Spread the love

Innovative Japanese ‘Bullet Train’ Barbecue grill Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro opens tomorrow (31 March) in the heart of Jordan, launching a playful new ‘yakiniku’ brand refreshing Hong Kong’s Japanese barbecue grill scene in fun, trend-setting style with kitchen-to-table service aboard a mini ‘Shinkansen bullet train’ railway line, programmed to deliver orders stopping at diner ‘stations’. The unique new dining experience also headlines ‘Wagyu Unlimited’ set menus with free-flow ‘help yourself’ salad, drink and dessert stations.

The hero of the menu, exclusively introduced to Hong Kong by Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro, is prized ‘Odagyu’ A4 Wagyu from iconic, multi-award winning Oda Chikusan ranch on the remote south-western tip of Japan.  Named after its founder Kenichi Oda, the ranch has a revered heritage dating back nearly 50 years on the pristine Satsuma Peninsula of Kyushu Island.  Odagyu’s unique 12-compound diet and comfortable conditions contribute to the premier Wagyu grading for ‘yakiniku’ grilling, with rich melt-in-your-mouth marbling for legendary umami flavour.

“I am thrilled to introduce this exciting new concept to Hong Kong’s dining scene,” said Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro’s Brand Developer Mr Masashi Kamatani.  “We promise a fun, contemporary take on Japan’s iconic ‘yakiniku’ grills.”

A choice of six ‘Wagyu Unlimited’ sets start from HK$298, up to HK$938 for “premium deluxe Wagyu journey” showcasing exclusive Odagyu.  Set menus also include US and Australian Wagyu, with premium grill selections extending to Grilled Shabu-shabu Beef Tongue, Karubi (Rib Finger)Sukiyaki Loin and Japanese Pork BellyChicken Thigh and Satsuma Pork Sausage.  Platter choices are Assorted FuneToday’s SpecialAssorted Barrel (Small / Large) and Premium Assorted Kagoshima Black Wagyu.

Jet-fresh seafood also includes ShrimpScallopSquidOyster and Abalone – with King Crab and Japanese Spiny Lobster additionally available a la carte.

Premium beef cuts also grace sushi, with luxurious add-on toppings of Sea UrchinSalmon Roe and Caviar, as well as sashimi, distinguished by signature ‘ICHIRO Style Carpaccio in 2 Types.

Also included in sets are assorted vegetables, appetisers, rice, soups and ramen – from signatures Yakiniku DonSukiyaki Don and Hakata Pork Bone Ramen to Spicy Karubi Rice SoupCold NoodlesSpicy Karubi RamenVegetable Ramen and Kelp Soup.

Completing the feast, salads, drinks, desserts and ice creams are free-flowing at an expansive standalone ‘bar buffet’.  The novel ‘help yourself’ concept is priced HK$48 from Monday to Thursday and HK$58 from Friday to Sunday and public holidays, featuring 5-8 salads daily, over 40 desserts and ice creams, and numerous free-flowing Japanese ‘bijin’ waters and fresh fruit juices.

Paying tribute to the Kyushu origins of its signature ‘Odagyu’, specialties of the southern island are also represented by Chicken NanbanMentaiko Seafood PancakesFukuoka Mentaiko SushiHakata-style Soup DumplingsMiyazaki Chicken Nanban SushiOita Chicken Tempura Sushi and more.

“Our signature specialty is Kyushu’s Odagyu, as such we would like also to introduce the island’s local cuisine to Hong Kong diners,” said Executive Chef Tomiya Yu.  “This flavour of Kyushu completes the ultimate, decadent yakiniku and wagyu experience.”

Headlining the drinks menu is sake from some of Japan’s most prestigious distilleries, personally sourced and curated by Brand Developer Mr Kamatani, who is also a Sake Sommelier.  Among sake specialties renowned for yakiniku pairing are Kagiya Muroka Ajikuchi Honjozo Blue (HK$598 / bottle), rich and refreshing with outstanding sharpness; Yamanokotobuki MUNAKATA NIHONSHU PROJECT (HK$598 / bottle), with refreshing acidity balancing Wagyu fattiness; Kidoizumi 2018 AFS Straighter (HK$1,080 / bottle) and Yamanokotobuki Junmaidaiginjo Omachi13 nama NIGORI (HK$638 / bottle).

For a fun yet classy festive ‘yakiniku’ experience, Japanese sake-inspired cocktails and mocktails priced HK$68 to HK$88 include Dirty Saketini with sake, gin, vermouth and lemon, Shiso Shiso with sake, dover shiso, yuzu juice and cranberry, Southside with gin, sake, vermouth and ginger ale, and Ichiro no Mikan mixing sake, mikan juice and Japan’s native citrus fruit hyuganatsu conch.

The extensive drinks menu includes a range of sparkling house prosecco and red and white wines.

Located in the heart of buzzing Jordan, Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro takes an unconventional design approach compared to typical ‘yakiniku’ dining spots.  As well as ‘bullet train’ service and free-flow bars, the sleek minimalistic 7,000 sq. ft. dining destination features a dramatic show kitchen and dedicated Sake Bar, as well as a VIP room.

Fresh produce is showcased in a display fridge at the entrance, with an illuminated frosted ribbed glass signage wall enticing crowds.  Sleek contemporary décor features concrete flooring, white tiles, stainless steel, glass blocks and Fenix counter tops with raw plywood panels, creating a perfect balance of clean and minimalist, with warm neon ceiling lighting for a cosy ambience – with ‘bullet train’ table service in tune with the “new normal”.  Overall, interior design is styled as clean, innovative and adaptive to the times, while evoking a welcoming sense of playfulness.

With seating for 165 diners, Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro located at 3/F, Pak Shing Building, 31-37 Jordan Road, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong; opens from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For enquiries, please email yakinikuichiro01@gmail.com or call (852) 2736-8218.

For more information, please visit :

Facebook : www.facebook.com/wagyuyakinikuichiro/

Instagram : www.instagram.com/wagyuyakinikuichiro/

*Note to Editors: During the new opening, Wagyu Yakiniku Ichiro will only be serving dinner, with lunch sets introduced later; terms and conditions for ‘Wagyu Unlimited’ set menus as below : 

  1. Dining time is limited to 120 minutes
  2. Guests on the same table can only order the same type of course
  3. Kid’s prices are for youngsters under 100cm
  4. Any wastage will be charged with a fee