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Molek FMDaikanyama
Daikanyama
42 Changkat Bukit Bintang
50200, Kuala Lumpur
T: 03 2141 0323
Located on the continually evolving Changkat Bukit Bintang, Daikanyama looks like it was lifted straight out of Tokyo, with its tiny bamboo garden and glassed display yakitori kitchenette. A hip area located in the Japanese capital’s Shibuya prefecture, Daikanyama also means “let’s drink, everyone” in Chinese.
Bar down one side and Japanese fusion restaurant down the other, this small but perfectly appointed space is another effort by the winning team of Edwin Yau and Colin Chung, who are also behind the super successful Wabisabi Yakitori Bar in Plaza TTDI and Izakaya Shuraku in Soho KL. The duo had been scouting for a Changkat BB location when this space, previously occupied by Russian restaurant Dusha opened up. Contract quickly signed, a six week renovation later and the sake bar and restaurant has been fast gaining recognition.
A lounge with a small bar upstairs plays host to DJs on weekends. There is also a private room seating 10 to 15, which is available for reservation for a minimum of RM1000 worth of biz, and an outdoor balcony provides quiet escapes and pretty views.
Designer’s Lukas Lim’s clever use of concrete, wood and steel, available angles and creation of a small Japanese bamboo courtyard within an airwell maximizes the limited space available. Paper menus with a Tokyo subway system motif are reused as light shades and reappear again on glass doors and windows. If Japan is home to technological advancement, then the future of Changkat Bukit Bintang looks like this.
Clientele Not yet officially launched when we popped round, the place was buzzing thanks to loyal clientele from Edwin and Colin’s other operations, and walk ins. This place is currently the talk of the town.
Drinks A fully stocked bar serves exquisite selection of premium sake including te sparkling variety, beer and liquors of all types. Our personal fave – the plum wine.
Eats Non- halal, Daikanyama does serve pork and bacon. Like most Japanese restaurants portions are small and you’re encouraged to order a few different dishes to try. The menu is split into items from the: rice/noodles bar, yaki bar, yaki and tempura bar, salad bar; maki/sashimi bar, pasta and sandwich bar and the appetizer bar. JUICE recommends the Tako Wasabi (RM12) which is fresh octopus with a splash of wasabi mustard – salty sweet the taste explodes in your mouth. The Salmon Sashimi (RM20) is super fresh and the Hotatei Garlic Yaki (RM16), pan fried scallops with garlic and cheese melts in your mouth. The piece de resistance has to be the Salmon Truffle Oil Tataki (RM30), cooked salmon laid on a bed of fluffy white mash and drizzled with truffle oil with crispy seaweed sprinkles. All prices are nett.
Open Mon-Thu: 5.30pm-12.30am; weekends: 5.30pm-2.30am.
Dress code Salaryman or geisha, you won’t be turned away as there’s no strict policy on attire.
Smoking policy Smoking up front, non-smoking in the back.
Future plans A beer garden is in the works, but that’s a whole different story.
Parking Valet parking is available for RM5 for weekdays and RM10 for weekends, otherwise try the nearby hotel, Radius International or the parking available at the top end of Changkat Bukit Bintang where Jalan Ceylon and Changkat Raja Chulan are located, as street parking is limited.
