Mid Valley's Best: Japanese Joints

Experience the best of Japan and Thailand at your next group dinner destination, BBQ Town. In this tantalising spot, buffet begins at a bargain of RM32.80 for lunch and RM39.80 for dinner. The warmth of Japanese shabu-shabu coupled with flaming Thai BBQ is a surefire win on rainy nights, even if it means forking out a few more ringgit! Tables are equipped with their two-in-one boiler and grill, which allows you to sear your meat in the centre while any excess oil trickles down to boost the flavours of the soup and its boiling contents. Get your choice of lamb, chicken, beef, prawns or vegetables cooking, and pick up the ready-made sushi for starters! If the heaty meal gets to you, cool off with the complimentary green tea or chocolate ice cream.
Avg Price: RM35
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Ben Gee

Tsukemen is the variation of ramen that involves dipping cold noodles into a separate bowl of soup and it is typicaly served through summer (that's all the time in KL). Whittle your choices down to the cooling Kakuni Tsukemen (RM36) or the warm, milky Kakuni Tonkotsu (RM34.80) — both are delicious and feature their signature braised pork belly. A fairly new name in the ramen scene, these bowls hit the spot with their ginormous portions and umami-packed flavours. But what really sets this shop apart from its ramen rivals is the option to halve your noodles for additional chashu and nori (Japanese seaweed) — what better way to quell the noodle overkill than with more tasty toppings to keep you craving!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Jennifer Teow

Joining forces to serve the megamall's hungry hordes, power duo Yoshinoya & Hanamaru dishes out delicious dons and udons under one roof. The one-bowl meals are not just budget-friendly, they're also made to accommodate quick stopovers, like when you're on your shy-of-an-hour lunch break. The tender beef slices gilded with runny yolk in Yoshinoya's Ontama Beef Bowl (from RM13.80) tick all the boxes of comfort food, as does the creamy Curry Udon (from RM10) from the Hanamaru end of the self-service joint — there, you will also find a smorgasbord of tempting sides like Tempura Prawns (RM6), Chicken Karaage (RM4) and even a filling snack, Onigiri (from RM4). With over 13 types of freshly made udon and 20 rice bowls to choose from, this is earning a place in our list of regular lunch spots!
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burppler Joelle Chew

If you ever chance upon Ozen Zanmai without a queue, run in before the miracle's lost! The casual diner is no less popular than its peers under the Super Sushi group — the people who brought you Sushi Zanmai and Rakuzen. Its menu spans usual Japanese suspects and while few are particularly distinctive, all bear top-notch quality at reasonable prices. For those working in a mall that often makes it difficult to lunch within a budget, this is the dream. Eat your vegetables — no one said they can't be deep-fried. The Kakiage Don (from RM13.80) centres on batter-fried vegetables with prawns atop a bed of Japanese rice. Another favourite is the Chicken Katsu Curry Rice (from RM15.80), which sees breaded chicken cutlet in a lagoon of slightly spicy Japanese curry that's just waiting to be mopped up with rice!
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler SY Ho

At internationally-acclaimed Hakata Ippudo, piping hot bowls of rich, pork bone broth ramen are no 'soup-rise' and the prime time to get one is when lunch hour swings around! The weekday lunch set treats you to their signature ramen plus an appetiser platter for only RM31.90. Of the five flavours available, the Karaka-men wins our vote for its invigorating spicy miso and crunchy cashew nuts. Noodles aside, sides here are tasty enough to stand on their own. Bite into the soft pillows of an Ippudo Pork Bun (RM8) — mouthwatering Chinese-style braised pork belly mantou — or indulge in the silken smooth folds of the Spicy Boiled Gyoza (RM14). With world-famous reputation comes premium price tags, but also assured quality that you'll want to splurge your lunch money on!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Camille Ng

Why argue over what to order when you can leave your meal in the hands of a knowledgeable chef? Put your money where it's worth for a stress-free dinner date! However, be warned that this is one to save up for — dinner begins at RM220 and breaches RM450 for the 10-course degustation menu. With this style of dining, innovative surprises make the meal and Yokohama-born executive chef Fukuchi excels in the department. Exotic ingredients like foie gras, Spanish mackerel and fresh cuts of sashimi come together to take you on a gastronomic journey through modern Japan, with a sweet finale — think jelly, mochi and ice cream. Pro tip: Although located in the Gardens mall, it is easier to access the hidden restaurant through the entrance of The Gardens Hotel next door.
Avg Price: RM250
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

Set on a frequented junction in Mid Valley, Sushi Q is a true blue Japanese kiosk-style stop for takeaway sushi. For mid-day hankerings, detour here for the tempting array of freshly made makis and nigiris in the chiller. The Salmon Mentai is a steal at RM2.80, along with other offerings from RM1.80 a pop. If you prefer your grab-and-go a little heartier, there's the Sushi Sashimi Deluxe (RM21.80) — quick picks that include selections from broiled prawn sushi to salmon sashimi. Limited seats are available, if you feel the need to sit down, but we suggest taking it home or back to the office so you can take your time savouring the meal!
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burppler Emily C

Here's a go-to for sumptuous Japanese food that's remained unchanged throughout the years — after all, the restaurant has been established since the mall's opening in 1999. The authentic Japanese vibes, spacious seatings and incredibly varied menu make this just the place to please your dinner party! Set meals, like the hearty Chicken Teppanyaki Set (from RM23) that doesn't disappoint, are the draw here. While traditional favourites dominate the menu, there are also dishes for those with modern appetites. The Tori Teriyaki Spaghetti (RM25) is a great example, pairing stir-fried spaghetti with the classic teriyaki chicken and onsen egg (yes!). Selections from the seasonal menu also make it to the cut of things to order, with fresh-flown sashimi sets from RM148 that offers bluefin tuna, salmon, amberjack and more.
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Serene Tan

If the thought of solo dining unnerves you, do it at Teppanyaki where company comes in the form of a constantly cooking chef by the table. Watching somebody else's food sliced and seared before your eyes has a way of arousing the appetite, so order up! The Chicken Teppanyaki gets you bang for your buck, serving a mountain of cubed chicken, rice, mixed vegetables and tableside entertainment for only RM12.90. If it's any indication that this is worth ordering, look around you to find that most patrons are delving into the same dish. Wash it all down with a glass of cold Green Tea (RM1.50) and give yourself a pat on the back on your way out for getting through a meal alone (and for under RM15!).
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tracey Wong