Hokano is the destination of the times - extremely friendly on the pocket with little compromise on the quality. Tucked in an unassuming half-lot in Damansara Uptown, its offering of cheap, good Japanese fare is bound to gain more fans in these rough and tough, post-stimulus haha times.
The place is spatially urban Japanese - tiny, busy and cramped, filled with ordinary folks tucking into Hokano's luscious sashimi and signature rolls. Doesn't make for the most comfortable dining experience but there's definitely a unique brand of ambience.
Hokano serves sake, which isn't on its menu at RM35 per jar, but we decided to start off with chilled Asahi in IKEA-type glasses. Aaaahhhhh!! Now that the beer buzz's on, what's on the menu??
Salmon sashimi, came in six fat slices, glittering with omega 3 comeliness. We ordered two of these babies. Ridiculously fresh!
We ordered one Saba Shioyaki set to share. At RM16, this mackerel stunner arrived with rice, miso soup and a salad. Hokano shares and cares!
Hokano Roll hogged the spotlight - a medley of creamy avocado, tempura prawn, eel and roe. A serving of this, good for sharing, at RM18.95.
With conversation and beer flowing, it was difficult to stop so on came the Salmon & Avocado roll... this was fine, not mind-blowing compared to the Hokano but it did the trick and shut us up for a bit.
Happy campers grin with no salmon stuck in their teeth! See what I mean about the place being tiny?There's not much to not like about Hokano - a good meal, decent service and instant camaraderie with fellow troubled countrymen who love good food at good prices! OK, there's not much personal space to contend with, and frequently, you end up knocking elbows with your dining companions, but that's part of the Hokano charm!
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21 comments:
wah ... such a cramped, hidden treasure. takes guts to waltz in without half expecting mediocre fare. but quite good, judging from ur review.
i've never managed to try this place, despite reading good things about it before. nice to see that they don't skimp on their ingredients. i love avocado, and i often order any maki that has it, but it's often disappointing when the avocado appears in thin strips that can barely be tasted!
i like the happy campers grin with no salmon stuck in their teeth.. lights up the room and makes it that much less cramp.. no? lol :D
I always like to have avocado in my rolls. Your post remind me of those that I had in Kirishima.
I love this place! Very nearby where I work, so I get my Jap fix here quite often. They do a pretty good version of Chicken Katsudon too! =D
The mackerel looks nice and the Hokano Roll. It's what I ordered when I visited Azuma. ^o^
This lovable tight Hokano must have freshly smitten you so hard , with the hot chilled Jap beer surely not to be missed for we are always only a few mugs away behind in H2o
its really near to my place..but never make an effort to drop by..will do it right away!
nice..quality and not over-rated..prices are reasonable no?
Now you make me want to knock elbows with fellow diners. I want to feel the Hokano charm too. :-D Looks like it's been around for a bit, eh?
and that's the charm about small japanese eateries like these. a place to catch up with friends and to be surrounding by japanese tapas and alcohol.
asahi's my personal fave!!! ;D
how much was that sashimi..bcoz it does look VERY glistening!
J2Kfm, it's a hole in the wall beauty!
Sean, I feel the same way about avocado and the great thing about this place is that it's very generous with it!
Ciki, this place brings on grins all the way from Uptown to Japan!
CK Lam, avocado's the best! I wish we didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for it!
Bangsar Babe, ooh must try the Chicken Katsudon next time. I did spy someone at the next table tucking in, looked superb!
Food Paradise, the Hokano roll also available at Azuma?? Just under another name maybe?
BSG, glug glug glug! Cheers!
Kampungboycitygal, race you there!
Nomad Gourmand, totally reasonable prices! Really felt like we got our money's worth!
LL, yes, this place should've been around a bit, judging from the peeling wall paint and general need for a spruce up. But I like it the way it is! Makes my Japanese slippers feel right at home!
Nic, yes brings you straight back to the back alleys of Shinjuku, no? And Asahi's def one of the most drinkable beers around...
Joe, ok the sashimi was about RM16 a plate... for that level of freshness, no qualms whatsoever about forking that over
This place sounds familiar, did it appear in The Star recently? those salmon looked really really fresh.. woooow. what's the price like?
Wow... the salmon sashimi looks so wonderful delicious!!!
I notice this place for ages and wanting to drop by, will do it the next round!
I am still squeamish about sashimi. Not my favourite. Cramp quarters also not my best friend. Prefer some low lights, soft music and lots of elbow space. Reveals my age! But the sight of the sashimi looks great!
Vkeong, ooh it appeared in the Star? I wouldn't know, I don't read it on a regular basis :-P
Selba, trust me, it lived up to its appearance!
BBO, it's a bit crazy on weekday evenings, just because of the office neighbourhood, so weekend's a better bet.
Worldwindows, Hokano's a reflection of the times! Comfortable & aesthetically pleasing dining is so... yesterday!
Always pass by this tiny place...time to make a stop :O)
Ooh la la! Now that saah-men caught my eye it did! How much is it? And, is it beside iSmile Dental Clinic? if so...hooray for the world!!
This looks like the shop for me, good lead up! Thank you :D
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