Wagyu beef is known to be one of the world’s most highly sought-after and expensive meats. Coming from all parts of Japan, it is often air-flown to Malaysia, making it rather pricey, especially if you opt for the best. Wagyu is highly prized for its high marbling, which imparts a luxurious texture and succulent, buttery flavour that one couldn’t find in regular ol’ beef.
Another reason why wagyu is more on the pricey side is because of how the cattle are raised; these cows are free to roam and graze on the pasture and are on a good diet. Raised by speciality breeders, the cows have birth certificates confirming their pure bloodline and are only sold to farmers once they’ve hit a particular weight mark.
So, now you can truly appreciate the high cost of this delicious meat, and if you’re looking to treat yourself to some quality beef, below are some of the places you should check out.
Price Range: $
1. Don Don Donki, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
For budget-conscious folks, here’s a treat for you! Popular Japanese discount chain Don Don Donki in Malaysia sells delicious Wagyu sticks that are halal and start from only RM5. Yeap, you read that right! The Japanese Tegone Tsukune Skewer is their classic Japanese meatball made with high-quality beef mixed with premium Wagyu beef.
The small skewers cost RM5.80 each, while the best skewer will set you back RM9.80 per stick. If you have more to spend, try their A5 Wagyu Brisket on a large skewer! We promise you’ll have juicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with every bite taken. Each stick costs RM19.80, which is still affordable for many.
To further elevate the taste, you can add on sauces (mayo and teriyaki sauce or mayo and chilli flakes) for only RM2 per stick! The Lot 10 and Tropicana Garden Mall outlets serve these delicious skewers daily from 12pm to 4pm, so come early before they’re gone!
Address: Lot 10 – Ground Floor, Lot 10, Shopping Centre, G8-G11, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Tropicana Gardens Mall – Lot CC-26, 27, 28 & Lot G-20, 20A, 21 Tropicana Gardens Mall 2A, Persiaran Surian, Tropicana Indah Petaling Jaya, 47810 Selangor
Contact: +603 2303 1211 (Lot 10); +603 2858 3830 (Tropicana Gardens Mall)
Price Range: $$
2. Ken-Chan Curry in KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Have you ever wondered if Japanese curry (katsu) would pair well with wagyu beef? If you have, then head over to Ken-Chan Curry for a taste. Tucked in KLCC’s newly-renovated Signature Food Court, this food joint serves over 70 varieties of Japanese curry dishes. Plus, it’s pork-free and halal-certified.
With so many options from the menu, a few wagyu choices to order include the Double Wagyu Beef Steak Omelette Curry Rice at RM44 for a regular size (wow, that was a mouthful) or the Wagyu Beef Steak Rice Bowl for RM42. Either one is buttery and succulent; sure to satisfy even the most insatiable appetite.
For a full list of outlets, click here.
Address: Address: Petronas Twin Tower, FC 20, Signature Food Court Level 2, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6014 974 6554
3. Wagyu More, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
Bringing you the best of both worlds is Wagyu More, combining wagyu beef and Japanese shabu-shabu. As if that isn’t enough of an attraction, they also offer an all-you-can-eat deal starting at RM43.80! Customers can choose from an assortment of meats, vegetables, meatballs, sushi, drinks, and desserts.
Wagyu More serves Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef and Australian Wagyu Beef at different prices, all of which are freshly cut upon order; hence freshness and quality are guaranteed. For all meat and hotpot lovers, rest assured you’ll get the best dining experience in town.
Address: Sunway Pyramid – LG1.98C, LG 1 Floor, Sunway Pyramid, No 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Sunway City, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor; The Gardens Mall – T-216-B, 3rd Floor The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Price Range: $$$
4. Kyomo, Kuala Lumpur
Known previously as Shin Nihon, this wagyu restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas has rebranded itself as Kyomo and is one of the best places for charcoal-grilled wagyu yakiniku. All wagyu beef is imported directly from Japan, and the head chef carefully selects each cut.
Taste the decadent wagyu via omakase style, and choose from 100g (RM95), 200g (RM190), or 400g (Rm380) Japan wagyu or Australian Wagyu. Other signature Wagyu dishes include Wagyu Tendon Stew (RM32), Spicy Wagyu Soup (RM27), Wagyu Tartare (RM50), and Wagyu Tongue Cream Croquette (RM26).
Address: No 26-G, Jalan 24/70a, 50480 Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2856 7350
5. Lucky Bo, Kuala Lumpur
Named after and dedicated to the owner’s beloved dog, Lucky Bo is all about “Eat Well, Live Brave and Do Good.” Aiming to serve good food, this joint is famous for its decadently marbled wagyu tomahawks grilled over charcoal in a Josper oven; served with char kway teow coated generously with beef fat.
