Sourakuya (創樂屋)

Since its opening three months ago, Sourakuya remains a highly underrated spot for delicious Japanese food in the vicinity. Expect authentic flavours from Osaka-born chef Ogawa Tetsuya, with the quiet, homely ambience here. Come for their worthy set lunches over office talks with your favourite colleague. RM19.50 gets you a full meal of appetiser, soup, main, dessert and a mugi tea (roasted barley tea) and we absolutely adore the solid offerings. Even the quintessential Japanese stew, oden, is available. Go for the comforting broth in the pork and radish oden to pour over fluffy Japanese rice, or succumb to the soft, well-marinated butterfish teriyaki that tops our list. The generous portions, coupled with mellow yet tasty flavours, are sure to set you on a sleepy afternoon ahead, so save this for a long lunch hour!
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Melding its quiet, homey ambience with authentic Japanese dishes, Sourakuya is capable of transporting diners to a place of peace. The discreet venue is choice for tranquil dinner dates or for a solo afternoon out. Either way, be sure to begin with the Chashu Nitamago Moriawase (RM12.70) — gorgeous, grilled pork belly featured next to seasoned boiled eggs. The set lunch menu is superb in variety, ranging from ramen to oden (a broth-like stew) and rice selections. If butterfish is available, jump at the chance for the tantalising fish teriyaki — it is absolutely to die for. Priced at a reasonable RM19.50, the set packs a main, appetiser, miso soup, dessert and mugi tea (roasted barley tea). The restaurant is currently running an opening promotion so for a limited time, expect a 10% discount on your bill.
Avg Price: RM30

In awe of this homey Japanese enclave and its well-executed dishes! Set lunch goes for RM19.50 and the selections are golden. Uniquely Japanese oden, which is some sort of stew, caught my eye but I was too enamoured by the waiter letting me know butterfish would be served for the fish teriyaki set. Order it, along with the Chashu Ni Tamago (RM12.70) that makes a very delicious, protein-packed appetiser.