Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok, a Premium Osaka-style Yakitori Restaurant in Bangkok
- Chomp Magazine
- Aug 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Words: Wariya Intreyonk, Photos: Wariya Intreyonk
Kuma No Yakitori is a celebrated yakitori restaurant in Osaka, Japan, known for offering a unique dining experience through an exclusive membership-only system. Now, this esteemed brand has expanded its presence across the ocean to open a branch in Bangkok, Thailand, where the good news is that it's now accessible to non-members. However, booking a seat is crucial.
Led by Chef Yoshinari Takagi, who is deeply passionate about highlighting the quality of Thai chicken, Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok presents a distinctive omakase-style yakitori experience that's hard to find elsewhere. Chef Yoshinari, affectionately known as Chef Nari, was formerly a goalkeeper in the J1 League, and chicken has long been a staple of his diet since his days as an athlete. Even after stepping away from the field, he remains devoted to enjoying the rich flavours and textures of high-quality chicken. Ultimately, he followed his culinary dreams, relocated to Thailand, and brought Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok to life.
His innovative technique involves smoking skewers over the grill for an enticing half an hour before the actual grilling begins. This careful process allows the meat to tighten, locking in its juices while absorbing a rich, smoky aroma that tantalises the senses. Additionally, he masters the art of low-heat grilling, which results in a delightful contrast: a perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent, juicy interior.
At Kuma No Yakitori in Bangkok, the Ultimate Chicken Omakase presents a feast of thirteen thoughtfully crafted courses. Diners have the option to enhance their culinary journey with meticulously chosen pairings of wine or sake, adding another layer of sophistication to their experience. For those who prefer something a little simpler yet unique, Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok also offers premium beers, such as Kagua from Japan.
As guests settle at their seats, they are greeted with some Kisvin Koshu Sparkling Wine hailing from the pristine vineyards of Japan, along with a soft, elegantly folded towel to enhance their comfort.
The meal kicks off with a refreshing Green Tea Cocktail—a heartwarming concoction of savoury chicken broth, invigorating Shizuoka matcha, and nutty roasted rice. This soothing, umami-rich elixir, accented by a subtle hint of tannin, cleanses the palate and awakens the taste buds in preparation for the delightful courses to come.
Following this is a vibrant Summer Vegetable Salad, featuring succulent organic chicken sourced from the lush landscapes of Khao Yai, Thailand. The dish is beautifully adorned with a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables and drizzled with a velvety broccoli and matcha dressing, creating a colourful and flavourful introduction to the meal.
The first yakitori course highlights tender chicken from Khao Yai, elegantly paired with fragrant negi. To elevate the experience, a dip in sansho pepper adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the dish. Coco Toaru Series Zweigelt is a beautiful pairing for this course and for the other courses that precede it.
Next, diners are treated to two tender chicken hearts skewered and grilled to perfection. For a truly enriching bite, the first heart is best enjoyed with sansho pepper, while the second heart shines when dipped into freshly grated ginger, enhancing its savoury depth.
The subsequent course features expertly cleaned chicken gizzards, meticulously prepared to remove any gaminess. Grilled to a succulent tenderness, encased in a delightfully crispy skin, this dish is heavenly when dipped into sansho pepper, bringing a burst of flavour that dances on the palate.
The fourth yakitori course showcases the delicate sasami, or inner chicken breast, artfully presented with a touch of wasabi and an edible flower for a visual flourish. This exquisite dish reaches new heights when paired with a sprinkle of Japanese salt blended with luxurious truffle, imparting a complex flavour profile that echoes the earthy nuances of shiso leaf. Domaine Tetta Chardonnay is a perfect pair for this course.
The fifth course of this yakitori experience features succulent smoked chicken thigh, meticulously soaked in premium sake for 30 minutes before being expertly smoked and grilled to perfection. The skin is a revelation—thin and delightfully crispy—while the meat beneath is rich, tender, and bursting with juicy flavour. Accompanying this dish are a serving of wasabi sourced from Shizuoka, along with some salt, perfect for dipping to enhance the chicken's natural sweetness.
As a delightful interlude from the yakitori, diners are treated to Awabi Chawanmushi, a luxurious custard that embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine. Made with a flavourful chicken broth, this silky chawanmushi is enriched with awabi kimo, or abalone liver, offering a unique depth of flavour. The course culminates with a beautifully grilled abalone, showcasing its tender texture and smoky undertones.
Next comes the Hassan Set, a vibrant array of bite-sized dishes beautifully presented on a traditional Japanese platter. The first mini dish features a delicate chicken jelly, harmoniously paired with luscious ikura and decadent bafun uni. The second mini dish features oden chicken, daikon, and peas, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of fragrant yuzu zest. Following this, diners enjoy fried chicken thigh drizzled with zesty yuzu gosho sauce, a perfect balance of citrus and heat. The final mini dish presents grilled unagi from Aichi, its rich flavour tantalising the taste buds. This course needs Kisvin Koshu 2023 to enhance the experience.
At the ninth course, guests are invited to step behind the grill and partake in the cooking experience themselves. This interactive course features skewers of grilled chicken balls, first dipped in a rich, umami-laden sauce and then grilled again to allow the flavours to meld beautifully into the meat. After grilling, the skewers are removed, leaving the tantalising balls on the plate, which are then drenched in the sauce once more and topped with a delicate shower of Parmigiano-Reggiano, adding a creamy finish.
The experience seamlessly transitions back to yakitori with tender chicken skin, which is flawlessly prepared. The exterior is perfectly crispy, while the interior remains delightfully soft and juicy. Dipping these morsels into shichimi offers an ideal flavour enhancement. The Coco Toaru Series Pinot Noir is served at this course, making it an excellent choice for both this course and the subsequent courses.
The eleventh course presents a tantalising smoky chicken wing, expertly glazed to enhance its robust flavour. Accompanied by a vibrant wedge of lemon, this dish balances the deep, savoury notes of the wing with a burst of citrus brightness, infusing each bite with a refreshing zing that elevates the overall experience.
Before reaching the grand finale, diners enjoy the luxurious Uni Ikura Don, artfully crafted with glistening ikura, creamy uni, and a perfectly fresh egg yolk. In a signature ritual at Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok, Chef Nari skillfully holds the yolk with chopsticks, puncturing its membrane to let the gooey, golden yolk cascade over the dish in a breathtaking display.
To conclude this incredible culinary journey, guests are treated to a comforting cup of warm matcha, paired with a scoop of rich matcha Hokkaido milk ice cream, a perfect complementary finale that soothes the palate.
Yakitori is often associated with the casual charm of izakaya-style restaurants, but it can also embody elegance and sophistication. Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok stands as a testament to this elevated culinary art. Here, each skewer is meticulously crafted, showcasing the finest quality ingredients and expert grilling techniques that transform simple fare into an exquisite dining experience.
Kuma No Yakitori Bangkok
Hours: Daily, 17:00-22:30 Hours
Tel: +662 258 6173
Website:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumanoyakitori_bkk
Location: Rain Hill, 777 Sukhumvit 47 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana Hill, 777 Sukhumvit 47 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
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