Posts Tagged Robatayaki
Review – Inakaya (田舍家), Hong Kong
Having just been to Roppongi Robataya in Tokyo recently, we were a bit skeptical about the much hyped robatayaki restaurant Inakaya (田舍家) in Hong Kong. Located on the 101st floor of the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, at least the view would be stunning. The robatayaki room is in the far back of the restaurant, past the sushi counters and teppanyaki tables. Once seated, we were amazed by their attention to detail in replicating the decor and felt that we were transported to Japan.
We ordered the usual stuff: ginkgo (HK$80/US$10), Shiitake mushrooms (HK$150/US$19), Tsukune – chicken meatballs (HK$150/US$19 for two), shrimp (HK$300/US$38), pork (HK$170/US$22 for two), onion (HK$120/US$15), garlic (HK$65/US$8) and corn (HK$100/US$13). Outstanding were the king crab legs (HK$360/US$46), which were very fresh and sweet. The wagyu beef (HK$680/US$87 for two) were also delicious. But the highlight of the evening was the grilled kinki fish (HK$1,100/US$141)…the moist and soft meat mixed with the crispy skin was fabulous and kept us digging into every nook and cranny to get the last bite. Although not cheap, it is definitely highly recommended.
During our dinner, although we didn’t have the ‘changing of the chefs’ ceremony as in Japan, two chefs displayed a show of Mochitsuki (literally ‘making mochi’) by pounding a batch of glutinous rice inside a large mortar (usu) with a large wooden mallet (kine). They gave out loud grunts every time they pounded the flour, so it was quite a spectacle. They even invited guests to help out – kids even have a small version of the mallet to get in on the action. This was not just for show however, the end result was a delicious dish of mochi.
Although dinner can set you back HK$1,800/US$231 per person without wine, the food and experience was worth it. With the quality comparable to Roppongi Robataya in Japan, if you want to save a plane ride, this could be your answer to the best robatayaki in town. Next time we go to Tokyo, we’ll be sure to try the original Inakaya.
– 18/20
Inakaya (田舍家)
Shop A, 101/F, International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
T: +852 2972 2666
W: www.jcgroup.hk
111106 Inakaya - Entrance signage
111106 Inakaya - Table setting
111106 Inakaya - Robatayaki room
111106 Inakaya - King crab legs
111106 Inakaya - Tsukune
111106 Inakaya - Shiitake
111106 Inakaya - Ginkgo
111106 Inakaya - Pork skewers
111106 Inakaya - Shrimps
111106 Inakaya - Onions
111106 Inakaya - Mochitsuki
111106 Inakaya - Mochi
111106 Inakaya - Kinki
111106 Inakaya - Garlic
111106 Inakaya - Wagyu beef
111106 Inakaya - Corn
Review – Roppongi Robataya, Tokyo
Hey this might be a touristy place, but the atmosphere was really great. All the staff speak pretty good English, so ordering was not a problem. Even if you’re lost in translation, you can just point at what you want grilled as everything was spread out in front of you. We arrived early (around 7:00pm) so there was just one party apart from us. But the later it got, more people arrived and the atmosphere became ecstatic. Towards the end of our dinner, there was a “Changing of the Chefs” ceremony where everyone joined in the shouting and synchronized clapping of hands.
The food was great and cooked right in front of you – teppanyaki style. There was a water tank where we picked fresh shrimp and abalone. Really nice. The Kobe beef melted in our mouths and surprisingly the garlic and ginko were excellent.
I’d suggest to go a bit later, around 8, to experience the atmosphere to its fullest. You can walk around Tokyo Midtown, which is right next door.
– 16.5/20
Roppongi Robataya
1/F Kyowa Building Nishikan
4-4-3 Roppongi Minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan
T: +81 (3) 3408 9674
W: www.roppongi-robataya.com/english
110916 Roppongi Robataya - Logo typography
110916 Roppongi Robataya - Chef picks ingredients
110916 Roppongi Robataya - Live seafood
Update – Robatayaki Ichiban, Hong Kong
We were at one time so worried that our favorite Robatayaki place in Causeway Bay, Ichiban closed down. Check out our previous review. Just after Chinese New Year, we passed by and noticed that the street level shop had closed down without any notice of a new location.
Fortunately, we passed by a week later and saw their removal notice. It turned out that they were on the verge of closing for good due to the high rents. Lucky for us, they found their current location on Hennessy Road, also in Causeway Bay (right next to Sogo department store).
Inheriting the decorations from the Japanese restaurant that previously occupied the premises, the decor is very different from the rustic feel of the old shop, which had been there for more than 20 years. Nevertheless, the same people provide the same friendly service and great food. As they just reopened for one week, there are still some minor teething problems with the new kitchen. But we are sure that they will sort it out very soon and we will definitely be back to support them. Please help spread the word of their new location 
Robatayaki Ichiban
12/F, Macau Yat Yuen Centre
525 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Hong Kong
T: +852 2890 7580
110228 Robatayaki Ichiban - New entrance
110228 Robatayaki Ichiban - New interior decor
Review – Robatayaki Ichiban, Hong Kong
We only recently got around to visiting this place for our review. R has been frequenting this place for over 25 years. It is popular amongst Japanese and locals alike. A small quaint Japanese style restaurant makes you feel like you’re in a small family restaurant in Tokyo. Nothing fancy here, just good food. The Japanese owner is very friendly and some of you may recognize him from a McDonald’s TV commercial a few years ago.
Specializing in Robatayaki, that’s what we focused on. Dishes we always order include buttered asparagus, ox tongue and soft chicken bone. One thing we forgot to order (another sign of aging – C or R, not me) was the quail egg. Another favorite is the pan fried gyoza (dumplings) made with very thin wrappers. The barbecue pork ramen and beef curry are also very nice.
A friendly addition to the homeliness of the restaurant are the two cats. The dark colored one is the more aggressive and always hides under the table, but the other one is much more approachable and even modeled for us.
Always enjoyable and we’ll be sure to return soon to visit good friends.
– 18/20
Robatayaki Ichiban
21 Lan Fong Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
T: +852 2890-7580
091227 Robatayaki Ichiban - Main entrance
091227 Robatayaki Ichiban - Menu on the wall
091227 Robatayaki Ichiban - Ox tongue
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