Yakiniku Kuro at The Exchange TRX in KL

As Miley Cyrus suggests, we can buy ourselves flowers – so can we embrace the solitary pleasures of going on citywalks, watching movies, and dining in alone.

Enter Yakiniku Kuro in Kuala Lumpur and ask for a table for one, and that’s what you will get. The restaurant offers a Muslim-friendly solo yakiniku experience, with designated single seats and smokeless grilling.

For that, we visited their outlet at The Exchange TRX to bring you this review.

Solo Japanese Yakiniku with designated single seats

the interior of Yakiniku Kuro with dim yellow dangling lights and a neo-blue sign of a cow

A typical night out having barbecue looks like this: a group of friends gathering around the grill and devouring grilled meats over chatters. But at Yakiniku Kuro, you can grill your meat at your own pace and comfort.

single seats with personal grill sets at Yakiniku Kuro

Each solo seat at the restaurant is equipped with a personal grill set and a concealed drawer that opens to cutlery. You will find button controls on the side of the tables for adjusting the grilling functions and temperature.

Their smokeless grilling system is even more amazing – every grilling pan is installed with an internal purifier. You won’t leave the place smelling like barbecued meats.

yakiniku set meals with rice, miso soup, salad, condiments, and a plate of beef short plates and skirts

The menu is built around Yakiniku Set Meals (from RM34.90) to cater to solo diners. Each set comes with a bowl of rice, miso soup, a side salad or kimchi, condiments, and a protein of your choice, such as beef, lamb, and seafood.

The vast selection of beef cuts covers short ribs, skirts, short plates, and striploin. Besides Angus beef, they also serve Australian and Japanese wagyu beef.

Here’s our verdict

picking up a slice of cooked beef from the grill using a tong

We ordered the Karubi & Harami Set Meal (RM36.90), featuring beef short plates and skirts. As the grilling gauze heated up, we placed the beef slices onto it and we were instantly treated to the tantalising sizzling sound. Within minutes, the meat started glistening with its own fat juice.

five slices of beef getting grilled, glistening in their own fat juice

Once the beef was cooked, we dipped it in the sweet sauce and savoured it with a spoonful of rice. The bite was amazing.

The beef slices had a charred and caramelised exterior, exuding a nice smoky aroma. The meat held the right thickness to be tender without overly melting in our mouths – simply like how we preferred.

Meanwhile, the miso soup and salad were good sides that helped wash down the greasiness.

Modern Japanese grilling by Yakiniku Kuro in KL

the shopfront of Yakiniku Kuro with two staff standing at the entrance

Bid goodbye to the curious glances of nearby diners as you enjoy your food alone, looking into the distance. At Yakiniku Kuro, most patrons dine alone.

In short, if you are looking for a solo date idea, eating out at Yakiniku Kuro should be on your list. Besides the TRX mall, they also have outlets in 1 Utama and IOI City Mall 2.

Yakiniku Kuro @ The Exchange TRX
Address: Lot C.54.0, Level C, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-3051 2319 | Yakiniku Kuro’s Instagram

Yakiniku Kuro @ 1 Utama
Address: Lot LG311B, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-7732 2868

Yakiniku Kuro @ IOI City Mall 2
Address: 2, Resort City, IOI City Mall, L3-209, Lbh IRC, 62502 Putrajaya
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-8682 4146

Also watch our video feature here:

Photography by Dennis Kong & xinyeegoh.

Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia

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