Kingu Kongu in Chow Kit, KL
Finding a Muslim-friendly restaurant that serves izakaya staples can be difficult, even in the Klang Valley. So, if you’ve been craving yakitori and chilled soba bowls, we found just the place for you in Kuala Lumpur – Kingu Kongu in Chow Kit, just four minutes from Quill City Mall.Â
At this Muslim-owned eatery, you can try 14 selections of grilled appetisers – from charred vegetables to skewered meat – and more in an izakaya-style space with wooden decor and booth seating.
A pork-free, izakaya-style restaurant in KL
Image adapted from: @managoingtu
Inspired by izakaya – or stay-drink-places that are commonly found on the lively streets of Japan – Kingu Kongu offers a similar after-work vibe at their restaurant sans the booze for KL-folks, so those with dietary and religious restrictions can drop by too.
Image credit: @nomorehangry
When you arrive at this pork- and alcohol-free restaurant, you’ll be greeted with rows of lanterns and wooden glass doors that’ll be hard to miss when you’re driving past the row of shoplots in the area.
Image credit: @saidatulakhyar
Coupled with wooden interiors and retro light-box posters inside this restaurant, diners will feel like they’ve stepped into an izakaya in Japan.
Image credit: @maishaxconceptual
The booth seating here offers patrons privacy while they dine on izakaya classics, with each table able to accommodate up to six in a group. If you’re dining alone, there’s also bar-style seats that are perfect for solo diners.
Feast on izakaya classics such as yakitori and soba bowls
Image credit: @kingukongu.my
A trip to an izakaya would be incomplete without ordering yakitori.
At Kingu Kongu, they have 14 selections of skewers – from grilled vegetables such as Okra Bonito Yaki (RM6) to charred meats, including their Black Angus Beef Teriyaki (RM16) and Lamb Teriyaki (RM14).
If you’re not sure what to order, we recommend ordering their yakitori platter that lets you gorge on five different skewers, KK Special Yaki Moriawase (RM48).
Image credit: @kingukongu.my
Pair your yakitori with Kingu Kongu’s house-special maki. Some must-tries are their Special Salmon Truffle Bomb (RM32) – an earthy seafood option for those who love an explosion of flavour – and Rainbow Maki (RM38), a sushi roll where the freshness of sashimi meets smooth, buttery foie gras.
Image credit: @makan.or.eat
If you’re feeling especially peckish during your visit, order their hearty noodle dishes – Cold Udon (RM28) is a simple cold noodle dish with just the right hit of umami for flavourful bites.
Image credit:@liyana_makan
To complete your dining experience at Kingu Kongu, their Tuna Tataki (RM35) – a tangy, seared tuna dish – and Spicy Lamb Miso & Wonton Skin (RM30), a spicy, savoury and crispy snack, are light bites that you can order on the side.Â
Kingu Kongu serves izakaya staples in KL
If you’re always hunting out Japanese restaurants in KL to indulge in grilled meats and more, Kingu Kongu is another place that you can bookmark. As the restaurant has a pork- and alcohol-free menu, your whole group can drop by for lunch or dinner.
Do take note that Kingu Kongu is located in the heart of KL where parking can be quite a challenge, so we recommend using the train – the nearest station, Dang Wangi LRT Station, is only five minutes away.
Address: 5&7, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 KL
Opening hours: Tue–Thur 12PM-3PM & 5PM-10PM | Sat & Sun 3PM-12AM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 012-871 5456
Kingu Kongu Instagram
Check out things to do nearby:
- Morac Go Kart Track, new go-kart circuit in PJ with night rides
- Ma-ni Thai Cuisine, hidden Thai restaurant in Selangor
- Kecur, a bungalow cafe with al fresco dining in KL
Cover image adapted from: @lavienenrose, @kingukongu.my, and @maishaxconceptual