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A fresh chapter in Japanese gastronomy and beyond by Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown.

Tucked on the fourth floor of Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, ENSŌ Izakaya &amp; Bar has just celebrated its official opening in October. Its name derives from the Japanese word ENSŌ, which means a hand-drawn circle, symbolising the beauty of imperfection. A culinary gem in the city&rsquo;s fast-evolving dining scene, it all starts with a concept of modern Japanese dining meets vibrant bar culture at the delightful convergence of food, drinks, music and people.

With a 200-pax capacity across its three distinct zones, ENSŌ cannot be more versatile as a venue, designed as a multisensory social hub that allows guests to craft their own adventure. The main dining room pairs a well-balanced open plan with semi-private spaces, decorated with traditional Japanese paper lights, straw rope, string designs and wall art.
Adjacent to ENSŌ&rsquo;s main space, the central bar entices with an extensive premium sake collection, along with a myriad of cocktails and Japanese nibbles, best enjoyed at the cosy bar indoors or the breezy alfresco space, overlooking KL city&rsquo;s stunning skyline.

Being at ENSŌ means being ensconced among sublime architecture and ambience, where the design language juxtaposes progressive and time-honoured elements with an intimate connection to the outdoors. Think panoramic views and a tranquil courtyard with a verdant tropical garden, evoking a Japanese-inspired sensibility, replete with a 30-year-old bonsai tree and Zen-like water features.

Helming ENSŌ Izakaya &amp; Bar is Executive Chef Masami Okamoto, whose global career and leadership roles in award-winning restaurants have earned him accolades. His expertise in both classical Edo-era and contemporary Japanese cuisine defines the gastronomic lineup, spanning fresh seafood flown directly from Tokyo&rsquo;s Toyosu Market to izakaya-style small plates.
Signature appetisers include slurp-worthy Kaki no uni ikura nose, a Japanese oyster elevated with sea urchin, salmon roe and lemon jelly; moreish crispy sushi rice topped with T&rsquo;LUR Caviar; and flavoursome Torched Mackerel and Miso Cod. From the freshest Sashimi Nanaten Mori platter to perfectly charred Kushiyaki &ldquo;Binchotan&rdquo; Skewers, and delectable desserts like Asa No Ha, berry compote with matcha ice cream, engraved with a lucky hemp leaf, each dish is prepared with a deep mastery of technique and tradition, delivering an outstanding taste of Japan that is familiar and unforgettable.

Complementing ENSŌ&rsquo;s dining is its innovative bar, led by Head Mixologist Ivon Soon, a bartending champion celebrated for her creativity in mixology. Drawing from the cultural depth of Japanese spirits and flavours, her repertoire traverses shochu to the elixir of izakayas, highballs, and a den of cocktails inspired by Japanese ingredients. Soon&rsquo;s impressive drinks menu is intensely woven with storytelling, backed by an extensive &ldquo;alcohol library&rdquo; of whiskies, gins, vodkas, cognacs, agave spirits and rums.
To savour ENSŌ&rsquo;s philosophy of bespoke experiences, start with the tailored Chu Hai Experience, showcasing an inventive twist on the classic shochu highball, with creations such as Kakka, Tsukemono and Berī &amp; Suppai, based on the Malaysian palate. With Soon&rsquo;s friendly charm and delicious mocktail or cocktail concoctions, the bar at ENSŌ comes alive with a sense of community and camaraderie. A resident DJ at the vinyl station keeps the night young and energy-infused, shaping the moment with a curated soundtrack.

Certain to convert many first-time patrons into steadfast regulars, ENSŌ Izakaya &amp; Bar offers an immersive and memorable experience. From tantalising the taste buds to transporting one&rsquo;s senses to the serenity of Japan&rsquo;s nature and aesthetic, capped with a dynamic playground of music and rapport, no two nights there are ever the same but always remarkable.

<h4 style="text-align: center;">This New Year's Eve, ENSŌ Izakaya &amp; Bar is hosting a magical countdown bash, replete with a fireworks spectacle, to ring in 2026 in epic style.</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Find out more about Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown's festive offers and bookings <a href="https://linktr.ee/hyattregencyklmidtown?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGngviVSiYFmWHnoVuGZEYY-8-2_Y3EhgcCQ-9Bx5Zt6DVL24uSl3G7YSU_lM4_aem_r1MHpbHRxn-Wc741EB14Aw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a></h4>

Food for the soul at ENSŌ Izakaya & Bar

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