Cover Luna Cafe & Bar's Hokkaido uni carbonara (Source: Yaichi Kura)
Luna Cafe & Bar's Hokkaido uni carbonara (Source: Yaichi Kura)
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The new addition to the district of Sai Wan includes a high-end izakaya and a Japanese bakery
Kennedy Town is burnishing its already strong dining credentials with the addition of Yaichi Kura, a new establishment that brings four different F&B concepts under one roof. Named after Japan's calling code (+81), the venue spans over 5,000 square feet and encompasses an izakaya, bakery, cafe and Japanese specialty store.
Above Hokkaido oyster sashimi (Source: Yaichi Kura)
Above Robatayaki selection (Source: Yaichi Kura)
Hokkaido oyster sashimi (Source: Yaichi Kura)
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The izakaya, Toge by Jyungin, is Yaichi Kura's flagship brand. It's headed by Okinawa native Shimoji Atsushi, whose career spans over 25 years including a long stint at renowned Tokyo robatayaki institution, Inakaya. At Toge, the interiors draw inspiration from Hokkaido, from the cave-like entrance to the Ainu-inspired bear mural on the wall.
As for the cuisine, Atsushi combines robatayaki cuisine with French influences, as showcased in the eight-course tasting menu (from HK$980) in dishes like oyster ajillo, where Hiroshima oysters, ebi shrimp and Japanese white clams are sautéed in a shuto (bonito condiment) and garlic butter sauce; as well as a dish of Konbumori oyster, Akkeshi clam, kinmedai and maitake mushroom cooked tableside en papillote. Other highlights include A4 Omi wagyu beef tataki in uni sauce, and the Toge sushi roll featuring tuna belly and salmon roe.
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Above One of Painduce's 11 different baked goods (Source: Yaichi Kura)
Above Painduce's interior (Source: Yaichi Kura)
One of Painduce's 11 different baked goods (Source: Yaichi Kura)
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Meanwhile, all-day eatery Luna Cafe & Bar serves breakfast, dinner and everything in between, with a focus on yoshoku (Western-influenced cuisine). Favourites include Hokkaido uni carbonara, cod crab eggs benedict, and a signature double cheesecake. Mere steps away is Painduce, the first Hong Kong outpost of the popular Osaka bakery—here, 11 types of baked goods can be found, all based on founder Masahiko Yoneyama's recipes and utilising exclusively Japanese flour. Just a sample of the offerings includes sautéed shiitake mushroom toast, smoked chicken and burdock toast, and lotus root and smoked chicken toast.
Finally, Japanese specialty store 81Station also shares a roof, serving double purpose as the self-pickup station of online marketplace Go81.com as well as stocking fresh Japanese produce and merchandise.
Yaichi Kura, 1/F, Imperial Kennedy, 84 Belcher's Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 9634 1831, instagram.com/yaichi.kura
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Gavin Yeung is a Hong Kong-based writer and was the editor at Tatler Dining. He has written across the realms of F&B, design, fashion and travel, with a focus on in-depth profiles and experiential features. Previously, he held editorial positions at Hypebeast, Soho House and Vogue Hong Kong. He’s also a keen photographer and aspiring home bartender, and is constantly thinking of original, Cantonese-inflected (and occasionally questionable) cocktails to shake up. Follow him on Instagram at @gaviny.
