I’ll admit it… Japanese food wasn’t always my thing. Apart from the occasional chicken katsu, I never really understood the hype. Sushi has never been my favourite, and to this day, I’m still not a fan of miso soup. There’s just something about the fishy flavour that my taste buds can’t quite get used to.
Then my partner introduced me to YAYOI.
He first discovered the restaurant through a recommendation from one of his Japanese colleagues, who described it as one of the closest places to authentic Japanese home-style cooking outside Japan. That immediately made us curious, so one weekend we decided to give it a try.
I honestly didn’t expect much, but somewhere between my first teishoku set and countless return visits afterwards, my opinion of Japanese food slowly began to change.
Fast forward to today, YAYOI has become our go-to restaurant whenever we’re craving Japanese food.
Funny enough, my partner has slowly expanded my palate over the years. While I’m still not convinced that miso soup and I will ever become friends, I’ve grown to appreciate so many other Japanese dishes that I never thought I’d enjoy. Even ramen, which I used to avoid completely, has now become something I crave every now and then.
And honestly…
I never saw that coming.
✅ About YAYOI
YAYOI is a Japanese restaurant chain that specialises in teishoku, a traditional style of dining built around a balanced set meal served on a single tray. In Japan, teishoku has long been considered the foundation of everyday home cooking, combining rice, soup, a main dish, and several side dishes to create a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
The story of YAYOI dates back to 1886, when a Western-style restaurant called Yayoi-ken opened in Tokyo during the Meiji era, a period when Japan was embracing new influences from around the world. Over time, those Western influences blended with traditional Japanese cooking, shaping the country’s modern food culture. Today’s YAYOI continues that legacy by celebrating authentic Japanese home-style meals while staying true to the values of balance, quality, and simplicity.
Now with hundreds of outlets across Japan and an expanding international presence, YAYOI remains committed to sharing Japanese food culture through its signature teishoku meals. It’s this dedication to consistency and tradition that has made the restaurant popular not only among locals, but also among Japanese expatriates looking for flavours that remind them of home.
✅ First Impressions
The first thing I noticed about YAYOI was how calm everything felt.
Despite being located inside a busy shopping mall, stepping into the restaurant almost felt like leaving the crowds behind. Soft lighting, warm wooden interiors, and clean, minimalist décor inspired by Japanese design created a space that instantly felt peaceful and inviting.
Nothing about the restaurant felt loud or overwhelming. Instead, there was a quiet sense of order. Staff greeted customers politely as they arrived, conversations stayed at a comfortable volume, and the open dining area felt bright without being overly busy. It was the kind of atmosphere that encouraged you to slow down and enjoy your meal rather than rush through it.
I could immediately understand why my partner’s Japanese colleague recommended this place. Even before the food arrived, YAYOI already felt different from many other Japanese restaurants I’d visited.
✅ The Menu & What We Ordered
One of the reasons I enjoy dining at YAYOI is how every teishoku feels like a complete meal rather than just a main course.
Each set arrives with steamed rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, chilled tofu, a fresh salad drizzled with roasted sesame dressing, and your choice of protein. I love how everything on the tray complements one another, giving you a little bit of everything instead of focusing on just one dish.
As much as I enjoy the main course, it’s actually the little details that make YAYOI stand out. The fresh salad is one of my favourite parts of every meal. It’s always crisp, refreshing, and coated in a roasted sesame dressing that’s so good I sometimes wish I could buy a bottle to take home.
Even better, both the rice and salad are refillable, making every meal feel even more generous and satisfying. It’s a small touch, but one that really elevates the overall dining experience.
Beyond their signature teishoku sets, YAYOI also offers a wide variety of Japanese favourites, including sushi, sashimi, donburi, tempura, katsu curry, grilled fish, beef dishes, desserts, and traditional Japanese drinks. There’s plenty to explore, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re already familiar with Japanese cuisine.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to try several of their teishoku sets, and I’ve yet to leave disappointed.
Chicken Teriyaki Teishoku
This is still my favourite.
