“Craving for some seriously good Japanese food right now” “Let’s go back to the usual Japanese restaurant.” If you’re tired of the same old Japanese restaurant and are looking for some new scenes, then look no further than J’s Gate Dining. Most KL-ites are no stranger to this Japanese food heaven, but still, we’re here to guide you through their restaurants one by one, so you don’t have to do the homework.
A Little Introduction on J’s Gate Dining:
Set in the highest floor of Lot 10 Mall, J’s Gate Dining shares the same level with the ever famous Tokyo cheesecake. Its establishment itself is a unique concept in Malaysia, like have you seen 15 Japanese restaurants all housed together under the same area? Some might think these 15 restaurants are offering similar fares. Nope, each restaurant is different, so scroll down to find out more!
#1 Ichiyutei
Ichiyutei is crafted for the noodle lovers. This is where you get to slurp a bowl of authentic flavor of Fukuoka Hakata udon noodles mixed with Japanese curry sauce and Japanese soup. Their noodles are chewy and made fresh daily by the craftsmen. Fun fact, they sold over 100 bowls in an hour in Fukuoka Hakata. Good news is you don’t have to fly all the way to Japan, they opened up their first franchise here in J’s Gate Dining. We ordered the Creamy Curry Udon (RM19.90) that somehow looked like seafood/cheese cream. The flavor is so interesting, with curry flavors and a hint of mushroom creaminess.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#2 Kaisen Don Kinme
「Kaisen Don」 is a Japanese rice bowl dish which, toppings of fresh and delicious raw seafood on sushi rice. Like poke bowls, but in Japanese version. Their ingredients are freshly sourced and flown directly from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, the largest fish market in the world. We got the Salmon Don (RM18). You can definitely taste the freshness and flavors of salmon, paired together with fragrant, sweet Japanese rice. They have a wide variety of toppings available so you get to try something new each visit.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#3 Shinanoji
A 40-years long established Soba specialty chain restaurant from Wakayama in the Kaisan region, Shinanoji is a respected establishment in J’s Gate Dining. If you’ve watched how soba is made, you’ll know how much effort and passion is poured into making a good soba. Not just cold soba, Shinanoji serves a hot version of soba as well. Soba is known as a healthier option to regular noodles because they’re rich in nutrients and low fat and cholesterol. Made fresh every day, enjoy a bowl of heartwarming soba here at Shinanoji.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#4 Fuji Sakura
Inspired by the Fuji Mountain and sakura, Fuji Sakura serves Nabe cuisine. If you didn’t know, it’s an authentic Japanese hotpot cuisine that is recognized and and favored by Japanese families. Dashi (stock) is the soul of Nabe and plays an important role in bringing out the flavors in Fuji Sakura. Stick to the classic or try out their local inspired flavors. There’s a saying that “No two Nabes are the same.” Well if you’re not a fan of hotpot, Fuji Sakura recently added bento box as well.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
Read Also: 10 Best Food Near KL Sentral You’ll Surely Love
#5 Bonta Bonta
Want food that swims in your mouth? This particular restaurant in J’s Gate Dining combines two of editor’s favourite- unagi and omelette. They’re famous for their Unagi Omelette Bowl (RM21.99). Imagine this, sweet caramelized unagi on the bed of fluffy hot omelette with steamy Japanese rice. Such warm, delicious feeling will bring out the happiness in you. Delicious meal can be simple sometimes.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#6 TSUJIRI
We’re taking a break on all the good, filling mains and bringing you to desserts now. Famous for their matcha parfait, they have an interesting background. Established in 1860 by Riemon TSUJIRI in Uji Kyoto, Japan, Tsuji’s main intention was to improve the tea industry. His effort in improvising tea flavours and making the highest quality Gyokuro tea leaves were notable. Hence, you could really taste the quality and flavours of good Gyokuro tea leaves in TSUJIRI’s matcha parfait (RM16.90).
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#7 Mo-Mo-Paradise
Fancy some shabu-shabu? MoMo-Paradise might be the only restaurant in J’s Gate Dining with the “all-you-can-eat” concept. That’s right, you pay for a certain amount and dive into food paradise as much as you want. Founded in 1993, till today, Mo-Mo-Paradise has over 68 restaurants in 8 countries. They’re also crowned the title of “most popular casual Shabu-Shabu restaurant in Tokyo.” With such fame, expect great quality in return.
