This spot is actually a haven for car enthusiasts of Japanese automotive culture, complete with high-tech features like driving simulator, car pit station, and an Asian-themed restaurant for all to enjoy.
According to its founder, who wished to be known only as Kent, and his business partner Sam, Togeya started out as an abandoned petrol station.
“We were both just big car lovers. We thought that in Malaysia, there didn’t seem to be too many places for people like us to gather and ‘lepak’.
“So we looked around, and found this spot. It took a year to find the owner, but we connected, and managed to take over the place,” Sam told FMT Lifestyle.
He added that renovation was tough work: “there was no water, no electricity. But we managed to open it last year, and we’re very happy with it.”
Togeya is now a popular meeting place for automobile lovers to mingle and network: the venue often hosts car showcases and meet-up sessions with famous personalities from both the automotive and entertainment worlds.
Guests can try its state-of-the-art driving simulator, or treat their vehicles to premium washes and other services at the Car Pit station.
Eye-catching cars such as the Honda NSX, Mazda RX-7, and Nissan 180SX are parked around the faux petrol pumps, so visitors can admire them and snap photos.
“A lot of people like coming here with their cars. There are no restrictions, no matter what you drive, you’re welcome here. Actually, even if you don’t have a car, you can come and enjoy the food and atmosphere,” Sam quipped.
Dining-wise, guests can either decide to eat outdoors, close to the classic cars on display, or eat indoors. Grab a camping-style chair, pull up at one of the tables, and enjoy a hearty meal here.
There’s plenty on the menu, from Asian delights such as yakitori and rice dishes to pasta and blended drinks. All food is Muslim-friendly.
(If your vehicle is also feeling hungry, there’s engine oil for sale here.)
The Cheesy Bolognese Fries is an excellent appetiser: a generous serving of crispy fries topped with rich chicken Bolognese sauce and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re sharing or enjoying this solo, this dish will definitely whet your appetite.
Highlights here are the Seafood Aglio Olio, a light and zesty garlic spaghetti dish that comes with large prawns and mouth-watering green mussels, and the Curry Chicken Katsu, which sees savoury curry and soft-boiled egg served over fluffy Japanese rice.
There are also plenty of drinks here, from simple brews like mochas and teas to more exotic concoctions such as strawberry oat lattes and the RX-8 Citrus Spark, a refreshing fusion of cantaloupe soda and grapefruit-orange soda.
The real showstoppers, however, are the desserts. The bingsu, or Japanese shaved ice, is frosty and refreshing, composed with just the right balance of silky ice and luscious toppings.
The Mango Cluth is a tropical dream of juicy fruity flavour, while the Berry Rush steals the spotlight with its vibrant strawberries and delicate crunch of almond flakes.
Kent and Sam have big dreams for Togeya: there are plans for a car modification shop, an oden station and a Japanese-style grocery here. And in a nod to the classic Japanese manga Initial D, expect a tofu shop one day!
“There’s a lot of stuff going on here. Sometimes it feels crazy, running all this! But it’s been great bringing Japanese car culture here, but combining it a bit with Malaysian culture.
“This place lets you treat both yourself and your car, while meeting friends,” Sam concluded.
Togeya
1471, Jalan Kuching
Kampung Pasir Segambut
51200 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 11am-11pm daily
Follow Togeya on Instagram.