The chicken is always tender and juicy, coated in a glossy teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savoury without becoming overpowering. Paired with fluffy steamed rice and all the accompanying side dishes, every bite feels comforting and satisfying.
What completes the meal for me is the addition of tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette). The subtle sweetness of the omelette complements the savoury teriyaki beautifully, making the whole meal feel even more complete.
Chicken Karaage Teishoku
The Chicken Karaage Teishoku is another dish I’d happily order again.
The karaage is wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Even though it’s fried, it never feels overly greasy, and it pairs perfectly with the rice, salad, and the rest of the set.
Chicken Namban Teishoku
This was the newest teishoku I tried.
The crispy chicken is topped with a creamy tartar sauce that adds just the right amount of richness without overpowering the dish. It’s comforting, satisfying, and a great choice if you’re looking for something a little different from the classic teriyaki.
Spicy Tofu Teishoku
Wanting to try something different, I also ordered the Spicy Tofu Teishoku on one of my visits.
The tofu was silky soft and surprisingly filling, coated in a savoury sauce with just enough heat to keep every bite interesting without being overwhelming. It was lighter than the chicken sets but still incredibly satisfying, making it a great option if you’re looking for something a little healthier or simply want a break from meat.
Although the Chicken Teriyaki Teishoku still holds the top spot for me, I genuinely enjoyed every teishoku I’ve tried so far. That’s one of the reasons YAYOI has become my favourite Japanese restaurant. No matter what I order, I always leave feeling satisfied.
✅ Is YAYOI Worth the Price?
After dining at YAYOI more times than I can count, I genuinely think it offers excellent value for money.
Most of the teishoku sets are priced between RM30 and RM40, depending on your choice of dish. At first glance, that might seem a little pricey, but it’s actually very reasonable, especially for a Japanese restaurant located inside a shopping mall. Once your meal arrives, it’s easy to see where your money goes.
You’re not just paying for a main course. Every teishoku comes as a complete meal with steamed rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, chilled tofu, a fresh salad, and your choice of protein. On top of that, the rice and salad are refillable, making the meal even more satisfying.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the generous portions. It’s the consistency. Every visit has delivered the same quality, the same comforting flavours, and the same attention to detail that first made me fall in love with the restaurant.
For me, that’s what makes YAYOI worth every ringgit.
📍 Location & Opening Hours
YAYOI has expanded across Malaysia with several outlets, including IOI City Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, The Gardens Mall, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Sunway Pyramid, and Pavilion Bukit Jalil. While the menu is generally consistent across all locations, this review is based on my visits to the IOI City Mall outlet in Putrajaya.
Located inside one of Malaysia’s largest shopping malls, it’s an easy choice if you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day of shopping. The restaurant is spacious, family-friendly, and rarely feels overcrowded, making it equally suitable for casual meals, family gatherings, or date nights.
📍 Reviewed Outlet
YAYOI Japanese Teishoku Restaurant
Level 2, IOI City Mall,
Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City,
62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia.
🕒 Opening Hours
Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Official Website: YAYOI Japanese Teishoku Restaurant
Opening hours may vary during public holidays, so it’s always a good idea to check YAYOI Malaysia’s official website or social media before visiting.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’d told me a few years ago that a Japanese restaurant would become one of my favourite places to eat, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
Yet here I am.
YAYOI didn’t just introduce me to teishoku. It completely changed the way I look at Japanese cuisine. I’ve discovered flavours and dishes that I genuinely enjoy now, and that’s something I never expected. What keeps me coming back isn’t just the food. It’s the consistency. No matter how many times I’ve returned, the quality, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere have remained exactly the same.
If you’re curious about Japanese food but aren’t sure where to begin, I honestly think YAYOI is a great place to start. And if you’re already a fan, I have a feeling you’ll appreciate the care that goes into every teishoku set.
Sometimes, all it takes is one good meal to change your mind.
For me…
that meal happened at YAYOI.
Wanderhoney Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Till then.
X, Hani 🌸
