By 
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 February 2025 – Malaysia is set to make culinary history as the world’s first-ever IPPUDO | MAiSEN combined concept store celebrates its official launch at The Gardens Mall on 25th February 2025. This groundbreaking combined concept brings together two iconic Japanese brands, IPPUDO, renowned for its authentic tonkotsu ramen, and MAiSEN, the No.1 Tonkatsu Restaurant in Japan. Together, they offer a complete and unique dining experience that combines the synergy of both brands under one roof.
Best of Japanese Tonkatsu & Tonkotsu Ramen
The IPPUDO | MAiSEN concept is a celebration of Japan’s culinary excellence, blending the rich, flavourful tonkotsu ramen of IPPUDO with MAiSEN’s expertly crafted tonkatsu. Each dish is a testament to the brands’ dedication to quality and their commitment to preserving Japan’s revered food traditions. This innovative concept allows diners to indulge in the best of both worlds—savouring IPPUDO’s hearty, umami-packed ramen and MAiSEN’s crispy, tender pork cutlets in a single dining experience.
A Milestone for Malaysian Food Culture
“We couldn’t be more thrilled and honoured to launch the world’s first IPPUDO | MAiSEN combined concept restaurant here in Malaysia,” said Donald Lim, director of both franchises in Malaysia. “Malaysians love Japanese food and for many who do travel there, enjoying heritage cuisine is a big part of any visit. Combining IPPUDO’s iconic tonkotsu ramen with Japan’s famous MAiSEN tonkatsu will resonate deeply with such customers. It’s an honour to debut this concept here and we are delighted to have with us representatives from both MAiSEN and IPPUDO here for the official launch at The Gardens Mall.”
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
IPPUDO first arrived in Malaysia in February 2013, opening its debut outlet at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Since then, it has become a household name for its authentic tonkotsu ramen. Over the past decade, IPPUDO has grown to become a cornerstone of Japan’s ramen culture in the country.
MAiSEN, made its Malaysian debut in 2023 at Sunway Pyramid, captivating diners with its signature tonkatsu, so tender it could be cut with chopsticks. The overwhelming response solidified MAiSEN’s place in the hearts of Malaysians.
Building on this success, this combined concept with IPPUDO and MAiSEN marks an exciting new chapter. Through the reopening at The Gardens Mall, IPPUDO brings its total number of outlets in Malaysia to 12, and MAiSEN to 2. Together, IPPUDO | MAiSEN aims to elevate Malaysia’s dining scene by bringing together the finest of Japanese culinary craftsmanship with this innovative concept.
A Curated Culinary Experience
At IPPUDO | MAiSEN, guests can look forward to a carefully curated menu that highlights the best of both brands:
Shiromaru Special
IPPUDO’s original Tonkotsu broth served with ultra-thin noodles, salted soft-boiled eggs and pork belly, bean sprouts, kikurage, spring onions and seaweed. A Classic Hakata-style Ramen.
IPPUDO Kuro Special
Thick, chewy noodles served with salted soft-boiled eggs, BBQ pork belly, flavoured black fungus, spring onions, seaweed, bean sprouts, spicy blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil with black pepper. Smoky and full of aroma.
Nankotsu Tantanmen
A renowned Hakata delicacy featuring tender pork soft bone in a rich tonkotsu broth infused with chicken and blended with minced pork miso. Savour springy noodles with hints of chili flakes and fragrant chili oil, topped with silky Hanjuku Tamago. A masterful blend of heat, texture, and umami.
Jumbo Tenderloin Katsu Set
MAiSEN’s premium tenderloin katsu, fried to golden perfection with signature panko breadcrumbs. Served with fragrant rice, fresh cabbage, pickles, fruits and miso soup. Pairs well with MAiSEN’s signature sauces for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Trio Mix Set (Pork, Prawn, Chicken)
A delightful combination of MAiSEN’s tenderloin kushikatsu, prawn katsu and chicken katsu. Served with fragrant rice, fresh cabbage, pickles, fruits and miso soup.
Katsumabushi Tenderloin Set
The exquisite combination of bite-sized tenderloin katsu served over rice, accompanied by rich dashi broth, onsen tamago, and an assortment of delectable side condiments.
**From 26th February to 31st March 2025, enjoy 1 FREE Soft Serve when you order any Jumbo Loin or Tenderloin Katsu Set and follow MAiSEN’s Facebook or Instagram page! Terms and conditions apply.
Be the First to Experience IPPUDO | MAiSEN
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this culinary milestone. Visit IPPUDO | MAiSEN at The Gardens Mall now and experience the best of Japanese tonkatsu and tonkotsu ramen under one roof.
For more information, visit the official MAiSEN’s website (www.maisen.com.my) and Instagram (@maisen_malaysia) & IPPUDO’s website (www.ippudo.com.my) and Instagram (@ippudomalaysia).
– END –
About IPPUDO
IPPUDO started in 1985 in Fukuoka. Today, there are over 200 IPPUDO outlets all around the world serving authentic tonkotsu ramen.
Our founder, Shigemi Kawahara, sees the restaurant as a stage where each employee plays a role like an actor. From cooking to serving, every move is perfectly choreographed.
Kawahara holds a place in the Ramen Hall of Fame after winning TV Champion Ramen Chef 3 times consecutively and also won at the TBS Ramen King competition.
About MAiSEN
For nearly 60 years, MAiSEN is renowned in Japan for its tender meat tonkatsu, affectionately recognised as, “Tonkatsu, so tender it can be cut with chopsticks.”
Today, MAiSEN’s reach includes 13 dine-in restaurants, 60 takeaway kiosks and numerous points of sale across Japan. International expansion began in 2012 with Thailand, the Philippines, and now Malaysia.
MAiSEN’s main restaurant in Aoyama (off Omotesando) is famous for its setting as a 1920s bathhouse converted into a restaurant. At the time of the conversion, people had no real concept of “reuse” as is commonplace today. It was thus considered a fresh and surprising idea to repurpose an old building, sparking hot topics for conversation and garnering high acclaim.
You may also find the press kit & translated release below: