This beloved Japanese restaurant opens its very first international branch in TST
If you’re a fan of Japanese food, you would already have heard of Kushitei, the country’s most beloved proponent of kushiage. Kushitei has 10 stores in Japan’s biggest cities, even when it started as a humble open counter boutique eatery in Ebisu, Tokyo in 2019.
What’s kushiage, you ask? “Kushi” is basically bamboo skewers, which the batter-dipped, deep-fried morsels are served in. Their secret? The kneading powder of breadcrumbs, applied before the batter process, ensures each morsel has an unbeatable thin, even and crunchy coating.
Located at the Grand Centre in Humhpreys Avenue, close to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, Kushitei presents its authentic, seasonal-led, omakase-style kushiage in super casual, happy atmosphere. Brought to HK by the farm-to-table Japanese dining group AP Place Hong Kong Co. Limited, the first branch in TST is a 1,000-square-feet plus space clad in calming wood, with a dining counter that seats eight people, and tables that accommodate 12 diners.
‘Kushi’ is basically bamboo skewers, which the batter-dipped, deep-fried morsels are served in. Their secret? The kneading powder of breadcrumbs, applied before the batter process, ensures each morsel has an unbeatable thin, even and crunchy coating.
The Hong Kong culinary team is made up of Japanese chefs, so diners are assured of authenticity, with each dish served in sunflower oil. Another coveted attraction is that the Hong Kong outpost will serve premium Japanese chicken, native birds from free range forms serving up juicy, tender meat for the richest umami taste.
Two omakase-style menus of 10 to 12 kushiage courses are priced at HK$498 (or about ₱3,500) and HK$698 (or about ₱5,000), and would be dependent on the seasons. The price is well worth it—the Appetizer Platter will carry an assortment of savory goodies, with a homemade Mochi Tofu served in between each course to spark your palate.
The skewer feast will include prime meat and seafood, including Wagyu Sirloin with Truffle Sauce, Angel Shrimp, Chicken Fillet Roll with Yellow Chive and Scallop, oysters, grilled eel, abalone, foie gras, and crab gratin. The 12 course meal includes two creative dishes, the Yellowtail with Yuzu and the Kelp with Herring Roe. The chefs created two exclusive Hong Kong dishes, the Wheat Gluten Sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese, and the Shiitake with Special Minced Meat.
Both menus will conclude with a filling carb-rich choice of either Inaniwa Udon or Chicken Meat Ochazuke (a moreish green tea rice dish), followed by sweet notes of Monaka Ice Cream or homemade pudding.
You don’t have to get the set if you don’t want to. The a la carte list also includes a great selection: Crispy deep-fried serving of Japanese Chicken Nanban (HK$68) and the must-have Seared Kurosatsuma Chicken Breast(HK$88). Special Chicken Soup Ramen (HK$68) and Grilled Rice Ball (HK$58) are options for those seeking further carbs.
Japanese wines and sake are available. Yamanokotobuki Junmai Munakata Nihonshu Project: Nama (HK$780) from Kurume City, Kyushu, headlines almost a dozen traditional sakes, while the brand’s own rice-wine label, Kushitei (HK$680), is a good start for a night of sake tasting.
Kushitei is located at Shop G04-05, G/F, Grand Centre, 8 Humphreys Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.