Like most people, I have my go-to places when it comes to Japanese food but when the option in Bangsar closed, I’m left with little options. A friend suggested dinner at Koyaku Japanese Dining in Taman Desa, which happens to be his go-to spot for sashimi and rice bowls so Jien and I went.
The place gets rather packed on a weekend so it’s best to call ahead or get there before 7.30pm. Service is alright in general but as the place fills up, things can get a bit chaotic. I had the rice bowl with karaage and mayo while Jien took the beef rice bowl.
Both were good in their own right but I would recommend going for the beef rice bowl as it’s saucier and more flavourful because of the caramelised onions. Yakitori is a popular order here as well – so we tried chicken heart, chicken thigh, soft bone and quail’s egg. Decent stuff, but I still prefer the yakitori at Fukuda.
Fans of sashimi will like that Koyaku serves them in thick slices, so you get your money’s worth. Tastewise, it’s pretty standard; fresh salmon that is firm yet melts in the mouth. I found the tempura batter a tad thick so it wasn’t as light and wispy as I wanted it to be.
That said, it was still decent enough and you get a good portion for the price you pay – somewhere between RM30-35 per platter. Koyaku also serves set lunch and dinner, which is reasonably priced so if you’re looking for good value, go for those.
Expect to pay between RM40-80 per head, depending on what you order. I find the food decent and prices are reasonable so Jien and I will be going back every now and then.
Bangsar Babe on Facebook Bangsar Babe on Instagram
Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Decent food, reasonable prices. If you’re looking for a fuss-free Japanese restaurant, try Koyaku.
Koyaku Japanese Dining
Faber Towers,
G9, Jalan Desa Bahagia,
Taman Desa,
58100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7890 0555
Business hours: noon till 3pm, 6pm till 10.30pm
Facebook Page