Wan Chai Japanese Small Happiness | First Taste of Edo Flavor

Sleep Staff This time in Wan Chai, I happened to come across the Japanese "Tendon Gold Award" champion for eight consecutive years—how could I not try it? The restaurant specializes in Edo-style tendon, inheriting secret recipes and craftsmanship from the Edo period, which already makes my mouth water! As soon as you enter the restaurant, the simple Japanese decor immediately gives a comforting feeling. The wooden tones combined with soft lighting create a clean and tidy environment, making it very comfortable to sit and perfect for a relaxed meal with friends. The staff are friendly and quick to take orders. We ordered several signature dishes to test how authentic their tempura and udon are. Mini Shrimp Tendon & Inaniwa Udon Truly a "two birds with one stone" choice! Although the mini tendon is small in portion, it’s rich in ingredients: the fried shrimp is springy, the mushrooms and pumpkin are sweet, and the onsen egg is silky smooth. Paired with the secret sauce and Japanese rice, the moist texture is unforgettable. However, the sauce is slightly on the sweet side, so those who prefer a lighter taste might need to adjust their expectations. The Inaniwa udon is another highlight—the noodles are thin, smooth, and chewy, topped with scallions, seaweed, and tempura bits. Simple yet layered, especially refreshing when eaten cold, making it a "cool delight" in the hot summer! Anago & Japanese Oyster Tempura Set The presentation is exquisite. The anago and oyster tempura are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Especially the oysters, which are rich in fresh flavor with a hint of briny sea taste—definitely a "fresh" sensation! However, the anago is a bit leaner than expected, not as plump as anticipated, possibly due to ingredient variation that day. The set comes with moderate side dishes and rice portions, so you won’t feel too full after eating, perfect for those who want to try multiple dishes. Sashimi 4-Piece Assortment Extremely cost-effective! The red shrimp and Japanese scallops are fresh and sweet, while the salmon and bonito melt in your mouth. Although the portion isn’t large, it’s satisfying enough as an appetizer. Overall, the food quality is stable, and the serving speed is fast. The tendon here follows the Edo-style "moist" approach, where the sauce and fried items blend together, not pursuing an extremely crispy texture. If you are a fan of traditional Japanese tempura, this might slightly overturn your expectations, but it is precisely this unique moist aesthetic that lets you feel the food culture of the Edo period. The restaurant uses Arita porcelain tendon bowls and premium sesame oil, showing attention to detail that makes dining enjoyable and memorable. 📍 Kaneko Hannosuke Shop G16, G/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai (Opposite Wan Chai MTR Station Exit D) 💰 Average per person $150-200