Japanese cuisine has come a long way and covers the regional and traditional foods of Japan. Political, economic and social changes through the centuries have affected the process and presentation of the cuisines. Today, Japanese restaurants serving Japanese cuisines can be found all over the world, including Malaysia. Here, we have listed 5 Japanese restaurants in TTDI that are loved by the locals, so be sure to give them a try if you ever pass by the area!
1. Hagi Japanese Cuisine
This sleek new Japanese restaurant in TTDI serves plenty of Japanese food varieties. Named after the Japanese fall flower with a refreshing charm, Hagi aims to induce the essence of traditional Japanese dining experiences, highlighting on freshness that blooms from every platter. You can start off your meal with their thinly sliced yet still juicy umami-spiked Kanpachi Carpaccio, and Karashi Mentaiko, which refers to solid Pollock roe.
If you’re an unagi lover, try their hitsumabushi, an eel rice bowl served in the Nagoya way – slaughtered and grilled in its own kitchen. It has to be eaten with eel sauce first, then with spring onions, wasabi and seaweed and lastly poured over with a clear dashi broth.
Address: 18, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Daily)
2. Peko Peko
Peko Peko, which means ‘famished’ in Japanese would satisfy your cravings for Japanese cuisines with a huge spectrum of crowd favourites. We recommend you to start your meal with deep-fried food, which includes soft shell crab with onsen tamago and battered chicken skin. Try one of their popular dish – ball-shaped temari topped with tuna, salmon shrimp, soft clam and yellowtail, which are all made with fresh seafood. If you love alcohol, don’t forget to order a smooth chilled sake to go along with your meal!
Address: Greens Terrace, 1-2, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5pm – 12am; Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5pm – 1am
3. Iketeru
This Japanese restaurant is managed by a well-respected Japanese Executive Chef, Ricky Kamiishi. He has built and maintained his reputation, being the best restaurant in town serving authentic Japanese cuisine. Their Japanese style interior is also specially designed, giving out calm and serene vibes.
One of their signature dishes is the ever-famous Tokushima wagyu beef, which is a grade A5 wagyu beef that is properly regulated to ensure it is premium in quality and is halal certified to suit all Malaysians. Now you know where to get the most authentic and delicious Japanese beef dish!
Address: 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Daily)
4. Niji Japanese Restaurant
Located in Bukit Kiara’s country club, Niji serves a large varieties of specialties. As a high-end restaurant, the food here is reasonably priced. One of their most popular dishes – sushi platter which consists of fresh raw fish and seafood costs RM80. Some of their rarer dishes include Aussie Crystal Bay Prawns from Queensland served in sashimi style, lovably scrumptious. Be sure to give this upscale restaurant a try for some authentic Japanese dishes!
Address: Golf & Country Club, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (Daily)
5. Hakata IPPUDO
Hakata IPPUDO is one of the most successful Japanese Ramen chains around the globe. The founder – Shigemi Kawahara holds on a philosophy that continuous innovation and creativity while remaining true is essential.
Their Tonkotsu-based ramen is made with their very own secret recipe that combines selected high- quality ingredients. Other than ramen, they also serve sushi and rice side dishes like the Salmon Avocado Bacon Roll, Unagi Cheese Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll. Now you can have a variety of different Japanese dishes in the famous ramen outlets!
Address: Lot-T218, 3rd Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10:30am – 10pm (Daily)
There you have it – the best Japanese restaurants to visit in TTDI! However, if you’re in the area but not in the mood for Japanese, check out these lunch and dinner spots in TTDI.
If you want to skip the hustle and bustle of this city instead, always remember you can order from foodpanda and have your meal delivered to you!