Hideaki Matsumoto (Matsu) – chef
The place – a fairly non-descript building in the Erskineville shops – but that changes to cool Tokyo street style inside. Some large tables at the rear of this narrow room with a street art mural on the walls, along with vintage looking Japanese beer ads. And at the front, some low tables, seating on crates, plus a few tables outside on the street.
Interior – Kuki Tanuki Erskineville
Street art mural – Kuki Tanuki
Drinks – the whole gambut of sakes, Japanese beers, Japanese plum wines and cocktails. We liked how the drinks menu had some explanation of sake and how it is made. It’s not the most interesting wine list we’ve seen, but Kuki Tanuki is a winner in sake and beers.
Sapporo beer – Kuki Tanuki
Sashimi
Food – some classic Japanese dishes with some new bar style food additions like the tanuki mini burger ($8). kushiyaki yakitori ($8) – three skewers of large, juicy and generous pieces of chicken – nice easy eating.
Bar area – Kuki Tanuki
We also tried the curry crumbed squid ($8) – succulent pieces of squid with the with roast garlic mayo, the curry tasted like curry powder in the panko crumbs again easy eating when you are in a bar.
Curry crumbed squid with roast garlic mayo
The agedashi tofu was silky tofu in a light broth with rounded flavours. But on this day, it was the assorted sashimi that was the highlight – the fish was fresh and clean tasting served with fresh ginger on a large leaf over ice ($15). The tofu and beetroot salad ($13) was also good. We asked the barperson for a sake to match with our food – and it was on the money.
Agedashi tofu
Tofu and beetroot salad
Kuki Tanuki Japanese Bar is a very relaxed and casual place, great bar to meet friends after work and have a drink. It’s a cool Sydney bar with good food, they have just introduced their autumn menue, so check that out as well. Open Tuesday to Friday from 5pm till late and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm – late.
Kuki Tanuki
61 Erskineville Road, Erskineville Sydney 2043
