TOKIOTONIC – Yōshoku Izakaya, Changkat Bukit Bintang
Words: Stella Therond
Photos: Han Sen Hau
TOKIOTONIC is a contemporary Yōshoku Izakaya that offers a revitalising dining experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It’s an ideal venue to reflect on the day’s events, connect with friends, and enjoy a distinctive Western-Japanese culinary fusion. Established by the experienced Werner’s Group, with over two decades on the Malaysian food and beverage scene, TOKIOTONIC was conceived following a visit to Japan. Officially opened in August 2024, the venue is a fun addition to the lively Changkat Bukit Bintang area.
TOKIOTONIC – Changkat Bukit Bintang
The restaurant’s design integrates elements of traditional Japanese decor with contemporary artwork, vibrant colours, warm wood, and engaging textiles. Atmospheric lighting and carefully curated music contribute to a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience. Guests can select from indoor and outdoor seating options or enjoy a private dining experience at the impressive private table made from a single piece of rosewood, accommodating larger groups.
Cocktail Menu & Prices
The menu exemplifies a refined Western-Japanese fusion, featuring innovative dishes rooted in culinary tradition. Every facet of TOKIOTONIC reflects a commitment to exceptional fare and a dynamic atmosphere, encouraging engaging conversations over a well-researched and crafted food and drinks menu.
A noteworthy highlight is that TOKIOTONIC may be the only KL bar with an in-house chemist, Ms. Chong. Alongside Werner Group’s head, Andreas, she perfects alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails that showcase an innovative approach to ingredient use and sustainability. They even make their own soda, reducing their carbon footprint and providing consumers with a much more reasonably priced option. Highballs are the house specialty, but there are also several wine options and a selection of cocktails, spirits, and beer.
Signature Highballs are priced at RM 28 for one glass, three for RM 75 or five for RM 150 (yes, yes, yes .. try them all!). The Classic Highball has a choice of Jim Beam White or Suntory Kakubin Whiskey (we opted for the latter), paired with house-made soda water and a dash of lemon. It’s a timeless classic and Mon’s fave. For those seeking variations, consider the Salty Samurai—a refreshing blend of homemade grapefruit distillate and cordial with yuzu tonic (Han Sen’s pick). Maid in Japan is a floral tribute with its pink hue, thanks to hibiscus and cranberry distillate combined with Roku Gin, proprietary CH cordial, and homemade soda. Lastly, Kobe Velvet is the most full-flavoured—a surprising mix of cocoa husk distillate, whiskey, chocolate bitters, and cream soda that delivers intriguing chocolate notes (our reelographer Ivan’s number one choice.)
Highballs are easy and right up our alley, but we couldn’t resist trying the popular Mariko cocktail that has been all over social media since opening. Dear Merry (RM45), inspired by the series Shogun based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, is a rich and theatrical (there is fire involved!) cocktail featuring dark rum, homemade strawberry compote, and cream. It’s a little sweet for our well-seasoned tastebuds, but it was worth the order for the photo and experience.
TOKIOTONIC Menu & Prices
The inventiveness and cultural blend continue on the food menu.
We began with the Sashimi Medley (RM32) featuring tuna, salmon, scallops, torched bonito, yuzu ponzu, and wasabi microgreens—an elegant introduction to the meal. This was followed by a tender Octopus Carpaccio (RM98) with shiso vinaigrette, the first plate in a new four-course menu. Both are good choices for a fresh, clean-eating start.
The Crunchy Mixed Tempura (RM42) of prawns, Hokkaido scallops, halibut and seasonal vegetables was light and crisp in a delicate, aerated batter. Each piece is even better with a quick dip in the tentsuyu sauce (dashi, mirin and soy).
Crab Croquettes (RM38) do not have your usual European saucy filling but resemble a crab patty texture, full of meat and not too much sauce. They’re good on their own, but a drop of wasabi aioli and a spot of mentaiko mayo boost the seafood flavour.
The TOKIOTONIC Signature Iberico Katsu (RM52) is so special that it gets its own red “Must Try” box on the menu. What makes it so noteworthy is the acorn-fed pork base. These Spanish pigs, raised on a specific diet, are said to have meat rich in B vitamins, iron and antioxidants, high in protein and packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. To get the full benefit, we recommend enjoying it grilled over Binchō-tan charcoal. However, you can also opt for the traditional panko-crusted, deep-fried version.
A real surprise on the menu was the Angus Shoyu Ramen (RM45). Outside of Japan, most know ramen made on a pork base. However, there are parts of the country where a beef bone broth stands as the tradition. TOKIOTONIC’s rich, complex consommé is poured over tender Angus carpaccio at the table, essentially cooking the beef on the spot. The dish is enhanced by ajitsuke tamago egg, springy noodles, and a crunchy root vegetable rosti. Mon, Ivan and Han Sen picked this as their fave dish.
On the other hand, I’m more of a pescatarian and found the Seafood Ramen (RM48) an appealing and creative twist on French bouillabaisse. The lobster and scallop-infused tomato broth, enriched with truffle oil, is topped with king prawns, scallops, squid, and ajitsuke tamago egg. It’s garnished with spring onions and finished with optional house-made chilli oil. It’s both visually appealing and delicious.
TOKIOTONIC’s concept of inventive fusion cuisine is exemplified in the Udon Carbonara (RM42). It combines Italian salt-cured guanciale pork cheek, egg yolk, pecorino, bacon, and udon noodles – putting a familiar flavour and a texture that wouldn’t usually be found together, and marrying them long like lost loves. This dish gets another thumbs up.
Few Japanese restaurants make too much fuss over dessert. TOKIOTONIC mirrors the tradition with a menu of four small bites (RM22 for any two): Matcha Chocolate Pie, Vanilla Ice Cream with Walnut Miso, Red Bean Cheesecake, and Honeydew Melon in Sake. My favourite was the cheesecake, while Mon liked the simplicity of the melon.
TOKIOTONIC Review
Every aspect of this new venture is rooted in a desire to offer approachable yet exciting food in a vibrant setting where conversations flow over a thoughtfully curated food and drinks menu. This establishment showcases generous flavours and appealing presentations, featuring confident pairings and inventive adaptations that promise an Izakaya-inspired adventure.
Reasons to visit TOKIOTONIC: a great corner lot on Changkat perfect for enjoying a night out with friends or people-watching as the evening unfolds; variety of seating – we like the front patio in the cooler evenings; highball specials are refreshing and well-priced – give the Salty Samurai and Kobe Velvet a try; if you’re a beef eater you can’t go wrong with the Angus Shoyu Ramen and the Udon Carbonara is an intriguing take on the Italian classic.
TOKIOTONIC
50, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
tokiotonic.my @tokiotonic
+60 12-526 1335
Link to TOKIOTONIC on Google Maps
Limited street parking. Best to use one of the undercover lots in the area. We often use the one at the end of Jalan Mesui
* Some vegetarian options
** Child-friendly but not pet-friendly
*** Non-halal – serves pork and alcohol
TOKIOTONIC Opening Hours
Daily: 5 pm to 1 am
Find more Japanese restaurants in KL here and stay up-to-date with the latest gourmet and travel recommendations for Malaysia with The Yum List on Facebook and The Yum List on Instagram.
It been a while since I been in a bar.