Malaysians love their Japanese food and there’s a lot of it to go around. Whether it’s the freshest salmon sashimi or charcoal-fired yakitori to go down with a boozy highball, finding delicious Japanese grub is almost as easy as locating a mamak for a Maggi goreng. But the prices between the two aren’t comparable, and your wallet may not be as amenable despite how intense the craving for Japanese food is. Thankfully, there are affordable Japanese restaurants in KL where you can satiate your appetite without putting a strain on your finances.
The Affordable Japanese Restaurants In KL You Need To Know
Sushi, donburi, ramen, and more.
1. Sushi Mentai
Sushi Mentai is one of the most recognisable affordable Japanese restaurants in KL with chains all over the country. Despite the low prices, it doesn’t skimp on good quality ingredients with each sushi made fresh daily on the premises using imported seafood. Aside from conveyor belt sushi with prices starting at RM2.80, you’ll also find ramen and rice bowls on the menu if you’re looking for something more substantial.
Address, Opening Hours & Contact: Refer to website for full list and details
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2. Sushi Jiro
Sushi Jiro operates in a similar fashion to the previous Sushi Mentai, but the sushi here is priced at a flat rate of RM3.68 per plate regardless of the ingredients used. That means whether it’s unagi mentai or salmon belly, you’ll be shelling out the same amount. Moreover, the set meals are generously portioned with side dishes for a satisfying but food coma-inducing work lunch.
Address, Opening Hours & Contact: Refer to website for full list and details
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Related: What To Eat In Mid Valley City If You’re Hungry And Don’t Know Where To Go
3. Shin Zushi
Long lines are common at a Shin Zushi outlet. Among the latest affordable Japanese restaurant chains in KL, diners are willing to wait up to an hour for the value bento sets. For instance, the Buta Shogayaki Teishoku (stir-fried sliced pork with ginger sauce) that comes with rice, soup, salad, chawanmushi, and fruits is priced at only RM23. Which is quite a steal for what you get!
Address: Ground Floor, No.11, Jalan Jalil Jaya 7 Jalil Link, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Sat – Sun: 11.30am – 9pm
Contact: 014-950 9946
4. Sanuki Udon
Taman Desa folks know Sanuki Udon as an affordable Japanese restaurant in KL for decadent RM10 udon noodles. In fact, almost everything here doesn’t cross the 10 ringgit bracket, even for the tsukemen that’s often a pricey order at most places. The sides, which include yakitori and agedashi tofu, are gentle on the budget too.
Address: 1st floor, 25A, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Tues – Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Contact: 03-7980 3704
5. Chiba Ramen
If Sanuki Udon is where you get cheap udon, Chiba Ramen is where you get cheap ramen. With prices falling between RM10 and RM15, you’ll enjoy slurp-worthy broths topped with rich proteins like roasted pork or tempura sans the guilt of paying more than you should. If you’re not feeling noodles, the RM7.50 rice bowls are packed with delicious carbs and perfect onsen eggs.
Address: No. 105 Blk P/F Taman Cheras, Lorong Durian, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Mon – Wed: 10am – 3pm, 5pm – 6pm
Fri – Sun: 10am – 3pm, 5pm – 6pm
Contact: 011-1182 2281
6. Sakura Sushi
An affordable Japanese restaurant in KL to suit every occasion, Sakura Sushi has everything from RM1.70 sushi plates and RM10.50 salmon sashimi to bento sets for RM15.30 per pop. Set in a casual setting across multiple locations in KL, diners will feel at ease satisfying their Japanese food cravings on a budget. If you’re taking out, the sushi bundles are great for feeding a small party.
Address, Opening Hours & Contact:
Pandan Indah
No 69, Jalan Pandan Indah 4/3A, 55100 Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 11am – 9pm
03-4287 9779
Cheras
20, Jalan Midah 3, Taman Midah, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 11am – 8.45pm
03-9133 8718
7. Empire Sushi
Empire Sushi is great for quick meals if you’re pressed for time but still want sushi. Just peep through the glass counter, pick out your order, and choose to dine in or take away. The ordering process is seamless as the sushi is pre-made and sold at economical prices from as low as RM1.60. But don’t discount the convenience for mediocrity because the restaurant keeps to high food quality standards, using fresh premium ingredients and sauces for each sushi.
Address, Opening Hours & Contact: Refer to website for full list and details
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8. Sushi Hiro
A contemporary spin on Japanese cuisine, Sushi Hiro specialises in wallet-friendly premium sushi. Think RM1.90 or RM2.90 a piece for salmon, mackerel or tuna. Apart from the impressive selection of sushi, there are satisfying main meals in the form of nabemono and donburi at acceptable prices.
Address: 77, Jalan Radin Bagus, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 9.15pm
Contact: 03-9547 4576
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These Affordable Japanese Restaurants In KL Won’t Break The Bank
And there we have it—a list of affordable Japanese restaurants in KL to fill you up when the purse strings are tight. These spots are by no means hidden or unpopular, so we recommend making reservations or showing up early if you’re dining during peak hours.
Got extra moolah to splurge? Spend it on bottomless Japanese buffets or the best luxurious omakase experiences that money can buy.
