Tucked into The Campus Ampang, Yaki Yaki presents itself as a modern izakaya with urban flair, Japanese roots, and a dash of Malaysian cheekiness. Opened by the same minds behind Sushi Plus, this lively eatery combines the heart of Tokyo’s gastropub scene with a playful menu that isn’t afraid to venture off the beaten culinary path.
Step inside and the interior greets you with a mix of soft wood finishes, backlit sake bottles, and cozy booth seating—a setting that encourages lingering conversation over grilled skewers and inventive sushi rolls. But this is not your typical cookie-cutter Japanese spot. Yaki Yaki is bold, dynamic, and very much tuned in to Malaysia’s current taste for fusion done right.
A Menu That Dares to Please
Yaki Yaki’s menu is a parade of small plates, smoky skewers, and contemporary sushi rolls—ideal for sharing, yet satisfying enough for the solo diner seeking a proper meal.
Start with the Grilled Mala Edamame (RM8.80), an addictive twist on the classic snack. Coated in a slick of numbing Sichuan mala sauce, the edamame delivers a satisfying bite of heat and smoke—setting the tone for what’s to come.
The Yaki Soba (RM28.80) makes for a hearty, wok-charred offering with its tangle of springy noodles, seafood medley (salmon, saba, squid, prawns), shimeji mushrooms, and crisp vegetables. It’s comfort food elevated with nuance—sweet, savoury, and charred in all the right places.
Another highlight: Yaki Tsukune (RM8.80). These grilled chicken meatballs are glazed in a sticky-savoury tare sauce and lightly smoky from the charcoal, bringing to mind Tokyo backstreets and beer-fuelled evenings.
But the star dish—the one that captures both the spirit and ingenuity of the kitchen—is the Yaki Cheong Fun (RM32.80). This house specialty reinvents the humble rice noodle roll by wrapping deep-fried soft shell crab, mango, salmon, and ikura in chee cheong fun sheets, then topping it with fried shallots and a spicy goma (sesame) sauce. It’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy—a confident collision of cultures that works astonishingly well.
Rolls That Think Outside the Bento Box
Those craving something more traditional (with a twist) can turn to Yaki Yaki’s rolls. The Champion Sashimi Roll (RM38.80) is a maximalist creation layered with salmon, tuna, white fish, avocado, and tempura flakes, each bite balanced with spice and crunch.
Even the California Roll (RM24.80) gets an upgrade here with larger-than-usual crab meat, creamy avocado, cucumber, and tomato mayo that adds both colour and zing.
Sips and Sweet Finishes
The drink menu keeps pace with the food—playful but well-executed. Try the Matcha Strawberry Latte (RM15.80) for a creamy, dessert-like pick-me-up, or the House Sake served warm or cold, which pairs especially well with the smoky skewers.
For dessert, the Yaki Signature Crepe (RM15.80) provides a gentle close to the meal—soft, buttery, and subtly sweet.
Verdict
Yaki Yaki isn’t just another izakaya clone—it’s a confident, youthful take on the genre, with moments of brilliance that hint at something more. It’s not afraid to cross borders, blur lines, or push creative limits, and that’s precisely what makes it exciting.
With its accessible pricing, stylish setting, and bold, shareable menu, it’s easy to see Yaki Yaki becoming a new favourite for after-work dinners, weekend catchups, or even casual date nights.
Highly recommended for:
Groups who love to share a spread
Fans of creative Japanese-Malaysian fusion
Izakaya lovers looking for something different
Yaki Yaki
L1-4, First Floor, The Campus, Jalan Kerja Air Lama, Ampang Jaya, 68000 Selangor
⏰ Tues–Sun: 12:00–2:30PM, 5:30PM–10:00PM (Closed Mondays)
