发布时间: 12/30/2025
Finding a high-quality Japanese dining spot on Hong Kong Island that doesn't completely drain your wallet can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, a new contender has arrived in Taikoo to fill that void: KAIYUZEN. This spot operates as a Japanese Izakaya but with a twist—it champions the concept of "Free-style Omakase." Gone is the intimidating barrier of traditional, high-priced chef's menus. Here, you have the autonomy to order from over 40 types of sushi and 20 varieties of sashimi a la carte, or opt for a chef's selection set for just a few hundred dollars. Whether you are looking for a solitary evening drink or a lively gathering with friends, this place offers a relaxed and welcoming sanctuary.
Breaking the Omakase Mold
Tucked away in the Goldfield Mansion, KAIYUZEN strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and privacy. The name itself reflects a philosophy of "leisurely enjoyment," inviting guests to take a brief mental vacation from the city's hustle through a journey of flavors. What truly sets this place apart in the Taikoo dining scene is its flexibility. You aren't bound by rigid set menus; instead, you can mix and match sushi, sashimi, and skewers with the same ease as picking out snacks at a convenience store. Of course, if you crave that classic ritual, taking a seat at the sushi bar to watch the chefs work their magic on a curated Omakase course is still very much an option.
Artisan Sushi Without the Premium Price Tag
For those dipping their toes into the world of chef-curated meals, the Kami Omakase 11-Course Set (HK$288) is an absolute steal. It’s rare to find such a complete experience—featuring a refreshing salad, savory seafood tea custard, seven pieces of hand-pressed sushi, soup, and dessert—for under three hundred dollars. The chefs select the catch of the day, ensuring peak freshness. Each piece of sushi demonstrates true craftsmanship, with the vinegar rice temperature and acidity perfectly calibrated to elevate the fish. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Medium Fatty Tuna (Chutoro); its marbling is exquisite, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth richness that is flavorful without being greasy.
Creative Stacks for Flavor Explorers
If you are chasing complex textures and bold presentations, the Yu-Sanmi Mori (HK$258) is unmissable. This dish features three inventive sushi "stacks" that are as photogenic as they are delicious.
First is the Scallop Trio, layering fresh Hokkaido scallops with sea urchin and glistening salmon roe for a burst of oceanic sweetness. Then there's the Red Shrimp Trio, combining soy-marinated raw shrimp with urchin and minced fatty tuna, weaving together sweet and savory notes. Finally, the Botan Shrimp Trio offers a touch of luxury, topped with seared shrimp paste and caviar, intensifying the shrimp's natural umami to an entirely new level.
Skewers That Capture the Izakaya Spirit
KAIYUZEN isn't just about raw food; their grill game is equally strong. The Six-Skewer Set (HK$158) is a fantastic way to sample the variety, including salt-grilled chicken wings, Hokkaido pork with white leek, chicken and leek, truffle sauce grilled tofu, sweet potato, and fresh shiitake mushrooms. The grilling is precise, achieving that ideal char while keeping the inside juicy. The Hokkaido pork skewer is a standout, with the fat rendering down into the crisp white leek for an aromatic bite. You can even customize your experience with a choice of sauces, such as refreshing lemon salt or rich Kyoto leek soy sauce.
Perfect Pairings for Your Drink
Don't leave without trying the Deep-fried Noto Salted Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp (HK$68). As a bar snack, it punches well above its weight. The chef lightly marinates Hokkaido sweet shrimp in Noto salt before frying them to a golden crisp. The batter is incredibly light, allowing you to crunch through the entire shrimp—shell and all. The meat remains sweet and tender inside, while the salty exterior makes it an addictive companion to a cold draft beer or sake. It’s arguably the best way to unwind after a long day at the office.
Grilled Delicacies and Refreshing Noodles
For meat lovers, the Grilled Beef Tongue Core Trio (HK$138) uses only the prime center cut of the tongue. Diced and grilled to perfection, the exterior is slightly charred while the center remains pink and juicy. It's served with sweet onion and spicy leek shreds, alongside three distinct dips: light snow salt, zesty lemon salt sauce, and a Japanese-style shiso radish sauce, offering a different flavor profile with every bite.
To finish on a lighter note, the Snow Crab Meat Plum Somen (HK$68) is a masterpiece of balance. Served in a cold bonito broth with a hint of lime, the smooth noodles glide through the soup, picking up chunks of sweet crab meat. The tartness of the plum sauce combined with the citrusy lime highlights the crab's freshness, leaving your palate feeling clean and satisfied.
A Lunch Set Worth Leaving the Office For
If you are in the area around noon, the Five Sushi & Pork Inaniwa Udon Set (HK$178) is a solid choice. It includes five sushi staples—Red Meat, Horse Mackerel, Yellowtail, Salmon, and Seared Flounder Fin—paired with a comforting bowl of hot Inaniwa udon. The noodles are silky and chewy, served in a sweet, clear broth that balances the cool sushi perfectly. With salad and miso soup included, it’s a hearty meal that will power you through the afternoon.
KAIYUZEN brings a refreshing, high-quality option to Taikoo, stripping away the stiffness of high-end dining while maintaining a strict dedication to ingredients and skill. Whether you want to splurge on a feast or just grab a few skewers and a drink, you'll walk away feeling satisfied.
KAIYUZEN
Address: Shop G1018, G/F, Goldfield Mansion, 3 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo
Tel: 2343 0328
Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM