If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine and happen to be in Georgetown, Penang, then you need to check out Hachiban Izakaya. Located on Jalan Kelawai, this restaurant offers an authentic Izakaya experience with a twist. From the best selection of sake to the most flavorful snacks, Hachiban Izakaya has it all.

One of their specialties is their Traditional Charcoal Grill Kushiyaki, which features 40 different options. They are also well-known for serving Japan’s number one beer, Suntory The Premium Malt’s Draft Beer, which comes in three flavors: Lager, Dark, and Mixed. Whether you’re a fan of grilled skewers or a refreshing beer, Hachiban Izakaya has something for everyone to enjoy.

With an atmosphere that truly captures the essence of an Izakaya, this restaurant has gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. In this post, we will explore what makes Hachiban Izakaya a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Located on Jalan Kelawai, Hachiban Izakaya offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese cuisine and specialty dishes designed to enhance the drinking experience. The restaurant’s primary focus is on providing a genuine Izakaya atmosphere, complete with eye-catching lanterns and a range of sake and shochu options to choose from.

At Hachiban Izakaya, you can expect to find a range of classic Japanese dishes alongside some exciting new options, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with a unique flair. The restaurant boasts a large seating capacity, with a grill bar that adds to the lively ambiance of the place.

During our recent visit to Hachiban Izakaya, we had the pleasure of sampling some of their signature dishes and drinks. The Ramu Rakku (RM34), a succulent lamb rack grilled to perfection, was a standout dish that left us wanting more. The tender meat, paired with a rich marinade, made for a memorable culinary experience.

We also ordered the Kushiyaki Omakase Happon (RM58), a platter of eight different types of skewered items, each bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. 

To pair with our sake and other drinks, we opted for the Truffle Koebi Karaage (RM18), a delicious deep-fried shrimp dish with truffle paste that left us wanting more. The Ebi Tempura (RM30), deep-fried prawns in batter, were equally delightful, while the Yaki Gyoza (RM13), homemade minced pork dumplings, were a flavor bomb that we simply couldn’t get enough of.

One dish that you must try at Hachiban Izakaya is their sushi. We ordered the Alligator Roll (RM38 / 8 pcs), a delightful roll with salmon and cucumber topped with creamy avocado and crispy garlic chips. The combination of flavors and textures was absolutely fantastic.

We also ordered their Yakimono, a selection of grilled dishes that are perfect for sharing. One standout dish was the Tanoshi Kunsei Kamo Jyu Jyu Yaki (RM27), which features self-grilled duck breast in a hotpot. The duck breast is tender and juicy, and the hotpot provides a wonderful flavor infusion. You can ask their professional staff to grill it for you either in the kitchen or at your table.

Another dish that we absolutely loved was the Asari to Kinoko Hoiru Yaki (RM32). This dish features a hot plate filled with succulent short neck clams and an assortment of mushrooms in a deliciously rich clear butter soup. The flavors and aromas of this dish are absolutely amazing and it quickly became our favorite.

One Yakimono dish we highly recommend is the Tanoshi wagyu Jyu Jyu Yaki (RM178 / 100g), featuring self-grilled wagyu beef served on a hot plate. This dish is a real standout – the beef is perfectly tender and juicy, and the hot plate really brings out its delicious flavor.

In addition to being a standout dish, the wagyu beef used in Tanoshi wagyu Jyu Jyu Yaki is a special order from Miyazaki, Japan. This ensures that the beef is of the highest quality and truly enhances the dish’s flavor and texture. If you’re a fan of wagyu beef or looking to try some of the best, this is the dish for you!

We also ordered the Sashimi Moriawase (Standard), a highly rated dish that features super fresh, air-flown seafood direct from Japan. The dish includes five different kinds of raw fish, including salmon, white meat fish, scallop, sweet shrimp, and salmon roe. The seafood is incredibly fresh and flavorful, and it’s a must-order when you visit Hachiban Izakaya.

For those who prefer rice dishes, Hachiban Izakaya has some fantastic options as well. The Ninniku Yaki Meshi (RM11), or garlic fried rice, is a savory and delicious dish that’s perfect for pairing with other dishes.

And if you’re a pork lover, you’ll definitely want to try the Kurobuta Don (RM48), a rice dish topped with grilled Spanish Iberico pork and a soft-boiled egg, served with miso soup. It’s a rich and hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

If you’re a noodle fan, don’t fret, as Hachiban Izakaya has got you covered with their Wafu Champon (RM29). This delightful noodle soup features a mix of pork, seafood, and vegetables in a starchy sauce that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

And it’s not just about the food here – Hachiban Izakaya offers an extensive drinks menu that includes cocktails, sake, sparkling sake, shochu, beer, cooler, and even smoothies. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a great dinner with some sake after a long day at work. So head on over to Hachiban Izakaya for an authentic Izakaya experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

While the prices at Hachiban Izakaya may be slightly above average, the authentic Izakaya experience and the quality of the food and drinks more than make up for it. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a night out with friends or simply want to savor some of the best Japanese cuisine in Georgetown, Hachiban Izakaya is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Level 1, 32, Jalan Kelawai, Georgetown, 10250 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 11:30am – 2:15pm; 6pm – 9:45pm (Monday – Thursday) | 11:30am – 10pm (Friday – Sunday & Public Holiday)
Social media: Facebook

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