There are loads of things to see and do around Kuala Lumpur’s Pasar Seni (Central Market) and Petaling Street – but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and chaos, and need a pocket of tranquility to escape to, look out for Yorimichi Cafe.

Squirreled away in a back alley along Jalan Tun HS Lee, this small but cosy establishment serves homely Japanese and fusion fare at wallet-friendly prices. The shop is located above Dayang Ros Florist & Cafe, and can be accessed from the back entrance via a firetruck-red spiral staircase.

Chochin lanterns dangle from the ceiling, emiting a gentle glow that immediately puts visitors at ease. For those who enjoy al fresco dining, the outdoor patio seats eight.

The city’s noise fades away as you step into the cafe’s cosy confines. Japanese design permeates the space, from the use of light wood and the meticulously placed flower vases, to the traditional tapestry and shoji (sliding doors) that demarcate the cafe from the florist’s storage area.

Yorimichi Cafe was founded by Aunty Kiyomi and her son, Mark. Aunty Kiyomi, who hails from Toyama in Japan (so you know the stuff here is the real deal!) has stayed in Malaysia for over four decades, and because she missed the taste of her childhood, would prepare choux cream puffs (the Japanese version is called Shu Cream) for friends and family.

These proved so popular that when the opportunity presented itself, Mark decided to take up the 600 sq ft shoplot so that his mother would have an avenue to showcase her desserts and pastries (which are some of the cafe’s bestsellers). Unfortunately we weren’t able to try them on this visit – all the more reason to return!

Aside from sweets, the cafe has a small selection of mains and snacks, such as Gyudon, Mentaiko Pasta, and Karaage Don, all affordably priced. The drinks menu includes coffee, flavoured lattes, and teas.

N had the Gyudon (RM18), featuring thin, tender slices of beef sauteed with onions and simmered in a savoury-sweet sauce, then laid atop a bed of fluffy Japanese rice and crowned with a poached egg. The presentation was simple, but the flavours were hearty and comforting.

The same went for my Karaage Don (RM18), which was fried to crisp perfection and served atop rice with sides of fresh vegetables and a runny poached egg. The chicken was flavourful with a crunchy exterior and moist insides, spiced with a dash of shichimi togarashi. I may not be Japanese, but it somehow reminded me of home, of food that my mum or grandma would make.

To wash everything down, N and I shared a cup of Japanese Sweet Honey Tea (RM6).

The food and ambience at Yorimichi may not be fancy, but it exudes a charming, homely vibe that certainly makes it a worthy spot to visit (Yorimichi aptly means ‘detour and drop by’! ).

YORIMICHI CAFE

31, Mezzanine Floor, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM (Sun- Thurs), 10AM – 9PM (Fri- Sat)

Phone: 03-2022 0188

Website

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PS2: All expenses are out of my own pocket unless otherwise stated. Views here are my own and are based on my personal experience. They are not meant to endorse or disparage businesses/ establishments in any way.