Kampachi, the first name in Japanese dining in Malaysia, marks the close of its golden jubilee celebrations with a spectacular celebration at EQ Kuala Lumpur (KL).
This milestone celebration, held at the hotel’s Diamond Ballroom, brought guests and business partners on a journey down memory lane, celebrating Kampachi’s achievements and leadership in Japanese cuisine over the past fifty years.
What began as a small restaurant in the original Hotel Equatorial KL in 1974 has since expanded to three outlets with one being at the flagship EQ KL, one at Pavilion KL and another one at Plaza33 in Petaling Jaya. A fourth location in Hotel Equatorial Penang will resume operations in 2026 following an extensive renovation of that property now ongoing.
As the oldest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia, Kampachi has from the outset established many practices that today are taken for granted: Direct sourcing of products from Japan (for example sashimi from the historic Tsukiji market), traditional cuisine preparation techniques guided by master chefs from Japan, as well as established service standards.
To kick start the celebration night, Kampachi held a vibrant Tuna Parade that was led by Kampachi’s master chefs who showcased their exceptional skill and dedication as they ceremoniously brought the prized whole tuna to the stage which was subsequently expertly fillet and served it to the guests.
This was preceded by a video montage and speech by Kampachi Restaurants Sdn Bhd Managing Director Donald Lim and then followed by a dazzling performance by a lion dance troupe, to usher in the Lunar New Year with energy and good fortune.
“At Kampachi, we believe in uniting tradition with celebration. Many of our guests have at some point or other celebrated a birthday, anniversary or a significant corporate event with us. Tonight’s gathering is another manifestation of that kind of togetherness and bond that is centred around a dining experience.
“Our journey has always been about preserving authenticity while creating new memories with our guests,” Lim said, adding that 2025 will be another exciting year as Kampachi embarks on its next 50 years.
After the speech, guests were invited to partake in Kampachi’s Chinese New Year Lou Sang ceremony, a cherished tradition symbolising wishes for prosperity, health and happiness in the year ahead.
