Desa Sri Hartamas' new i Yakiniku brings blazing boldness to the Japanese charcoal-grilling game in KL, marrying meticulous flair with modern fun.
From Wagyu Platters that promise the sizzling succulence of Japanese and Australian A5 wagyu beef to the Ikura Donburi that's generously jewelled with salmon roe, scooped with cheerful chants of ‘Oisa’ (Japanese for 'Here we go!”), dinner here is a delight.
i Yakiniku remains true to time-honoured Japanese grilling, relying on binchotan charcoal to sear each cut evenly and seal in juices, naturally infusing the meat with deep, pristine flavour.
Clean and cosy, this fresh-faced restaurant has been steadily trending since its soft launch in May. Its attentively friendly team springs up with synchronised shouts to greet guests, setting the stage for an energetic feast.
Beer enthusiasts, take note: i Yakiniku is a Suntory Kami-awa (神泡) Certified Restaurant, officially certified by Suntory Japan for serving premium draft beer that meets the highest “Kami-awa” (creamy foam) quality standards.
Patrons have plenty of picks at i Yakiniku, including individual servings of everything from thick-cut beef tongue to pork cheeks and chicken hearts.
For a convenient choice, the Wagyu Platter (RM298) is perfect for beef connoisseurs to share.
This beautifully marbled platter boasts the chefs' daily selection of four premium cuts, featuring both Australian and Japanese A5 wagyu.
The exact cuts vary each day. During our visit, we relished ribeye cap, rump, skirt and sirloin.
Each bite highlights distinctive textures with luscious umami, showcasing the rich spectrum of wagyu indulgence.
Take the reins at the grill and enjoy the hands-on experience. The perceptive team is always nearby with enthusiastic support and a sharp eye for details to elevate your dining journey.
Seafood is a speciality too. Firm-fleshed, full-bodied tiger prawns (RM38 for six) surface plump and pristine, with passionately smouldering kisses from the heat to coax out their natural sweetness with subtle smokiness. Scallops, squid and oysters are also available.
A colourful cast of Assorted Side Dishes (RM28) offers a palate-cleansing lift, with hearty possibilities like wakame with onions, seasoned beansprouts and chives with sesame dressing.
Don't miss the Ikura Donburi (RM98), i Yakiniku's now-famous signature, where the restaurant's team and customers together call out 'Oisa!' (Japanese for 'Here we go!” or “Coming right up!”) while the glistening orange orbs are scooped on the warm rice. It's extravagantly comforting with so much ikura popping with briny brilliance in every mouthful.
Aromatically soulful, the Clam Soup with Garlic (RM28) is a spirit-soothing, heartwarming bowl, brimming with chubby clams, bursting with garlicky gorgeousness.
Conclude with the Caramelised Brioche Toast (RM28), golden slices of lightly crisped bread with a gentle sugariness, pillowy at their melt-in-the-mouth core.
Fun fact: i Yakiniku has the prestigious status of a Suntory Kami-awa Certified Restaurant, formally recognised by Suntory Japan for serving draft beer at the highest standard.
Kami-awa (神泡) refers to the ultra-fine, silky foam that crowns each beer with a velvety texture, reminiscent of milk froth, with an ideal golden beer-to-foam ratio of about 7:3. This foam preserves the beer’s freshness, aroma and flavour, while preventing oxidation. It ensures a smooth, crisp experience to the final sip, often leaving behind an “Angel Ring," a lacy trace on the glass that represents the perfect pour.
i Yakiniku's certification is backed by practice. The restaurant uses official Suntory draft beer machines, trains its staff in specialised Japanese pouring techniques, cleans its tap lines daily and consistently upholds the Kami-awa standard.
i Yakiniku
41-G, Wisma CKL, Jalan 23/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.
Open Monday-Friday, 5pm-1am; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-1am.
Open Monday-Friday, 5pm-1am; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-1am.
WhatsApp: 012-688-4766
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