Maisen, a renowned Japanese restaurant chain known for its exceptional tonkatsu, has made a significant mark on the global dining scene with the opening of its first combined outlet, Ippudo Maisen. This visionary institution welcomed its first delightful patrons in southeast Asia’s Malaysia back in 2023. More importantly, it combines the initial concepts of Maisen and Ippudo in a special way, featuring a culinary journey through Japan’s storied culture and food.
Maisen’s first outlet, opened in 1965, in the Hibiya Mitsui building in Tokyo. Since then, it has developed a robust positive brand statewide in Japan, particularly at major transportation hubs. Its katsu sandwiches are the kinds of things that become everyday staples for a lot of people, routing the brand deep into Japanese culinary culture. Maisen’s triumph began with its now signature pork katsu. Every piece is carefully made and cuts are hand-selected from the top 10% of all premium pork. Each item in the collection has to pass this rigorous selection process so their customers only get the best.
Maisen’s fame extends beyond pork katsu. Their restaurant includes a take on an unagi katsumabushi. It has yummy, breaded and fried eel, which totally works with a zesty yuzu-based dashi broth. This dish, and a deep well of recipe history and cooking tradition, draws diners chasing real deal flavors from coast to coast.
Maisen’s menu isn’t all about the savory. Be sure to try their famed soft serve Hokkaido milk ice cream, and their silky smooth, sweet sea salt flavor! These desserts are only available at the Ippudo Maisen location, making it a special treat for diners.
At Maisen, patrons can experience more than just a meal. The katsu is accompanied by rice, miso soup, pickles, tofu and seasonal whole fruits. The jumbo tenderloin katsu is remarkable, not just because it’s jumbo, but for its tenderness as well. It’s so tender you could pass right through it with chopsticks!
The launch of the Ippudo Maisen outlet in Fukuoka city opens an exhilarating new chapter for the brand. Since its debut, Maisen has expanded to two locations in Malaysia. Today, the brand is looking to build on that momentum and continue honoring the same principles that made them successful in Japan.
Donald Lim, an executive with the restaurant Investor, shared his excitement at bringing this unusual concept to life.
“Offering variety in the menu lends itself well to the local conditions,” – Donald Lim
He pointed out that the restaurant’s experience distraction prevents any brand’s identity from leaking into the others. Simultaneously, it contains the secret ingredient that makes healthy collaboration possible.
“Customers will note that the branding at the restaurant allows for the identity of each to remain prominent and independent of the other,” – Donald Lim
The reception from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Both new and regular customers have expressed their appreciation for the combined menu. Our goal was for the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts and we have managed to accomplish that,” – Donald Lim
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