Hakuryu Izakaya: Section 17's latest pork-free Japanese restaurant with Spirited Away inspirations

Get Spirited Away at Section 17's latest pork-free Japanese restaurant, Hakuryu Izakaya, with a Studio Ghibli-inspired setting of bamboo-style booths lined with posters and plush toys.

Hakuryu Izakaya sprinkles playful culinary magic on creative Japanese specialities, putting its own special twist on Kamataki Gohan, rice served in metal pots with toppings like A5 Wagyu Beef, Uni & Ikura, Wagyu Gyutan or Tarako.

You'll also find a fabulous range of yakiniku, from the Wagyu Tower, Hakuryu Wagyu Steak and Wagyu Negi Tan to Venison and Tarabagani king crab. Ignite your imagination with the Phoenix flaming salmon tempura roll, then savour and share a series of kushiyaki and more!

For a sumptuous lunch or dinner, dig into Hakuryu Izakaya's steaming-hot Kamataki Gohan - this comforting meal is blanketed with a selection of sumptuous seafood, such as Uni & Ikura (RM138) or the savoury Tarako (RM48; salted cod roe). For beef enthusiasts, sink your teeth onto the A5 Wagyu (RM58 for grade A wagyu, RM98 for premium wagyu) or Wagyu Gyutan (RM98; wagyu tongue with a smoky succulence), all complete with a raw egg. 

Yakiniku is another attraction, gorgeously grilled at the table.

Choices include the Wagyu Tower (RM238 for grade A wagyu, RM398 for premium wagyu), Hakuryu Wagyu Steak (RM168 for grade A wagyu, RM288 for premium wagyu) and Wagyu Negi Tan (RM52; wagyu tongue pocket), all triumphantly tender and satisfyingly smooth.

Other options include the unique Venison (RM58), Lamb (RM38) and even seafood such as Tarabagani (RM198; king crab with moist, marvellous flesh).

A la carte temptations include Phoenix (RM48), a roll of raw salmon with prawn tempura that's strikingly torched at the table, with a mouthwatering maki emerging from the flames.

For fans of sashimi, Hakuryu Izakaya serves super-fresh treats like the Salmon Sanshoku Mori (RM48; an irresistibly indulgent trio of salmon, salmon belly and salmon roe), Ootoro (RM68 for 3 pieces, RM108 for 5 pieces of this prized tuna belly) and Kaki Ponzu (RM18, oyster with ponzu sauce, shimmeringly studded with salmon roe).

The kitchen is capable of cooking Kushiyaki too, with numerous classic possibilities such as Wagyu Gyutan (RM28; wagyu beef tongue) and Tori Negima (RM7; chicken with leek), as well as intriguing skewers of Unagi (RM16), the sweetest Japanese Pearl Corn (RM7) and juiciest Japanese Cherry Tomato (RM7).

There's reason to repeatedly return to Hakuryu Izakaya to explore the menu, which includes fried snacks to share like Ebi Tempura (RM10), Shimeji Karaage (RM15, shimeji mushrooms) and Chicken Boxing Karaage (RM6 per piece). But our favourite to have all to ourselves is the ultra-decadent Ikura Chawanmushi topped with an egg yolk (RM28)!


For a delightful dessert, enjoy the elegant Sasa Custard Mochi (RM10, bamboo leaf custard mochi) and lusciously ripe Japanese Melon at its prime (RM25).

Refreshingly citrusy beverages include the Yuzu Cocktail (RM22) and Yuzu Matcha (RM16). Also perfect for pairing with the meal are sake such as Kamoshibito Kuheiji Junmai Daiginjyo and Hakkaisan Yuki-Muro Chozo.

For the Lunar New Year, Hakuryu is also serving Pear Yee Sang with jellyfish for a tasty twist of Japanese-inflected flavours and sauces. Toss this platter for a pleasurably colourful reunion!

Throughout February, there's also a 20% discount for set lunches. 

A special Valentine's menu is available for February 2-14.

Hakuryu Izakaya
14, Jalan 17/54, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday, 11:30am-3pm; 5:30pm-1030pm; Friday-Saturday 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-11pm. Tel: 03-7931-7737