We have sushi joints and ramen houses everywhere in KL these days. So what’s next? Izakaya. These casual Japanese restaurants have been mushrooming in the Klang Valley and a few Japanese restaurants have also started adding izakaya sections to their menus.
Izakaya, according to Wikipedia, is “a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks.” Sounds like a Japanese pub or tavern with finger food to us! Shuraku is a izakaya house 居酒屋 located just above Maybank on level two in Solaris Mont Kiara. It has become a popular hangout for the working crowd and youngsters.
The space is small but cozy and friendly. Looking up at the Japanese decoration and listening to Japanese music playing in the background makes you feel like you are in Japan.
The menu offers some adventurous new small plates that aren’t available at a conventional Japanese restaurant. Our meal began with a round of cold beer followed by something light – maguro natto (RM12) or sliced raw tuna topped with fermented beans. The natto had a slightly fermented flavour and a slithery texture but it was actually quite tasty when eaten together with the coarsely chopped tuna tartare.
Nasu dengaku (RM14), baked eggplant with miso bean paste, was next. The baked egg plant’s dense flesh made for a soft, velvety puree. We also like how the miso bean paste gave it a light and sweet flavour.
Shuraku’s range of kushi yaki (grilled items on stick) is extensive and ranges from RM5 to RM7 per portion. We tried the asparagus with pork (RM7) and pork belly (RM7), and everyone gave their two thumbs up. The pork belly was very good. It was fatty with streaks of meat and melted right in the mouth. We also ordered the okonomiyaki with mix seafood and pork (RM26) to fill up our tummy.
True to the spirit of a Iiakaya, Shuraku also offers a full bar, including a decent selection of sakes, Japanese beers and spirits. We recommend Shuraku for its delicious food, chilled-out vibe and friendly service. It is frequented by quite a number of Japanese expats – always good sign for a Japanese izakaya!
Shuraku (located right above Maybank)
Address: 13-2, Jalan Solaris Mont Kiara 1, Solaris Mont Kiara,
Off Jalan Duta Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-6203-0561
Opening Hours:
Tues – Sat 6pm – 12.30am,
Sun 5pm – 11.15pm (
Closed on Mondays)
GPS Coordinates: 3.175139,101.65952
Non-halal
