Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong｜Gyu-Kaku (Harbour City)

Usually, I don’t go to a chain store for Yakiniku because customer service and cleanliness of grilling equipment vary greatly among stores. Since Gyu-Kaku just started a new Wagyu promotion in June, I am willing to take my chance once more. The harbour terminal (LCX) store with the night harbour view is phenomenal although you have to ask or reserve in advance any tables close to the windows. The queue time is about 15-20mins at 7:30pm on a Monday night. Atmosphere and decor of the restaurant are great. Customer service (fast and courteous) is much better than I expected from a chain store restaurant. I ordered Japanese Zabaton, Chuck Roll and Premium Chuck Roll with salted garlic butter and a basic meat platter (if you join the paid Kaku loyalty club/pass (HK$200), there is an e-coupon for the platter if you spend >$450). The value of e-coupons are worth 3x-4x of the membership fee. Food-wise, the meat looks good and taste delicious. Japanese beef tends to have less beefy favour but it makes up in tenderness. Basically, people have different preferences regarding different cuts and there is no one best cut after all. The Zabaton (or Zabuton, an area slightly below/behind a cow’s neck) has lots of marbling (right), is a bit more chewy with a stronger beefy favor (it reminds me of pork neck/collar meat). The Premium Chuck Roll (middle) with salted garlic butter has just the right balance in terms of favour, juiciness and tenderness. The final bill is around $300 per person and everything is better than my expectation. You do have full control over the grill temperature and the exhaust is adequate (but not as good as some high-end Yakiniku restaurants which costs 2x-3x more per person).

My favorite Japanese style BBQ in Asia. The Ocean terminal location in Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong at harbour city (LCX) is the best one I've been to in HK so far. Simply due to the view you get if the cruise ships aren't docked. Edit for 2023 Still delicious new late night menu for after 9 pm same delicious taste same outstanding views

Good customer service, a great place to celebrate birthday/ gathering. This is a restaurant that I’ll definitely revisit in the future.