Though Alor Setar is the capital of the paddy state, Kedah, we have very few Japanese restaurant options available. Up till the past 5 years, I think Kaede was the only Japanese restaurant in town. This was my favourite childhood Japanese restaurant, and still is my favourite go-to restaurant in Alor Setar!
Location and Parking
Currently, they are located at Jalan Sultanah Badlishah (opposite Star Parade Complex). There is ample parking outside their store. I remember that before it moved to it’s current location, the restaurant used to be located at Sentosa Plaza. The store was also much bigger back then – with sitting on the floor table arrangements available (sadly, this sitting option is no longer available at their current store). It was the right move though. Sentosa Plaza has since lost its appeal to Alor Setarians. Now, the plaza is mostly deserted and vacant on the upper floors. The lower floors of the plaza have transformed into a mobile phone hub for repairs and to purchase or sell new/used phones.
See also: Instagram (@lifeofaworkingadult) Gallery of Kaede Japanese Restaurant
The restaurant is decently decorated. They have a mini water pond and a mini fountain right in the middle of the restaurant. They also have books and comics for you to read should you feel bored waiting for your food. The place is clean and it’s very conducive place to eat. Overall, it gives you that comfortable homey vibe.
Kaede Japanese Restaurant Verdict – Awesome!
Food quality wise, one can not compare to the likes of those established Japanese restaurants, like Jyu Raku and Oukatsu in the big cities. I wouldn’t call this place a super authentic Japanese restaurant, but it’s still way better than the likes of Sushi King. For a small city like Alor Setar, this restaurant serves arguably the best Japanese food in town.
My favourite back then was their Chicken Katsu set (or also known back then as Bento C), but now my favourite is their Beef Steak set. I remember their Chicken Katsu being fried to perfection. The dipping sauce served together with it was the perfect combination for the crispy chicken katsu. My current favourite – beef steak on the other hand, is served in their special sauce, a mixture of miso and wasabi (I think). It’s superb!
My sister had their Shoyu Ramen. I’m not a big fan of noodles – and ramen is no exception. I tried their broth, it’s not bad, but it’s not something I would order. Then again I’m not a fan of ramen, so I let you be the judge. My sister likes it though.
Read also: [Food Review] Mansion 28 @ Alor Setar, Kedah
I do note that their food portions have somewhat shrunk since the time I first had it. But then again, they have not really increased their food prices since back then. Furthermore, it’s wayyyy cheaper than the likes of Jyu Raku and Oukatsu. So overall, I’d say prices are pretty reasonable for good Japanese food!
And oh, green tea is RM0.80 a cup, non-refillable.
My Rating
80%: Ambiance
75%: Price (value for money)
85%: Taste
80%: Location (ease of parking)
80%: Service
80%: Overall Rating
Opening Hours
Open daily from 11:30 AM – 3 PM and 5:30 PM – 9 PM (Closed on Mondays)