Sushi might be a simple dish, but there’s no denying that the profound textures and flavours – from the natural sweetness of fish and the fragrant mix of vinegar and rice to the pungent notes of wasabi and umami from the soy sauce – complement each other perfectly. If you’re planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, here’s where to find the best sushi in KL.
Sushi chefs will tell you that the most fundamental element in sushi-making is rice. The right balance of vinegar, fluffy rice and fresh ingredients stretches a long way. The way the chefs explore and prepare sushi is limitless and these creative renditions stem from the fine art of sushi-making, which take years, if not decades to perfect. And while nothing beats having these bite-sized morsels in Japan, these sushi chefs in KL have really stepped up their game to offer some of the best versions in the country, many of which have opened their own sushi bars in the Malaysian capital.
Nevertheless, there are two types of diners in a sushi bar or omakase restaurant – one that sticks to tradition and one that combines non-Japanese ingredients. These sushi bars in Kuala Lumpur know how to please the crowd with unique sushi menus that harp on taste, artistry and creativity, especially establishments like Sushi Ryu and Sushi Oribe, which have put together solid menus that combine traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
Book your stay at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel via Agoda
Book your stay at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel via Booking.com
Related Stories
7 places for the best sushi in KL today:
- Address Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 3-2181 1533
- Address G7(A), Ground Floor, Four Seasons Place, 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 3-2383 0272
Well known for serving “the best sushi in KL” by avid sushi lovers across the country is Sushi Taka –and we’re not surprised. It’s the first venture out of Tokyo by Chef Takashi Saito of Tokyo’s three-Michelin-star Sushi Saito fame. Located in the prestigious St Regis KL, this upmarket sushi-ya prides itself on serving the freshest and most seasonal fish flown in from Japan, each deftly worked into sushi rice that also heralds from a town in Niigata. Opt for the omakase menu – which includes nigiri sushi, appetisers and sashimi – for the best experience. A well-curated sake list also awaits here.
(Image credit: Sushi TAKA)
- Address The St. Regis, TAKA , Level 3A, 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 12-330 3600
Tucked in the quaint neighbourhood of Jalan Kasah, Haru Japanese Restaurant has been around for several years serving gourmet sushi creations and Japanese staples like grilled fish, maki rolls and more. If you’re looking for variety, there aren’t many items on the menu but the ones that are on the list are good enough to impress. Pair your sushi with a good selection of sake.
(Image credit: Haru Japanese Restaurant)
- Address No. 124A, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 3-2011 8783
If you loved the work of Chef Ori-san at Sushi Hinata and Oribe, you’ll want to make a beeline for this one. Made with the same attention to quality and detail, Sushi Ori uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients, which naturally results in one of the best sushi in KL. You’ll experience elements of classic Japanese cuisine here, from sushi rolls and traditional Edo-style sushi bites to one of the silkiest chawanmushi you’ll ever taste. It’s worth going for the omakase menu here for the best experience.
(Image credit: @jitwei/Instagram)
- Address Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 3-2110 0068
Another sushi bar with Michelin-starred credentials is Sushi Azabu, which has already earned a star at its New York City establishment. The KL outpost also flies their seafood fresh from Japan twice times a week and has created a loyal fanbase for its elegant bites. A selection of seasonal nigiri, hand rolls, and tempura await if you order the omakase here.
- Address 4F Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 12-789 8632
Inarguably one of the most popular sushi restaurants in KL, Sushi Oribe is well-versed in the art of Japanese delicacy. The chefs here handcraft every piece with the utmost care, using seasonal ingredients like Seiko snow crabs and even shirako (cod sperm) to great effect. The polished omakase set here comes with a hearty mix of appetiser, speciality sushi, steamed egg custard sushi roll, miso soup and dessert.
(Image credit: Sushi Oribe)
- Address Vipod Residences, Ground Floor Block C-1, No 6, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 16-299 4417
Shop the best travel experience here
This story first appeared here.
(Hero and featured image credit: Sushi Oribe)
Related: 7 Best Japanese Buffets For Unlimited Sashimi And Sushi In KL And Selangor
Written By
