Kushiage Haven Kushitei in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Hong Kong – Farm-to-table Japanese dining group AP Place Hong Kong Co. Limited is delighted to present authentic omakase-style kushiage from one of Japan’s celebrated exponents of deep-fried, skewer-led seasonal cuisine with the opening of Kushitei in early February 2023.
Conveniently located at Grand Centre in Humphreys Avenue within the heart of bustling Tsim Sha Tsui, Kushitei brings a renowned name to Hong Kong. The brand began with a boutique kushiage eatery in Ebisu, Toyko, in 2019. It quickly garnered a following for its lively, welcoming atmosphere and perfectly fried meat and vegetables coated in the lightest batter. It now boasts 10 branches in Japan’s key cities, with Hong Kong being its first overseas venture.
Keeping with its brethren in Japan, the Kushitei Hong Kong outpost exudes a sense of conviviality amid an authentic kushiage vibe. Within an intimate space of over 1,000 sq. ft., mood lighting reflects off the wood-clad interior to illuminate the 9-seat counter and its surrounding tables that accommodate another 12 diners. It presents an enticing combination of two omakase menus that embrace the changing seasons, plentiful a la carte, and exclusive free-range Kurosatsuma chicken from Kagoshima – all within a playful haven.
Each item at Kushitei is freshly cooked, ensuring that the goodness of the ingredients shine through. The secret to the restaurant’s light, crispy batter is a special kneading powder of breadcrumbs that promises thin, even coating. In addition, the 100% pure sunflower oil used in the deep-fryer is changed daily for a healthier, lighter take on a filling dining ritual.
Chicken is the headliner among an array of tender meat. Kurosatsuma chicken raised at AP Place Hong Kong Co. Limited’s partner farm in Kagoshima is revered for its firm texture, juiciness, and rich, savory flavor. This exclusive Japanese import epitomizes the care that the dining group applies throughout the food chain – from rearing its livestock and poultry in a sustainable way that promotes animal wellbeing to coaxing the best from the produce by skillful preparation and perfect cooking.
Its imminent arrival comes on the heels of AP Place Hong Kong Co. Limited’s successful duo debut of tori kappo specialist Kicho and kaiseki wagyu supremo Ushidoki at Manning House in Central last summer. The group’s sustainable farm-to-table ethos and insistence on safe, fresh, quality seasonal ingredients will also be the hallmark of Kushitei, where delicious kushiage (also called kushitake – batter-dipped morsels deep-fried and served on Kushi, Japanese bamboo skewers) will be enjoyed in a jovial atmosphere.
“We are excited to introduce another unique Japanese cuisine to Hong Kong,” says Mr Masashi Kamatani, Managing Director of AP Place Hong Kong Co. Limited. “Authentic omakase-style kushitake presents a new world of Japanese food and offers excellent value to diners. This is eclectic dining with a joyful vibe and one that is full of surprises since it embraces a variety of cooking methods, presentations, ingredients, and condiments.”
Helmed by a team of distinguished and widely traveled veteran Japanese chefs, Kushitei will serve an abundant harvest from the land and sea according to the four seasons. Dishes are presented in the traditional, down-to-earth manner of the kushiage counter but with a novel touch.
A tempting list of Japanese sake and fruit wines has been carefully selected to complement the crispy indulgence of the deep-fried specialities of the house. Among almost a dozenraditional sake pours, Yamanokotobuki Junmai Munakata Nihonshu Project Nama from the Kurume City, Kyushu brewer, is an outstanding choice. The brand’s own sake label, Kushitei, is another must-try. Favorite Japanese tipples with a kick – highball, sour and sho-chu selections – and thirst-quenching Japanese beers also feature.
The restaurant promises to become a joyful sanctuary, proffering a retreat from the crowded streets of Tsim Sha Tsui and a relaxing rendezvous for casual omakaze-style dining and imbibing. Its proximity to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station allows speedy access to kushiage heaven from most reaches of Hong Kong.
Kushitei is located at Shop G04-05, G/F, Grand Centre, 8 Humphreys Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Upon its opening in early February 2023, it will welcome diners from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Lunch service, available from 12 noon to 3 p.m., will be launched at a later date.
For more information or reservations, please call (852) 2688-6150. Stay up to date with the latest news of Kushitei at www.instagram.com/kushitei_hk/.
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