A New Year's Sukiyaki Feast

In previous years, we would always have a grand Chinese meal on the second day of the New Year with my parents. This year, we decided to try something different and opted for Japanese cuisine. My mother is a wagyu beef enthusiast, so sukiyaki was a safe bet. The Michelin-starred restaurant Nikuyama in Tokyo has always been on my to-eat list. The Tsim Sha Tsui branch offers an unbeatable view of Victoria Harbour, while the new branch in Wan Chai has its own charm. My mom suggested trying the new place for the New Year. Unlike Sukiyaki Mori, this place offers a wide variety of dishes, including sashimi, grilled fish, eel, and even ramen. But since we came for sukiyaki, we didn't consider other options. We started with appetizers: the plum jelly was refreshing and juicy, edamame was a safe choice, the mushrooms were crisp, and the Japanese radish with clam meat was appetizing. The chawanmushi was hot and smooth, with plenty of crab meat and shiitake mushrooms. No complaints here. The sukiyaki beef was A5-grade wagyu from Kumamoto Prefecture. We chose the shoulder and sirloin cuts, both beautifully marbled. The staff cooked the meal at our table, starting with tofu, green onions, and egg sauce, then preparing the first slice of shoulder beef. It was ready in no time. The sukiyaki sauce wasn't too sweet, and the beef was tender and juicy. I devoured half a bowl of rice without even realizing it. Next, the staff prepared the sirloin, accompanied by taro noodles, onions, snow peas, and shiitake mushrooms. The sirloin was even more tender than the shoulder, surpassing it in quality. I finished all the side dishes and miso soup. We ended the meal with pink pineapple and macarons. Although the set meal didn't seem like much, the A5 wagyu was quite filling. We considered ordering coffee with the macarons but decided it would be better to find a place for cake and coffee later. Restaurant Information: Nikuyama Shop 416, 4/F, The Wharney Hotel, 15 Kennedy Road, Wan Chai