Traditional Japanese cuisine made with care and skill at Wanomi in Central
- After the friendly staff made us feel at home, the yakitori skewers of tsukune – minced chicken meatball – were light, juicy and delicious
- The Fukuoka-style hotpot was the star of the show, thanks to its rich and delicious broth, and chunks of flavourful chicken
When my guest and I arrived at Wanomi, we were shown to our table, where a little personalised note (addressing the pseudonym I booked under), in Japanese, welcomed us to the restaurant. It was a small, sweet touch that was our first indication that care was being taken.
The food lived up to the promise.
We were tempted to order the set dinner – well priced at HK$550 for two, and which included the restaurant’s speciality of chicken hotpot, plus appetiser, salad, side dish, pickles and dessert, but there were many other items on the à la carte selection that we wanted to try.
Aorta (HK$34) was moist and had a deep, intense flavour. Tsukune – minced chicken meatball (HK$40) – was one of the best I’ve tasted, light, juicy and with a really good mix of textures.
Smoked kurobuta sausage (HK$40) was another excellent dish. The sausage casing had a great, snappy texture and sweet, mild flavour. The friendly waiter told us he sometimes buys them from the restaurant to cook at home, and we wished we could do the same. A refreshing ice plant and tomato salad (HK$68) went well with the meaty dishes.
Wanomi, Shop 3-5, 2/F Nam Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, tel: 5507 0026. About $400 per person without drinks or the service charge