*NON-HALAL*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#8 Izakaya Hanazen
Hang tight, don’t leave just yet as we’re half way through the list. Izakaya Hanazen is a chicken-themed Japanese Izakaya. “Izakaya” refers to the casual dining place with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Their signature “Mizutaki”hot pot is hailed from Kyushu region, the south Japan and is now available and popular all across Japan. Or, try out their “All you can eat” Collagen Beauty Skin Hotpot (RM58.88 per pax). You might get better skin after this meal, isn’t it better than facials?
*NON-HALAL*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#9 ViTO
ViTO is an Italian-inspired gelateria cum cafe set in J’s Dining Gate. They pay attention to every single detail. From interior design to presentation, quality and ingredients, you name it. Their gelato has an extensive range of flavours, vibrant and appealing. Besides gelato, ViTO also offers artisan coffee, pizzas, panini and more to create a true Italian ambience.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#10 Torikin
Yakitori (skewer) has been widely served in Japanese restaurants over the year. Torikin is based in Fukuoka, and has its roots in “Toricho,” a renowned restaurant in Roppongi, Ginza. They have inherited the tradition and history of Toricho, as well as its sauce that has been passed down for 60 years. If you’re new to yakitori, try out their Highball Yakitori Set (Rm45) which is carefully picked for you to taste the best of the cuisine.
*NON-HALAL*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#11 Umai Sushikan
What is Japanese food without sushi? We’re finally getting into sushi topic with Umai Sushikan at J’s Gate Dining. The term “umai” refers to delicious in Japanese. Umai Sushikan strives to bring delicious dining experience at an affordable price. Their raw ingredients are air-flown from Japan and are sincerely prepared by Itamae (chef in authentic Japanese restaurant). We went a bit fancy and got ourselves the Premium Sushi Platter (RM130), one word, umami.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#12 Osaka Kitchen
A common dish that are widely available in Japan, Osaka Kitchen serves friendly, neighbourhood Osaka dishes. Known for their signature okonomiyaki, teppanyaki and yakisoba, you get to watch their chefs in action. Everything is made from scratch on the griddle in front of you.
Try their pork okonomiyaki and pair with a glass of beer, refreshingly good. We recommend trying out their Pork Okonomiyaki (RM23) which has a chewy, fluffy texture, so good.
*NON-HALAL*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#13 Kushi Age Kinme
Kushiage Kinme is Malaysia’s first skewer deep-fried shop. They have more than 30 varieties of ingredients to choose from. The rule is simple. Order at the counter, pick up what you like and they’ll deep fried it for you. When the food’s ready, pick them up and enjoy! This unpretentious spot in J’s Gate Dining is perfect for chill time or even after-meal.
*NON-HALAL*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#14 Yayoi
Japanese food’s portion can sometimes be a bit underwhelming, admit it. Sometimes you wished for a set meal that is easy to order and could fill up your stomach at the same time. Here at Yayoi is a traditional Japanese Set Meal (TEISHOKU) Restaurant. You’ll be spoilt by their choices, plus it’s a harmonious meal, you get a balanced diet. Yayoi is like the no-brainer lunch or dinner spot, and it’s pretty failproof.
*NON-HALAL*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#15 Kagura
Off to the last one, we’re back to ramen business. It’s rare to find chicken ramen when we all know regular ramen uses pork as soup base. Kagura is a chicken ramen store that serves thick, warm chicken broth noodle. Even in Kyoto, pork-free version of ramen is rare, we’re lucky to have Kagura available in J’s Gate Dining.
There is two price point, with one Premium Rich with Everything (RM18.88) that is slightly higher than the other. We recommend getting both so you could taste the difference, although we loved both of them.
*PORK & LARD FREE*
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
J’s Gate Dining
Address: P1, Level 4, Lot 10, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
What Do You Think of J’s Dining Gate?
That is sure a long food ride with us. Not only we explained to you what each restaurant is about, you get to learn some Japanese terms and interesting backgrounds as well. So tell us, have you tried any of the above? As usual, throw in your thoughts in the comments. Buh Bye!
