Nishiki Yakitori 錦 (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★☆☆

It's been a while since I last visited Nishiki Yakitori (錦), a yakitori shop that used to be one of my favorites in town. Located on the first floor of Regal Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Nishiki is one of the most low-key eateries one will ever find especially in a hotel and their yaktori were simply awesome. But in recent years, they've undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, Master Kei (基師傅) is no longer helming the kitchen as he left for greener pastures in late 2015 (He can be found in Yuen Long 三品 these days.). Coincidentally, I have never been back since his sudden departure.



I must admit, the open kitchen does look a little strange without Master Kei there calling the shots. During his days, I love to sit around the bar table and chit chat with him. The place used to be so lively back then. I would actually be fine sitting away from the bar table today as long as the food is equally as good as the good old days.



Sweet fried bean curd udon noodle with soup - I started the meal the same way I always did when I came to Nishiki with a bowl of udon soup to get my tummy warm. This is the perfect way to get myself ready for the skewers and it was nice to find that the same old flavors (from the broth and sweet bean curd) were still there. 



Minced chicken meat sausage - Master Kei's signature dish and although it was a little burnt, it was almost equally tasty. 



As usual, it came with a bit of chicken soft bones in the middle for some extra bite.



Minced chicken meat with shiso - Pretty flavorful thanks to the wrapping with shiso. Not bad. 



Chicken wings - Their chicken wings were always a little underrated. 



Very nice and love the minimal seasoning to preserve the natural flavors.



Grilled rice ball - Despite my claim as a loyal customer here, I have never tried their rice ball before. This was decent with a pretty crunchy crust.



Beef tongue - Texture is often key to the success of a beef tongue skewer but despite being slightly chewy, I thought it was pretty delicious.



 And the seasoning was spot on.



Oyster bacon roll - As usual, the oyster bacon rolls were the last ones to arrive. This was a dish that really reminded me that Master Kei is no longer here because I could tell the flavors were a little different (off). 



Nishiki still remains a serviceable yakitori shop in the heart of the city although it's not the same without Master Kei around. I guess it's inevitable that I make this special trip to Yuen Long. 




Food Rating: 5.5/10
Price: $$$
Address: 1/F, Regal Kowloon Hotel, 71 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: East Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2723-8660