Koshien Yakitori Bar 甲子園 is a Japanese restaurant partially hidden in the view of many in Lebuh Noordin Georgetown that sells authentic Japanese Yakitori, or known as skewers. The environment of the restaurant, starting from the staircase leading to the restaurant in first floor to the interior, resembles total replication of Japanese feeling, so you may have a feel being in Japan and take Instagrammable pictures in the restaurant. All the skewers here are charcoal grilled using imported Japanese charcoal, and you can order Sake to be served cold or hot and pair it with the Yakitori for a wonderful evening.
The menu of Koshien Yakitori Bar 甲子園 as of time of writing consists mainly of up to 20 different skewers, a small selection of udon and plenty choices of sake. Common items such as smoked duck, tomato bacon, okura shio (lady's fingers), edameme are offered, but you can also see have a taste at these exquisite items such as Tatami Iwashi (dried small sardines sheets) and Eihire (stingray fins). Though there is no conventional Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi or bento but Yakitori bar is indeed a refreshing concept.
We enjoyed the open kitchen concept, where you can sit nearby to the grilling area and witness the chef grilling Yakitori, before it is being brought upon to your table. As for the taste wise, Yakitor served in Koshien Yakitori Bar resembles authentic Japanese flavour. With either salty or salty-sweet, along with a mild umami flavour rendered the Yakitori much appealing to our taste buds.
Eihere |
Coming back to the exquisite Yakitori, Tatami Iwashi and Eihire are rare findings, or almost non-existent in Penang Japanese cuisine market. At first sight, we thought the Tatami Iwashi are dried cuttlefish but looking at details unveil its secret. It is flavourful, crunchy and nice in taste. Though might come with a heavy price tag of RM 18 but definitely worth the try. On the other hand, we never thought Eihire (singray fin) would have such unique and appetizing taste!
Should you feel a little hungry, you may order a bowl or two of Udon. The selections offered included Kake Udon (original), Miso Udon, Kimchi Udon and Curry Udon. It is smaller in portion and just nice to feed the stomach of one person.
Overall, Yakitori Koshien Bar is indeed a place worth exploring and try out in Penang. While you cannot travel to Japan physically now, perhaps a visit to here would cure your lovesickness to Japan? No appointment will be given in Koshien Yakitori Bar, just walk in and try your luck for a table!
Koshien Yakitori Bar 甲子園
Operation hour: 12pm - 3pm; 6pm - 9pm
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