01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
One dish that made an impression on a visitor paired Iberian ham with bonito flakes and warmed Tengu Mai sake. The thick-cut ham’s richness and saltiness met the depth of the delicately shaved bonito, while the warm sake brought the flavours together, the visitor wrote. At hakbo (薄暮 ハクボ), ham is cut to order from a whole leg, and the menu also lists aburi hamon iberico-zake: lightly seared Iberian ham with warmed sake poured over it. It is an appealing pairing to look out for if you like to savour small bites and drinks at an easy pace.
The small plates range from accompaniments for drinks, such as cured ham, to vegetables and warm dishes. A salad of steamed chicken, coriander and carrot comes with a black vinegar dressing; Japanese-style ceviche made with white fish is served with bitter greens. Other cold options include blanched garlic chives topped with egg yolk, and avocado and celery dressed with sansho pepper and shio koji. One visitor enjoyed these plates alongside daikon simmered in miso and oden-style broth, as well as beef tendon and burdock braised in miso and red wine.
For a more substantial finish, there is khao man gai, a Thai-style chicken rice dish. Iberian ham rice is listed in limited quantities, while the Kochi whitebait butter rice is available only on Saturdays and in limited quantities; check when you visit if either catches your eye. Drinks include sake suited to warming or serving chilled, as well as beer and Japanese wine, offering options to match the food.
Music is part of the atmosphere, too. Visitors have mentioned the DJ booth and large speakers, and described spending time alone listening to music or sharing small plates with friends. For a leisurely dinner of food and drinks in Akasaka, booking ahead may be a good idea.
