Food Innovators Holdings Limited (“FIH” and its subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) is pleased to announce the grand opening of Hakata Yakitori Yoka Yoka Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 July 2026. This milestone marks the establishment of a new joint venture company, YARUKI MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., formed between Yaruki Company Ltd. and F Innovators Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (FIM), with the aim of bringing authentic Japanese izakaya culture to the Malaysian market.
The restaurant is launched and operated by founders Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto, who have relocated to Kuala Lumpur to bring Yaruki’s izakaya expertise directly to the city. The concept centres on carefully crafted small-plate dishes, sake specially curated by the Yamamotos, and tableware sourced exclusively from Arita, one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramics-producing regions. Guests can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of yakitori grilled over charcoal right before their eyes.
The outlet is located on Jalan Doraisamy in Chow Kit — a vibrant, high-footfall area of Kuala Lumpur. Rather than situating within a large commercial complex, the Group has chosen a street-level shopfront within The Row KL, where charming independent establishments line the pavement amid abundant greenery. With no authentic izakaya currently in the immediate vicinity, the Group believes this location is ideally positioned to introduce a new standard of izakaya dining culture to Kuala Lumpur.
Concept
“Great food, served exactly as it should be.” The restaurant delivers authentic Hakata-style yakitori and Japanese hospitality without compromise — grilling each skewer over charcoal, one by one, to create a dining experience that engages all five senses.
Three Pillars of Quality
- 1
Authenticity First: Same recipes and quality standards as Japan. No shortcuts, no compromises.
- 2
Hakata Specialities: Signature chicken skin skewers, slow-cooked Mizutaki hotpot, Hakata gyoza and more — dishes you can only find here.
- 3
Premium Japanese Ingredients: Koshihikari rice from Niigata, scallops from Hokkaido, Halal-certified Wagyu beef, and Arita-ware ceramics for every dish.
Menu Highlights
Signature Chicken Skin Skewers
Crispy, golden, and brushed with a specially sourced soy sauce from Kumamoto. The undisputed star of the menu — available by the piece or in bulk.
Mizutaki Hotpot
A rich, clear chicken broth simmered for 15 hours using freshly processed chicken. Finish with zosui rice porridge or ramen noodles.
Yakitori & Skewers
Negima, sasami, tsukune, liver, bonjiri, hatsu, dakimi and more — plus pork belly rolls and vegetable wraps, all grilled over charcoal.
Halal-Certified Wagyu Steak & Sukiyaki
Premium Wagyu beef prepared with full Halal certification, so all guests can enjoy without reservation.
Space & Atmosphere
Warm timber and deep red tiles come together in a Japanese modern interior centred around an open charcoal grill. From the counter, guests can watch each skewer being grilled up close, taking in the aroma of charcoal and the sound of the fire — the spirit of a Hakata izakaya, brought to life in Kuala Lumpur.
A yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) format is also planned to open later within this fiscal year, as part of the Group’s phased expansion strategy in Malaysia.
Restaurant Details
| Name | Hakata Yakitori Yoka Yoka Do(博多焼鳥 よかよか堂) |
| Grand Opening | 1 July 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Address | Ground & Mezzanine Floor, The Row, No.44–48, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Hours | 17:00–23:00 |
| Access | Approx. 7 min walk from Chow Kit Station. Near Azumi Boutique Hotel, along Jalan Doraisamy. |
| Seating | 58 seats |
| Dining Style | Izakaya-style yakitori / Casual dining |
| Operator | YARUKI MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (JV: F Innovators Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (FIM) & Yaruki Company Ltd.) |
| @yokayokadou | |
| Google Maps | View location |
