Sri Hartamas' Best: Japanese Places

The first Malaysian outpost of a Shibuya-based restaurant of the same name, Yoshinari's allure is in its customisable lunch sets. Invite a colleague and park yourselves at the counter seats — it's the closest experience you'll get to lunching at their Shibuya train station outlet for now. The set is reasonably priced at RM30.02 and comes with an impressive list of mains, from moist and delicious grilled mackerel to creamy salmon croquette and lightly battered fried chicken. While we'd be more than happy to select just one main, the set offers you a choice of two! Also expect steamed vegetables and seaweed on the side, next to the staple rice and miso soup.
Avg Price: RM35
Photo by Burppler SY Ho

With its dim lights and casual vibes, Nonbei beckons for after-work drinks with a friend or two. The restaurant and bar, run by a Japanese couple, manages to keep both their menu and top-notch service in line with Japan's stringent standards. Try the Curry Udon (RM20), tasty in its stew-like manner and made complete with melt-in-your-mouth pork slices. To go with that toasty bowl of curry, order a glass of Shochu (RM23). Served over ice, the distilled spirit has a refreshing yet warming effect to calm the nerves after a hard day's work. Drinking often awakens the munchies and Nonbei offers the perfect solution with the Kushiyaki Mori (RM26), a tantalising chef-curated skewer platter.
Avg Price: RM50
Photo by Burppler Tiffany Ng

Dishing out one of KL’s more exciting selections of premium meats, Gyukingu (it means king of beef) certainly deserves its name. The arsenal here comprises of Saga Beef (from RM153.70 per 100g) and Australian Wagyu Beef (RM106 per 100g), charcoal-grilled upon order. Originating from Kyushu Island, Saga Beef is marked by its beautiful marbling and is often considered a step up from Kobe beef — absolutely worth splurging on for special occasions! There are also delicious offerings that are kinder to the pocket, such as the Meat Set (RM86.90). Although the menu does not specify this, the set serving chicken, lamb and pork with rice and side dishes is good to fill two tummies — perfect for a sizzling hot date night!
Avg Price: RM80
Photo by Burppler Lim Rin

If Mei means beauty in Mandarin, Mei by Fat Spoon certainly lives up to its name. Sunlight spills in to create a serene space for quality time with a few friends, and there are comforting rice bowls for all. The Torched Salmon Rice Bowl (RM21) is plenty to love, especially when it gets the help of a tangy lime-chili dressing. Soothe your senses with a pot of the Hot Lemongrass & Pandan Tea (RM8), a highly underrated choice of drink. You may beam in pride of your healthy picks or you can be the one who suggests ordering Cempedak Spring Rolls (RM15) served with vanilla ice cream to share — you will likely be thanked.
Avg Price: RM35
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Alyssia Yu

Paying homage to its namesake, Nagasaki's chief attraction is without a doubt the Nagasaki Champon Noodles (RM39), a dish unique to the region in Japan. The dish of specialty seafood-topped noodles is doused in a chicken and pork broth and is good for sharing. We'd imagine that mums would appreciate the soothing dish after the tiring monotony of household chores, so bring her here for a much-deserved treat! Also good is the stir-fried alternative, Nagasaki Sara-Udon (RM39). Happy hour runs many hours between noon to 7pm on weekdays, during which Suntory's Malt goes for only RM18. We are sure Mum would approve, and trust us when we say the drink is best enjoyed with a Pork Skewer (RM6)!
Avg Price: RM45
Photo by Burppler Emily C.

The next time you pass by Burger King along Jalan 24/70A in Sri Hartamas, double back to find hidden gem Momotalo Yakiniku next door. The restaurant serves value lunch sets that guarantee a meal fresh off the grill! Enjoy the quiet ambience with your partner, while basking in the crew's quick and tentative service. Thinly sliced and grilled to tender perfection, the Tenderloin Set (RM26) is a clear winner when had with their special miso dipping sauce, while the Eel Set (RM30) gets you bang for your buck with sizable, soy-glazed unagi pieces. Each set includes a side salad, kimchi, pickled cucumbers, rice and tea. If you avoid barbecue joints because of the unpleasant smoky smell, you'll be delighted to know that these guys will gladly get the grilling done in the back, which most patrons opt for.
Avg Price: RM30
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

It may be a hassle navigating through Plaza Damas to find this fish market-style restaurant but Uokatsu's fresh seafood offerings will prove worthy. Crowd favourites include their Butan Ebi (fresh shrimp, RM19) that frequently sells out and the gleaming Ocean Trout Salmon Belly (from RM25). Early birds will also get a taste of authentic Japanese mornings with their Japanese Breakfast Set (RM16) — rice, miso soup, onsen egg and a handful of side dishes from pickles and seaweed. The small establishment often bustles with the chitter-chatter of regulars so bring a friend and join in!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

Located in Glomac Galeria, this restaurant greets you with modern furnishings and suspended lights — a swanky look for the Japanese place. Dining alone can be a troubling thought, so look to Gin-Za for its menu well-suited to ease single diners. Take a spin on their Sushi Set (RM30 for 10 pieces), especially good if you enjoy variety, with salmon, prawn and squid sushi in the mix. Freshness is well-assured here. Alternatively, huddle over the individual Pork Shabu Shabu (RM40). The wholesome hotpot set comes with your choice of rice or udon, veggies and bubbling broth.
Avg Price: RM45
Photo by Burppler Emily C.