Have you ever wondered what Japanese food from the 17th century Edo tasted like? Japanese food has come a long way, influenced by many other nations and adopting them into the refined food you see today. Here’s a list of the 10 best Japanese restaurants in Penang to help you discover timeless Japanese cuisine.
10 Japanese Restaurants To Savour This Timeless Cuisine In Penang
1. Edo Ichi Japanese Restaurant
It is not surprising this brand has the word ‘Edo’ in its name as the food is instilled with the Edo Period’s culinary spirit and culture. Here at Edo Ichi, you will get to experience the ancient culinary mastery and seasoning essence from the Edo Period in a low-intensity and exclusive atmosphere of the present day.
Upon seated, you will be greeted with a thick book of the menu that offers exquisite dishes from Bentos to their Premium Sashimi Moriawase. At a price of RM180, this dish consists of 9 types of sashimi and our favourite Wagyu Beef (price depending on the weight).
Address: G04, G05 & G06, Island Plaza, 118, Jalan Tanjong Tokong, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 9:45pm (Monday – Thursday) & 11:30am – 9:45pm (Friday – Sunday)
Contact: (+60)4 890 3199
Status: Non-Halal
2. Hachiban Izakaya
Here in this restaurant located at Kelawai Road, you can experience the original Japanese Izakaya Fun-iki (pub or tavern atmosphere). From based Sake to the most savoury snacks. Izakaya is one of Japan’s quintessential experiences where you enjoy taking sips of your Sake in the midst of a joyful crowd.
Although the concept is similar to Spanish tapas bars, Haciban Izakaya serves more than just sake and pub grub. They have almost every Japanese dish on the menu that you can either dine-in or enjoy at home with your family through delivery.
Address: Level 1, 32 Jalan Kelawei, 10250 Pinang, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Contact: (+60)16 617 8228
Status: Non-Halal
3. Koshien Yakitori Bar
Koshien Yakitori Bar specialises in authentic grilled skewers, or yakitori. It is a hidden gem in Lebuh Noordin Georgetown. Their menu consists of 20 different skewers, all grilled with excitement to be served using charcoal imported all the way from Japan available for dine-in and takeaway.
Furthermore, there is a small collection of udon you can choose to be paired with your favourite sake served hot or cold. In addition, the Koshien Yakitori Bar environment resembles a total replication of Japanese feeling, so you may have a feeling of being in Japan without having to go to Japan!
Address: 70-1, Lebuh Nordin, 10600, Georgetown, Penang
Operating hours: 12:00pm – 3:00pm; 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: (+60)19 889 5732
Status: Pork-free
2. Dozo Japanese Restaurant
Opened its door in 2020, Dozo Japanese Restaurant from London promised to serve the finest Japanese dish in town. The menu consists of a range of Japanese food with a slightly higher price, but commensurate with their serving portion and food quality.
Their signature items include fare of fresh Sashimi no Moriawase, al dente noodles of Bibikara Ramen, and seared eel Volcano Maki. You can even go omakase (meal consisting of dishes selected by chefs) with the head chef, Hon San, here at a price starting from RM200.
Address: No. 1-1-26, 27 & 28 (Ground Floor), SummerSkye Square, Jalan Sungai Tiram 8, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30am – 8:00pm
Contact: (+60)4 608 6296
Status: Non-Halal
5. Ippudo Ramen
It is all about ramen! If you don’t know Ippudo Ramen, where have you been? Founded in 1985, Ippudo Ramen has over 200 outlets worldwide with awards from 7 countries. Their firm belief, “Keep changing to remain unchanged” has led them to create numbers of recipes that can begin their new ramen culture.
Aligned with their mission to spread “Smile” and “Arigatou” through bowls of ramen, the Egao (smile) Ramens were created in three versions with Tonkotsu (pork bones) broth; Shiromaru Special, Akamaru Special and Karaka Special. However, they are not all ramen! If you want something lighter, there are soft fluffy buns waiting for you.
Address:
- 170-G-37, 37 A, Gurney Plaza, Persiaran Gurney Plaza, 10250 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
- Lot GF-129/139, Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
Operating hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Contact:
- (+60)4 293 6998
- (+60)4 638 6998
Status: Non-Halal
6. Baby Sumo Sunshine Square
If you are looking for an affordable restaurant to satiate your cravings for sushi, Baby Sumo is one of the most affordable sushi places in Penang. It is located at Sunshine Square Penang, serving halal conveyer belt sushi from RM1.80 only.
Besides, they also offer other Japanese cuisines such as Salmon Mini Pot Teishoku, Springy glass noodles with 4 different soup bases, premium raw Sashimi Moriwase (Deluxe), Dragon Maki, Seasonal Sashimi, Okonomiyaki and many more.
Address: Sushine Square, 1, Jalan Mayang Pasir, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Contact: (+60)11 1218 6181
Status: Halal
7. Kirishima Japanese Restaurant
Kirishima Japanese Restaurant located in Cititel Penang has been operating since 1998 and is believed to serve topnotch Japanese food in Penang. Here, you will get to experience the authentic taste of traditional Japanese cuisines from ala carte to set menu selections.
Start with their hot seafood appetizer Kaki Aburi Yaki or cold Hotate Carpaccio to their famous Okinawa-Fu Tonsoku which is pork-knuckle, available in two styles – braised and deep-fried, and ends with grilled skewers – yakitori, Uzura or Buta Suji.
Address: Cititel Penang, 66, Jalan Penang, Georgetown, 10000 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 12:00pm – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Contact: (+60)4 370 0108
Status: Non-Halal
8. Kazumasa Sushi Omakase
Tired of having the same sushi served on the conveyer belt? Here at Kazumasa Sushi Omakase, you have to worry no more. Claiming to be the first-ever restaurant to present the Japanese famous Omakase tradition in Penang, Chef Ron will help you decide your every meal.
Chef Ron claims that Omakase does not only depend on the taste but also how the food is presented. Hence, seasonally fresh ingredients are picked all the way from Japan to bring out the soul of Omakase. Apart from Omakase, you can also enjoy their ala carte such as ramen, donburi and so on.
Address: 50C-1, Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 12:00noon – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Contact: (+60)18 297 1886
Status: Pork-free
9. Kushikobo Asian Bistro
Kushikobo Asian Bistro is located adjacently to Pawang Western Restaurant in Tanjung Bungah. There are two types of seating in here – counter / bar seating and table seating. Counter seats will let you experience direct cooking shows performed by the chefs.
If you think they only have Japanese food, you’re mistaken. If you visit this restaurant, make sure to try their Japanese style Kimchi, Buta Kimchee. While you’re at it, don’t forget to try their daily bento sets at a price of RM38 only.
Address: Fettes 10 50, G-1, Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact:(+60)4 890 4260
Status: Non-Halal
10. J-Garden
Last on the list is J-Garden Japanese Restaurant. This restaurant specializes in the fusion of Japanese and Western dishes. Moreover, they have a variety of pork dishes for you to try. For instance, Pork Piccata and Pork Katsudon and more.
This place would not be cut as an authentic Japanese restaurant if they do not offer classic Japanese dishes – Chicken Nanban, Menchi Katsu and Kamanver Cheese Fried and Somen where thin Japanese noodles are served cold and dipped in a cold dipping sauce.
Address: 368-1-1 Bellisa Row, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Contact: (+60)16 – 294 2239
Status: Non-Halal
Japan In Penang!
We hope that the list can guide you to discover the authentic taste of Japan in Penang without having to travel. Make sure to share this news with your friends and family. Also, if you have any other Japanese restaurants to suggest, please let us know in the comments!
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