[invite] Bianca: Kid Kyoto is a playful concept from the group behind Indu & Mejico. Its concept is an interesting one, taking inspiration from the rock and grunge music scene of the 80’s & 90’s. Expect some Bjork/ Chris Cornell mashups at an ear-splittingly loud volume. The menu is fairly informal and geared towards sharing dishes, I’d probably steer away for intimate date nights, as it’s fairly loud and not particularly cosy. But a big plus for the service, knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive.
We began our foray into the izakaya-style menu, with the Smoking Salmon Sashimi, wasabi pea & nori $24. Presentation was flawless, a glass dome trapping the smoke within. Lift the lid and you’re rewarded by a rush smoke. The salmon was delicate and silky, with a first initial hit of wasabi hitting the palate. We enjoyed the texture of the peas and the smokey back notes permeating this dish.
I was in love with this next dish. Preserved Lemon Tsukune, onsen egg, ‘birds nest’ and chilli rayu $16. Tender lemony chicken mince skewered and then mixed with the creamy egg yolk and fried leeks was a flavour explosion.
The Kingfish Ceviche, pickled watermelon, lemon aspen & roasted wakame kosho $22 had a whole bunch of ingredients I’d never heard of, I expected the wakame kosho to have a more potent ‘fishy’ flavour than in actual reality. I loved the crispy fresh veg and the bursts of freshness from the watermelon but we did find the kingfish fairly fishy.
Touted as a ‘B-Side’ the Corn, nori & fish chahan’ fried rice $18 was a textural delight, with pockets of crispy, toasted rice but the fish flavouring is prominent.
Quickly becoming the standout signifying dish ‘Black Hole Sun’ pork belly, nori jam, apple & pickled radish $30. I wanted to love this dish more than I did, it’s a striking sight once it hits the table and I enjoyed the super caramelised sweet and sticky outer edges of the tender pork but we couldn’t help but feel it was lacking in flavour.
The Wagyu +4 Sirloin, red hot chilli pepper miso & tsukemono $42 was my standout favourite. The sirloin a perfect medium rare, buttery and soft. The fiery miso was the perfect accompaniment both taste wise and visually (I mean, look at this dish).
And finally dessert. Everyone knows the encore is the best part of a show! The Toasted Yuzu meringue tart, green tea & blueberry $16 was a delight. The sharpness of the citrus contrasted nicely with the caramelised torched meringue. The biscuit crumbs adding some crunch but I wasn’t a fan of the soybean crumble on the ice-cream.
But chocolates always a winner. Chocolate fondant, caramelised miso, chocolate crackle, kinako & coconut ice-cream $16. Sweet and salty, crispy and light as air, varying temperatures. This dessert had all the elements and the boxes ticked. Devilishly decadent.
Kid Kyoto are still getting into the swing of things and I’d be keen to return once they’ve hit their groove.
Bianca
Photos by Alex
*For Food’s Sake dined as guests of Kid Kyoto.
We liked the food but said the same thing about the music level. It’s so loud!! I’m sure it’s so you eat and leave quickly hehe.
I heard so many mix reviews about this place. Whilst the food looks great and it seems like they taste great too. But the place itself comes across a bit try hard? Like none of the 80’s-90’s grunge music scene has anything to do with Kyoto lol more like an Osaka scene. Maybe their just using the name, I dunno. Would still give this place a go base on your review B.
Go just to decide for yourself Raff 🙂
That wagyu looks amazing!