Kyrin Izakaya Penang initially appears to be a promising choice for a Japanese style dining experience in Penang.
Located within the Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang, it has garnered attention with its stylish decor and impressive 4.7-star Google rating.
For those passionate about Japanese cuisine, the restaurant seems to offer an elevated dining experience.
However, while the ambiance sets the stage for excellence, the overall dining experience fell short of expectations during our visit.
The Ambiance
Upon entering Kyrin Izakaya, the elegant and modern decor immediately catches the eye.
The warm lighting and thoughtfully designed interiors create a sophisticated atmosphere.
It would be a popular choice for diners seeking an upscale Japanese dining experience.
However, the standard practice in many Japanese restaurants of offering Oshibori (warm towels) to diners was notably absent.
These towels are typically provided for hygiene, allowing guests to clean their hands before the meal, especially in traditional settings.
They also offer comfort by providing a soothing sensation, reflecting the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
Japanese Dining Experience
Japanese cuisine, or washoku, is known for its diversity, often featuring dishes such as rice, miso soup, a main dish, side dishes, and pickled vegetables.
We sampled 15 dishes during our visit.
Order Summary and Food Review
Japanese dining relies heavily on precision, quality, and authenticity. Here’s how Kyrin Izakaya Penang measured up:
Contents
Soups
Yuzu Miso Soup – RM9.90
Asari Yuzu Miso Soup – RM12.90
The soups, served after the sushi, tempura, and yakitori, were fairly basic in flavor, lacking distinctive qualities.
On a chilly, rainy day, we hoped to begin with hot soups, but they arrived alongside the rice, disrupting the meal’s flow.
Yakitori
Yakitori, consisting of skewered chicken grilled over charcoal, is a popular dish known for its smoky, charred flavors.
We ordered four skewers to sample these flavors.
Yakitori Teri – RM7.00
The taste was good.
Sasami Shio – RM6.00
The salmon skewer appeared pale and dry, without visible char marks, making it unappetizing. None of us wanted to try it.
Gyu Painappuru Shio (AUS) – RM10.00
Gyu Papurika Shio (AUS) – RM10.00
Both beef skewers were enjoyable.
Sashimi
Shake Sashimi – RM35.00
The thick-cut and fresh salmon sashimi would have been enjoyable if the wasabi had been more flavorful.
Simply put, wasabi is “spicy” and “pungent,” with a distinct flavor that hits the nose rather than the tongue, similar to hot mustard.
Unfortunately, we had to request more wasabi as the initial serving lacked taste.
Additionally, there was no sweet soy sauce available on the table.
Grilled Items
Surume Ika (Shioyaki) – RM32.00
The grilled cuttlefish, seasoned with salt, was fresh but too tough and chewy for my liking. My dining companion found it chewy but edible.
Tempura
Yasai Tempura – RM17.00
Crispy vegetable tempura with a generous amount of mushrooms, though slightly oily.
Rice Dishes
Wagyu Don – RM88.00
The A5 Wagyu Don, a highlight on the menu, was visually unremarkable.
It lacked the melt-in-your-mouth texture typically associated with such a premium cut of beef.
Nin’niku Yaki Meshi – RM11.00
The garlic fried rice was unremarkable, lacking the strong garlic aroma expected.
Appetizers
Idako – RM12.50
Chuka Idako offers a rich, savory flavor and pairs well with beer or sake. However, its appearance was not appealing to me, so I opted not to try it. The others found the taste acceptable.
Rolls
The sushi rice is slightly sweet, tangy, and salty, offering a balanced flavor that complements the fish and other ingredients.
However, we found the vinegar tang to be somewhat lacking in this instance.
Ebi Ura Maki – RM36.00
The shrimp roll was decent but it wasn’t outstanding or delicious.
Gyu Maki (AUS) – RM38.00
Gyu Maki is typically known for its flavorful, pan-fried thinly sliced beef with a subtle spiciness.
Unfortunately, the version at Kyrin Izakaya did not meet expectations in terms of both appearance and flavor. We did not finish it.
Beverages
2 Green Tea (Hot) – RM6.00
1 Green Tea (Cold) – RM3.00
1 Egg – RM3.00
While the staff were polite and eager to assist, their inexperience was evident.
Drinks were promptly refilled, but we had to follow up multiple times on missing dishes.
These service lapses detracted from what could have been a smooth dining experience.
Expectations for a Great Japanese Dining Experience
For Japanese restaurants, certain standards define an exceptional dining experience:
- Authentic Flavors: Traditional Japanese tastes using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Freshness and Quality: Sashimi-grade seafood, perfectly cooked rice, and premium proteins.
- Beautiful Presentation: Artfully plated dishes that enhance the dining experience.
- Warm Hospitality: Attentive service that reflects the spirit of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).
- Ambience: A serene, inviting atmosphere that complements the meal.
- Timeliness: A well-paced dining flow that ensures a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
- Precision Cooking: Balanced flavors and textures, executed with skill and attention to detail.
- Value for Money: Prices that reflect the quality and experience offered.
Kyrin Izakaya Penang delivered on decor and ambiance but fell short in terms of flavor, quality, and service.
Final Thoughts
At a total of RM371 for 15 dishes, Kyrin Izakaya Penang falls short of delivering the exceptional dining experience its elegant setting promises.
While the restaurant excels in atmosphere, the food and service do not quite measure up to the expectations of authentic Japanese cuisine.
The flavors lack the depth and precision typically found in top-tier Japanese restaurants.
The service, though polite, could benefit from greater attention to detail and timeliness.
For those seeking a truly remarkable Japanese meal in Penang, other well-established restaurants in the area maintain a higher standard for both food quality and service.
However, Kyrin Izakaya Penang shows potential and, with keen improvements in flavor execution, could elevate its offerings to match its ambiance.
Kyrin Izakaya has the opportunity to deliver a more balanced and satisfying experience with refinement in key areas.
If you’re searching for an impeccable Japanese meal in Penang, I would recommend exploring other options that offer a higher standard of food and service.
Kyrin Izakaya Penang
Address: Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hours: 3pm –11:30 pm (daily)
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer’s friend paid for their meal.
