New menu review: TokyoLima, a Nikkei restaurant in Central, Hong Kong

Introducing the new Henko Collection

I love TokyoLima. Since it opened, I’ve been at least half a dozen times which is a lot considering the number of new restaurants that open up in this city. But it’s always so good. The dishes are fresh, inventive and just plain tasty. And comforting! The vibe also has that cool, mysterious but comfy vibe. It can get a little loud in there, sometimes you have to shout to hear what your tablemates are saying, but that’s a small price to pay.

Executive Chef Arturo Melendez, who has held this post since the restaurant opened, likes to experiment and has just released TokyoLima’s Henko Collection of dishes. Henko is Japanese for “change” so change up the menu he has! There are a whopping 15 new dishes on the menu.

During a recent tasting we tried nearly all of them. Here are some of my favourites.

La Causa ($150)

I think this is the tasting portion so don’t be put off by the size. A bed of cake-like beetroot causa was topped with creamy prawn tartare, rocoto mayo, charred avocado and a plump tempura prawn.

Tiradito de Pulpo ($170)

The Sicilian octopus slices were incredibly soft and accompanied by a variety of tastes and textures: a strong sweet and sour aji panca sauce, salty and tangy capers, and creamy avocado.

Akami Tiradito ($155)

This was one of the most special dishes of the night. Tender slices of Maguro (bluefin tuna) were paired with a smooth black sesame citrus sauce, a sesame cracker and wasabi tobiko. It was my first time having tuna with sesame and I was surprised a) by how much I liked it and b) that the flavour of the tuna still stood out against the sesame.

Los Andes ($100)

A refreshing wheat dish with crunchy almonds, quinoa pops, baby green beans and a rocoto citrus dressing.

Tuna and Watermelon Tartare ($160)

So much love for this one. The tuna melted in the mouth and there was a lot of it. And the salty sweet soy citrus sauce was lovely.

Beef Tataki ($160)

When there was one slice left, my side of the table did the “Does anyone want the last slice…?” dance and sadly I didn’t get to claim it. Because this tataki was so good I want to order a whole plate for myself next time. And I’m not even a big beef person. It was so tender and flavourful. Eat it with just the sauce or with some of the tangy mango salad.

Grilled Cod ($290)

A beautiful piece of cod with a creamy aji amarillo-mint sauce.

Nothing was bad but I thought the Pork Roll (a pork belly-filled maki), Picanha (grilled rump steak) and ceviches were a bit too firm for my liking, texture wise.

Verdict

TokyoLima continues to impress. It was packed on the Thursday night we visited and the Henko Collection is sure to draw guests back as well as attract new ones. Congrats to Chef Arturo and the Pirata team on these new dishes!

G/F Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2811 1152

*By invitation for Foodie