Japanese eel restaurant chain Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa lands in HK

Japanese unagi (eel) specialty restaurant Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa has opened its first store in Causeway Bay as part of its expansion in Asia. 

Established in 1932, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa boasts a rich history in eel wholesaling and cuisine, according to the release. The chain is known for its signature dish of freshly grilled eel served with rice and its special sauce. The brand has opened locations in Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, and other regions, with its Hong Kong office serving as the regional headquarters for East Asia.

Shoogo Abe, chief executive officer of Passion Geeks, which operates Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa in Japan, said that the brand has selected Hong Kong as its East Asia regional headquarters to promote its rich Japanese food culture globally. "Hong Kong offers the perfect platform to realise this goal."

“We have high expectations for our Hong Kong operations. In the near future, we plan to open two additional stores in the city and develop a new brand focused on casual unagi cuisine,” he added. 

Arnold Lau, associate director-general of investment promotion, Invest Hong Kong, said: "We are delighted that Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa has chosen Hong Kong as its East Asia regional headquarters. This highlights Hong Kong's appeal as a global gourmet hub and its strategic advantage as a key platform connecting international markets. I wish them every success in Hong Kong and Asia."

Don't miss: Japanese restaurant chain Matsuya debuts first store in HK

Apart from Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa, other Japanese restaurant brands are also expanding their footprint into Hong Kong. Back in August, Matsuya (松屋), a Japanese Gyumeshi (beef on rice) chain from Tokyo, opened its first store in Hong Kong. 

In June, Japanese ramen brand “Machida Shoten” expanded its Asia footprint with its first store in Hong Kong, bringing authentic Yokohama style ramen to the city. The Hong Kong store is located at Airside, Kai Tak, Kowloon, according to Tatsuya Sasajima, executive vice president of Machida Shoten's parent company Gift Holdings.

Related articles:

Japanese restaurant chain Matsuya debuts first store in HK
Japanese ramen brand Machida Shoten unveils first store in HK
Japanese izakaya chain Torikizoku to expand into HK and Taiwan