Kuke Shokudo: A Taste of Kansai Oden in the Heart of Central Tucked along Central’s lively Gough Street, Kuke Shokudo is a cosy izakaya dedicated to the comforting art of Kansai-style Oden. Unlike the darker Kanto version, the Kansai style features a clear and delicate dashi broth made from premium kelp, salt, and light soy sauce. The kitchen’s “master broth,” continuously replenished since day one, gives the Oden a mellow sweetness and deep umami flavour that defines the restaurant’s signature taste.

The menu features more than 20 types of Oden, including simmered Awaji onion, tender beef tendon, abalone, tiger prawn, and Japanese radish, all prepared with meticulous care. Beyond Oden, diners can also enjoy refined izakaya dishes such as octopus carpaccio, ginger pork, and sukiyaki, alongside a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. One must-try is the Oden Cocktail (Dashi-wari), a comforting mix of hot dashi and shochu, perfect for chilly evenings.

With over two decades in Hong Kong, Chef Eto San brings a sense of home-style warmth to every dish, from delicate Oden to handcrafted onigiri, creating an experience that is both traditional and deeply personal.