Yakitori Haki @ Bukit Jalil — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

"Service Excellent Demonstrated by Deeds"

My wife & I celebrated Valentine’s Day with a dinner at Haki Yakitori (Bukit Jali). It was a long 3 hours dinner as we appreciate the course-by-course ordering of dishes to match complimentary beverages to elevate our dining experience.

We were seated at a table where we were in full view of the restaurant. As such, we were able to observe Pierre & his team managing the full house dinner service on this busy evening.

What was impressive was the entire "positive work atmosphere". We witnessed service excellent as well as service lapses and how all these translate to what it meant by “a must go to place" for a delightful dining experience.

Let me start by relating an incident regarding team leader Pierre. During our dinner, it began to rain heavily. We witnessed Pierre sent off his guests (a woman with a young toddler) into their car with an umbellar. This may seem to be a common service act. However, it is often how far an act goes that determine its worthiness. When Pierre came back-in after "sending" his guests off, he was totally drenched. It was as if he literally walked in the rain without an umbellar. We can imagine how much "umbellar space" he had given to the mother & child by his dripping wet clothes. How much should one go in delivering and executing service excellent? Well, this case can be used be a bench mark.

Next, let me share a service lapse and how it was being managed. One of the staff had accidentally knocked over a bowl of miso soup when delivering the order to a customer. What took place next was common enough in terms of work process for such an incident. However, upon finer observations, a few pointers stood out.

Service recovery was a team effort. We can see how team members passed through the "scene" of the "accident" and lend a helping hand to support & recover the lapse. From apologising, clearing and cleaning to assuring the customer.

Apparently, this is not a “you the make the mess, now you go & clean it up yourself" work culture in this restaurant. One can assume that this positive work culture is in part developed & maintained by the brand of the restaurant and from its leaders.

Indeed, we also witnessed unpleasant customers who are impatient and rude and how Pierre & his team took it in their strides and continue to provide excellent service.

To set the context, the term "service excellent" is too commonly used in the F&B and hospitality industry. There are many markers & frameworks to assess the level of achievements of service excellent. One of them is through observations of common & uncommon incidents and "test" the staff on how far they will go as an individual and also as a team in taking pride in their work, maintain the brand they represent and equally importantly, how well the staff treats one another. Only after, can we ask what service levels can they provide to their customers.

Kudos to Pierre, his team and the brand! We will see you...

Recently checked out this sushi place that’s got a really decent environment, kind of giving off those authentic Japanese shop vibes. It’s a nice touch if you’re into that kind of atmosphere.

The menu was a pleasant surprise. Besides sushi, they’ve got a variety of grilled foods, which is great if you’re looking to mix it up a bit or dining with someone who isn’t all about sushi.

Service? Spot on. The staff were attentive and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our meal. It’s always a good sign when the staff is on point.

Our food came out pretty quick, too – like within 15 minutes of ordering. In a sushi spot, that's pretty impressive, especially since everything seemed freshly made.

Now, for seating. It’s limited, so if you’re rolling in with a big group, expect some waiting time. It's cozier, so probably better suited for smaller parties.

The grilled food was good – like really good. But just a heads up, it’s on the pricier side. So if you’re going to dive into that part of the menu, be prepared to spend a bit more.

The noodles were a hit for me – tasty and well-prepared. Definitely a good choice if you’re into noodles.

As for the sushi, the portions were generous, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally. The rice wasn’t as sticky as I’d expect from traditional Japanese sushi. It's a small thing, but it makes a difference if you’re a sushi aficionado.

Overall, it’s a solid spot with a great vibe, quick service, and a diverse menu. Just keep the seating and sushi...

If you're looking for authentic Japanese flavors with generous portions and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, Yakitori Haki is the place to go!

The restaurant's ambiance is like stepping onto the set of a Japanese drama — red lanterns hanging overhead, colorful wall decorations, and a vibe that immediately transports you to Japan. It’s perfect for a casual hangout or even a date night.

Now, the food — absolutely incredible! The salmon sashimi is the star of the show, thickly cut and melt-in-your-mouth fresh. At just $25 for five pieces, the quality and portion are unbeatable. The yakitori skewers, especially the chicken wings and pork belly, are grilled to perfection with a smoky char and juicy interior.

Don’t miss their curry udon — the rich, flavorful curry coats the chewy udon noodles so beautifully, and the portion size is more than satisfying. The karaage chicken? Crispy, golden, and so juicy it feels like it could burst with flavor.

Service is warm and efficient, and the prices are incredibly fair for the quality and portions. Just a heads-up: come hungry and maybe wear stretchy pants — the servings are generous, and you’ll want to try everything!

Highly recommend Yakitori Haki for anyone craving top-notch Japanese food that won’t break the bank. Can't wait...