South China Morning Post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong restaurant reviews
Get more with myNEWS
A personalised news feed of stories that matter to you
Learn more
Interior of Izakaya Satoi in Tai Hang. Photo: Jonathan Wong
LifestyleFood & Drink

Restaurant review: Izakaya Satoi in Tai Hang – Japanese skewers

Generous portions of traditional kushiyaki skewers and other Japanese specialities served up in a casual setting. Great for a quick snack

Hong Kong restaurant reviews
Susan Jung
Susan Jung
Why you can trust SCMP

I had a vague feeling of déjà vu as I approached Izakaya Satoi, and when I stepped inside, I realised I’d been there before, back when it was another Japanese restaurant called Insen, which specialised in kushiyaki (grilled skewers).

It’s a casual, friendly spot, as befits a traditional izakaya – probably not a place you’d want to go out of your way to visit, but a nice place for snacks and drinks if you’re in the neighbourhood.
Chicken heart (with sesame seeds) and chicken kidney skewers. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The kushiyaki (grilled skewers) were larger than expected, and we should have ordered one of each
to share, instead of one per person. The chicken liver (HK$28) was a little dry, but the chicken heart (HK$28) and kidney (HK$38) were much better. Thick cut ox-tongue (HK$58) – normally our favourite skewer – was disappointing; parts of it were tough, and it was slathered with a thick sauce that the rich meat didn’t need.

Skewer indulgence: six Japanese grill restaurants in Hong Kong
Japanese Kagoshima black pork paper hot pot. Photo: Jonathan Wong
We thoroughly enjoyed the last two dishes we were served. The Japanese Kagoshima black pork paper hot pot (HK$148) was generously portioned, with thin slices of tender meat that had streaks of fat (some might think it’s too fatty), and a great assortment of vegetables, including fresh mushrooms, carrots and leek.
US beef salad. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The US beef salad (HK$168) was also delicious: barely seared slices of meat, and a good mix of raw greens (including romaine, radicchio and frisée) topped with fried garlic, sesame seeds, minced spring onions and a light dressing.

Izakaya Satoi, 6 Ormsby Street, Tai Hang, tel: 2523 2888. About HK$400 without drinks or the service charge.

While you’re in the area:

Restaurant review: Kakuuchi, Tai Hang – good-value casual Japanese fare
Restaurant review: Second Draft, Tai Hang – inspired dishes paired with beer
Restaurant review: Two Two Chicken in Tai Hang – Korean fried chicken
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Izakaya Satoi
Post