Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Subang Jaya

Climbing the narrow staircase, a soft glow greets you, as though time itself slows at the entrance. The red beams and lantern shadows whisper of a Japan from decades past — a Japan of the 80’s and 90’s, when izakayas were not trends, but havens.

Inside, the air is filled with quiet chatter, the gentle clinking of glasses, and the comforting scent of charcoal and soy. Nothing here shouts for attention. Instead, it draws you in with humility, like an old friend welcoming you back.

The menu remains faithful — grilled shishamo that tastes of the sea’s first breath, tender yakitori kissed with smoke, golden croquettes that crumble like autumn leaves, and fried shrimp so crisp they sing against the silence. Even the potato salad and fried rice, humble as they are, arrive like familiar poetry — unchanged, impeccable, enduring.

Yes, the price may sit slightly higher than others, but what you are paying for is not just the meal. It is for authenticity untouched by trend, for a master’s hand that never strays, for a space where nostalgia itself is plated. I have come here since my youth, and every visit feels like revisiting an old photograph — colors intact, emotions still alive.

Kinpachi is not a restaurant. It is memory preserved. It is Japan carried through time, still alive in the heart of Malaysia. And in every bite, one tastes both the present and the past — a fleeting reminder that true quality...

Located on the 1st floor in a quiet area of subang Jaya. Easy to find and quite easy to find parking. I was first brought to their Japanese restaurant by a friend who is a regular. You will be greeted by all staff as you push open the main door. You will walk past a row of wine, spirit and so on for those who love boozing. I presume all are Japanese brands. I was told the chef who is also one of the owners is a Japanese expatriate. No wonder his food is always fresh and super yummy. The dining area is fully air cond and with warm lighting thus creating a quiet and comfortable area to de-stress while filing up your tummy with all the wonderful food. I normally go for the bento box. It has rice, freshly sliced salmon, tuna, noodles, salad, egg, tempura, fruits, grilled Saba fish and miso soup. I struggle to finish all the food. The price is very reasonable. All the staff will thank you as you walk out. It is open for lunch and after a break will open for dinner. On every visit I noticed almost half of the customers are Japanese. I will strongly recommend anyone who likes Japanese food to come and try. I am sure you will be a...

The appetizer before my order of Teppanyaki chicken was a tantalizing morsel of fried potato in Japanese curry, definitely whet my appetite as i quickly finished it and wait for my order.

My experiences with this very basic Japanese set are better in other such restaurants, and did not expected anything less when i sat down to order it. The familiar grilled chicken and the unmistakable sauce makes it 'Teppanyaki'. Unfortunately the version i tasted just now was more like Chinese styled stewed chicken. I looked again and there the pieces of chicken sat on what looked like a hot plate but the texture and taste still did not convince. The chicken texture and taste begs a thorough cooking process and so i cut it to see if there is any hint of blood or rawness but didn't see anything visible. At the end, i had to do the inevitable - sprinkle pepper to over power that uneasy shirk in the palate. The salad and the pickled morsels helped swallow the remaining chicken pieces.

Quite a letdown i must say,...