teriyaki (RM12).
What would happen if you combined Japanese and Malaysian flavours together? You’d get something like their Salmon Sambal Petai Maki (RM30), a sushi roll with salmon, spicy gravy, and the country’s favourite stink beans. Though, if you want a dish that’s a little less terrifying, they have Japanese Beef Patty Curry Don (RM35) and Chicken Gyoza with Szechuan Sauce (RM24).
5 & 7, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6012 871 5456
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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8. Minori
Minori is a halal-certified restaurant that luxuriates in the process of creation. Their name literally means “harvest”, so they ensure that each step in the food preparation process is carried out with care and precision. The ultimate goal is to serve authentic Japanese cuisine that’ll leave customers feeling satisfied.
Minori has a full menu, offering dishes like ramen, rice bowls, hot pot, and teppanyaki. They have Tempura Soba (RM38), Yakiniku Don (RM39), a grilled beef on rice dish, and Kaisen Chirashi Don (RM70) that features a variety of raw seafood on sushi rice.
At the mention of hot pot, you probably imagine a giant pot of simmering broth with platters of meat to be shared. Here, you can get the same experience but with a more reasonable portion. Even if you’re dining alone, try their Beef Sukiyaki/Shabu-Shabu (RM48) or the Yose Nabe (RM68) with meat and seafood.
1st Floor, Royal Chulan Damansara Hotel, No, 2, Jln PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
+6012 228 2268
Sat to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10pm
Fri: 6pm – 10pm
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9. Chakuro
Chakuro was founded by the same people who created Meatpoint, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most loved steakhouses. Also located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Chakuro is a halal Japanese restaurant that you can add to your list of makan places for a night out.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or if you’re just feeling fancy, this eatery offers customers an omakase experience like no other. For RM385, you get the chef’s recommended pairings of the day, as well as sides like an assortment of tempura, chakuro wagyu skewer, homemade potato chips, miso soup, rice, and dessert.
Not a fan of not being in control of what you eat? Fret not, as Chakura has a selection of fine meats for your own yakiniku. You can choose between Australian Premium Wagyu Tongue (RM85 for 100g), or their Assorted Premium Japanese A5 Wagyu (RM169 for 100g) that comes with 3 cuts chosen by the chefs.
36, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6012 460 4011
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
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10. Hanazen Japanese Restaurant
Located in Jaya One, Hanazen Japanese Restaurant is a casual pork-free dining spot that’s been operating for over 15 years. Even if you’ve visited Jaya One on numerous occasions, there’s no guarantee that you’ve noticed its existence as it’s tucked away in the outer areas of the mall.
Based on reviews, most customers favour their meal sets and sashimi platters. Diners who order their bento sets will not leave the premise feeling hungry or unsatisfied. An example of the meals they serve are the Sushi to Tori Teriyaki Zen (RM58) that not only comes with a full platter of sushi, but also some chicken teriyaki, chawanmushi, miso soup, and other sides.
For those wanting the full Hanazen experience, check out their Hanazen Bento (RM68) which includes tempura, sashimi, yakimono, and more. Their Sashimi to Tempura Zen (RM58) will deliver the best of both worlds with some crunchy tempura and freshly sliced sashimi.
C-43-G, Jaya One, 72A, Jln Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malays
+603 7954 8000
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
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