3 Japanese restaurants in KL for every craving

Save

Share 0

吉隆坡日式料理居酒屋

Hoshiki's third outlet on Old Klang Road feels more like a relaxed after-work izakaya than a formal Japanese restaurant. Built around charcoal-grilled skewers and sashimi, with a drinks list centred on highballs, it reads as a place to unwind after the day rather than a sit-down dinner destination.

【Attraction Tickets】Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur Ticket

Available 2026-09-03

HKD 41 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】2026 Malaysia MotoGP World Motorcycle Grand Prix Sepang Circuit Ticket

Available 2026-10-31

HKD 287 Start

Book now

The kitchen revolves around fire. Whole prawns are grilled over open charcoal, and the skewer menu features chicken thigh with leeks, crispy grilled chicken skin and the house-favourite pork belly kushiyaki — dishes that work best shared around a table as drinks are refilled and conversation loosens.

Around that core sit typical izakaya plates: salmon belly sashimi, yellowtail and tuna, nori tacos sashimi (the ladies' top pick, according to the man behind Hoshiki) and plenty more, giving the menu enough range to keep a group interested. The torched salmon belly sushi topped with ikura and tobiko is often the most-photographed dish before it's eaten — a sign of how well it presents.

The wider menu also covers yakitori and kushiyaki, ramen and udon in savoury broths, rice donburi, fresh sashimi, maki, tempura and other sharing-friendly Japanese sides, making it easy to build a substantial meal without drifting into fine-dining territory.

What sets Hoshiki apart is its drinks positioning. The list is centred on highballs, led by a Signature Highball made with Suntory Kakubin or Dewar's Japanese Smooth, served with lemon wedges and ice-cold soda. The brand says the highball outsells beer at its Damansara Uptown and Taipan, Subang outlets.

Beers include Heineken, Kirin draught and Guinness, alongside Japanese cocktails, shochu, sake, gin and whiskies. The highball range extends to mega mugs, set deals and happy-hour bundles, plus flavoured shochu options such as plum, lemon, grapefruit and strawberry gin.

Open noon to midnight with an average spend of RM30–RM60 per person, Hoshiki Old Klang Road sits in a comfortable middle ground — more elevated than a kopitiam, less formal than a white-tablecloth restaurant, and designed for anyone who wants charcoal, sashimi and a well-made highball in one stop.

Niji Sushi Izakaya, Bukit Bintang

Japanese cuisine is often associated with precision and restraint, and Niji Sushi Izakaya embraces both while serving a menu that feels comforting rather than intimidating. From beautifully plated sushi to hearty rice dishes, it strikes a balance between traditional flavours and approachable dining.

The meal opens strongly with the Five Kinds Obanzai (RM50), a colourful assortment of small Kyoto-style side dishes that shows off the kitchen's attention to detail. Each bite offers something different, from lightly pickled vegetables to delicately seasoned proteins — an ideal introduction to the menu.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the Maguro Set (RM60) and Salmon Set (RM60), both featuring thick, fresh sashimi slices alongside rice, miso soup and sides. For a wider tasting, the 10 Kind Sushi Set (RM120) delivers a satisfying mix of nigiri and inari, each piece highlighting the freshness of the imported ingredients.

The Niji Signature Roll (RM43) is a more indulgent option, packed with bold flavours for diners who prefer modern sushi creations. Equally impressive is the Chef's Tempura Platter (RM68), where lightly battered prawns and vegetables stay crisp without feeling greasy.

The standout surprise, however, is the Salmon & Ikura Oyako Kamameshi (RM60). Served in an iron pot, the rice arrives fragrant and fluffy, soaking up the richness of the salmon and the briny bursts of ikura — a comforting dish that rewards patience as its flavours deepen while it rests.

For a quieter dining experience in the city centre, Niji Sushi Izakaya stands out with its refined menu, where fresh produce and flavours speak for themselves.

100 Hours Curry, MyTown Shopping Centre

True to its name, 100 Hours Curry builds its reputation on a curry sauce simmered for 100 hours, producing a rich, deeply savoury flavour that sets it apart from typical Japanese curry. Thick, velvety and mildly sweet with a gentle warmth, the curry is the star whatever it accompanies.

The Chicken Katsu with Omelette Curry Rice (RM31.90 regular) is an easy crowd-pleaser. The golden panko-coated chicken stays juicy beneath its crisp exterior, while the fluffy omelette softens every bite — a comforting combination that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Seafood lovers should try the Creamy Tomato Shrimp with Omelette Curry Rice (RM31.90 regular), a refreshing twist on the classic. The tomato adds a subtle tang that brightens the rich curry, while the prawns stay tender; the creamy sauce complements rather than overpowers, for a well-balanced dish.

A pleasant surprise is the Wagyu Beef Stew (RM23.90, half portion). Despite its modest size, the slow-cooked beef is fork-tender, each piece melting into the intensely flavoured gravy — excellent as a side or a light meal on its own.

Generous portions, comforting flavours and consistently well-executed dishes make 100 Hours Curry an easy recommendation for anyone craving authentic Japanese curry with real depth and richness.