A quick read of their reviews will also confirm that they do indeed serve some of the best tomahawks in town, and the wagyu beef fat char kway teow is an absolute must-try (we prefer it to the fried rice option). If you’re a wine drinker, you can choose from their fine selection of wines, and there are also tuak cocktails and other beverages to complement your meal.
While you’d have to be in the restaurant to check out the wagyu rates as they go by weight, to give you an idea of the price range, the most expensive starter, Harimau Menangis Beef Tataki, is priced at RM108.
Address: 65 Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2092 1222
Price Range: $$$$
6. The Wagyu Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur
The Wagyu Restaurant is an authentic Japanese wagyu joint located above The 19th Suzuki Hanten, a Chinese restaurant. From the success of its current flagship outlet, it’s set to open a second location in Publika this December.
This is your go-to spot for everything wagyu as the restaurant offers customers an extensive selection of top-grade wagyu flown from Japan, such as A5 Wagyu Loin and Wagyu Tabehoudai. Depending on the cut and marbling grade, a decent piece of Wagyu steak can set you back RM310 per 240g.
In addition to offering top-notch slabs, you’ll also be amazed at their all-you-can-eat Wagyu menu — surely to satisfy all the beef lovers out there. There’s also fresh seafood if you’re looking to balance your meal.
Address: 20 Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2161 6699
7. Kikubari, Kuala Lumpur
Located on the rooftop of DC Mall, Kikubari is a progressive Japanese restaurant with a zen-like minimalist and contemporary aesthetic. When you first step into the restaurant, you’ll immediately feel at ease and comfortable within their intimate, cosy dining spaces that are easy on the eyes and have a classy ambience.
Their best-seller since day one has been their Signature Wagyu Katsu Sando, which features juicy, flavourful wagyu slabs within two slices of tender Japanese milk bread. Other innovative wagyu dishes in their contemporary menu include the wagyu tartare, wagyu gyoza, and a selection of Australian wagyu.
Address: L3-01A, Jalan Damanlela Damansara City Mall, Pusat Bandar Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6013 362 4546
8. Iketeru, Kuala Lumpur
If you’re looking for a premium Japanese restaurant, Iketeru, on level 8 of Hilton Kuala Lumpur, is the place to go. Helmed by Executive Chef Kunihiko Hamada, you can find top-quality wagyu here, and all cuts are flown directly from Japan.
Choose from several preparations for your wagyu, such as teppanyaki, a la carte style, or served in a flavourful broth. You can take your pick from various slabs too, including A5 Wagyu Sirloin (300gm), Wagyu Tenderloin (180 gm), or Wagyu Ribeye (200 gm) – all prices depend on the market rates.
Address: Level 8, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2264 2264
Price Range: $$$$$
9. Nobu, Kuala Lumpur
A household name, Nobu is well-known to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in the world and in town, and they take pride in creating memorable dishes that are incomparable. Chef Philip Leong and his team takes centre stage in Nobu KL, often showcasing wagyu on seasonal menus, but also available on their regular menu.
Give their Wagyu Short Rib Teriyaki Donburi a try — A5 Wagyu slices in teriyaki gravy, accompanied by mushrooms, milky onsen tamago, and warm rice. Or you can have Wagyu (MYR 320++ per 80 grams) on its own, prepared from the choices of Tacos Tataki (six pieces), New Style, Steak, or Toban Yaki. However it’s served, it’s sure to be glorious and downright outstanding. Perfect for the foodie in you!
Address: L4A-05, Level 4A Shoppes at Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur, No 145, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2380 0028
10. Marble 8, Kuala Lumpur
Marble 8 is a premium steakhouse by The Marini’s Group, tucked high in the sky on level 56 of the Petronas Twin Towers. Here, you can wine and dine and sample all the wagyu you want while soaking in the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Every wagyu cut available at Marble 8 is specially handpicked by Cavaliere Modesto to meet the requirements of the Marble 8 cut. They’re also all halal-certified and delivered with the bones still attached, such as the signature wagyu tomahawk.
Before the wagyu is cooked, it is aged for at least 21 days in the restaurant’s custom-built dry-ageing cellar, so you know that quality is of utmost importance here, and what you’ll always get is the rich flavour and aroma that wagyu beef is often known for. A wagyu tenderloin here will set you back RM358 per 200 grams, which is pretty steep, but for the grade you’re getting — so worth it!
Address: Level 56, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2386 6030
