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Grilled Happiness on a Stick
Hong Kong
Smoky, flavorful, crispy, and tender are just some of the things you’ll want in an amazing stick of yakitori (Japanese skewered chicken). Despite coming from the Land of the Rising Sun, Hong Kong has easily become a go-to destination for some of the best skewers in the game. Yakitori has evolved a great deal to include scallops, beef tongues, and eel, ultimately raising the bar from its humble beginnings as street food. Check out these restaurants that got a wing up in the yakitori game.
No one does modern izakaya dining like Zuma. Situated in the prestigious Landmark Atrium, the restaurant offers a skewer of pretty much anything you could possibly want. From Hokkaido scallops to chicken yakitori, Angus beef dipped in their special sauce, umeboshi butter, and mentaiko, just to name a few. Everything is served with a smoky layer, thanks to the robata grills they use.
- +852 3657 6388
Fifth Floor Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
中環皇后大道中15號置地廣場5樓501-503號舖- https://www.zumarestaurant.com/locations/hong-kong/
When you’re out looking for a spot to cut loose, down to earth Ganbei Yakitori is perfect for a night of no worries. They serve reasonably priced chicken skewers and some sake that, along with the intimate interior of the restaurant, will ensure a relaxing night.
- +852 2414 3888
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Chatham Rd S, No.123 Shop G, H, G/F,
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Chatham Rd S, 123號地下G, H舖
The restaurant’s executive chef Jun said it best that yakitori needs skilled chefs dedicated to their craft. Their talent, along with the ingredients, brings out the natural and authentic flavors of their dishes. Expect fantastic skewers, especially the beef tongue and fresh eel, when you visit Nan Tei!
- +852 2559 6221
55 Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong
Cut the frills and cheap tricks. Enjoy bite after bite of delicious Japanese skewers without having to compromise on the pure flavor. Pick from more than 20 parts of the chicken that Toritama offers, including the lesser known bits like the heart and gizzard, for a different yakitori experience.
- +852 2388 7717
Ground Floor, 2 Glenealy, Central, 香港
Ask anyone who’s been here and they’ll tell you Yardbird is the undisputed king of grilled skewers. Hungry guests line the streets to taste their famed smoked chicken because they don’t take reservations. Your patience will be rewarded, though, once you’ve tried every piece of chicken on the menu!
- +852 2574 9273
Ground Floor, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
上環 154-158 永樂街- https://yardbirdrestaurant.com/
Don’t be afraid to splurge at Hanagushi because their large portions justify the cost of every order. They’ve got an extensive list of skewers available, as well as a long list of Japanese regulars like sushi, tempura, and bento meals. This is the perfect spot for yakitori, but also if you want a little more on the side.
- +852 2521 0868
2-8 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
The people behind Birdie have one goal and one goal alone: to serve the best chicken skewers in all of Hong Kong. The entire place is decked out in all sorts of chicken-themed memorabilia, but what really brings the room to life is the huge charcoal grill in the center of the room. Their most succulent item has to be the yakitori thighs—a bite that starts out with fat melting in your mouth, which is immediately chased by the crisp of the skin.
- +852 2789 2881
Hong Kong, 中環砵甸乍街45號H code, LO-Block9/F
Crowds are the worst, so you can drop by Takeya for a discreet getaway in Hung Hom. The two Japanese brothers who own the joint don’t have much to say other than they want to make really good chicken. However, their Macau Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand awards speak for themselves.
- +852 2365 8878
Hung Hom, Hong Kong
The name is a bit misleading as ‘Sake And Yakitori’ barely describes what they do at this grill. The fairly hidden spot serves some of the most amazing grilled specialties like handmade cuttlefish sticks and some more out-of-the-box items like tuna blood.
- +852 2566 0533
ShopC, G/F, Po Wing Buildling, 6-16 Shell Street, North Point, Hong Kong
About Hong Kong, China
