01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
From fugu sashimi to hot pot and a final bowl of rice porridge, Kikuchi’s tiger pufferfish course follows one ingredient through a series of preparations. The course with fried fugu includes tiger pufferfish sashimi, fried tiger pufferfish, tiger pufferfish hot pot, shabu-shabu, aspic and a porridge set. Some diners have remarked on the thickness of the sashimi and the different textures of the various cuts.
The porridge that follows the hot pot is another part of the meal that can leave a lasting impression. The course’s porridge set comes with rice, a raw egg and pickles. Diners who have tried the course have described their first taste of shabu-shabu as memorable, and enjoyed the meal right through to the final porridge. It suits those who want to take their time and savour the flavours left behind in the hot pot.
Shirako dishes offer another way to explore fugu. The menu lists shirako sashimi, salt-grilled shirako, shirako tempura and shirako for the hot pot. Some diners have tried shirako sashimi for the first time and remembered its springy texture, while others particularly enjoyed the grilled shirako. The range of preparations makes for an appealing choice.
Japanese sake and fin sake are options to enjoy alongside the fugu. The menu includes fin sake, as well as three sake labels from breweries in Akita: Kariho, Yuki no Bousha and Inanami, each served in 180 ml portions. One diner who tried the fin sake remarked that it came with plenty of fin.
The restaurant recommends dipping the sashimi in ponzu, with grated daikon and chilli and chopped spring onion added to taste; the grated daikon and chilli condiment is listed as homemade. Kikuchi is a fugu restaurant in Ueno 1-chome. Dinner reservations are available and recommended.
