Yankii Robatayaki and Bar is on fire, literally, while kindling the dining scene of Japanese town in Phrom Phong with "fireside dining".
Adjacent to the Skyview Hotel Bangkok on Sukhumvit 24, the restaurant by Soho Hospitality fires up foodies with its rustic Japanese style of charcoal-grilling, known as robatayaki or robata, while being sexy.
Their hip-hop bangers flow with the modern interiors and flashy Japanese street-style graffiti walls, creating an ambience unlike a generic Japanese restaurant. As dishes come in small portions, alongside many drink options, the place also works as an izakaya-style joint.
Seats are arranged in a long counter bar around an open kitchen, offering a front-row seat to watch chefs in action. Traditionally for a robata-style venue, a medley of fresh ingredients would be displayed in front of diners for them to pick what to be cooked. However, at Yankii there are menus, which left me feeling like something was missing.
Served on a wooden paddle with customary loud shouting of the order, the robata menu ensures there’s something for everyone; seafood, vegetable and meat selections.
As you wait for your orders, you can enjoy snacks such as Black calamari (B240) and Salmon salad (B280), as well as the decadent Wagyu hand roll (B480/piece), topped with creamy uni.
To start, I tried an assortment of chicken yakitori, including Negima (chicken thigh/B120) and Hatsu (chicken heart/B120), which are standard grilled skewers. Kanzo (B120) stood out with its fusion take, featuring Argentinian chimichurri sauce that excites the tastebuds for the dishes to follow.
The fusion approach is also apparent on other skewered seafood. My Yankii salmon (B380) was marinated in Mexican Chipotle sauce and charcoal-grilled, while the Toro-saba (B240) was served with tomato salsa. Be sure to have your camera ready for the Wafu oyster (B400), as it is a flambé dish featuring a juicy oyster with a slice of lemon.
The dishes that surprised me the most were the grilled vegetables, prepared with a level of prowess. I highly recommend the Padron pepper (B140), a Spanish green pepper grilled with soy sauce whose slightly charred skin adds a smoky flavour. Although the vegetables were nicely cooked while retaining their freshness and juiciness after being grilled over hot charcoal, they don't exactly come cheap. For example, a Shiitake skewer is priced at B100 and includes three pieces.
Do not blush if you receive a shot from someone: it's for everyone. Yankii has a drinking ritual, "Yankii Hour", where you can ring a bell to signal a round of shots for everyone.
The sake-based concoction Funky genji (B380) and the fizzy Niseko hi-ball (B380) are exceptional Japanese-inspired cocktails you should not miss. Negroni fans can try the Japanese version, Minneopa (B360).
For a more intimate atmosphere, head to the bar downstairs. It transports you to a Japanese cyberpunk world with a theme of a dagashi shop, an old-timey Japanese candy store for kids, adorned with neon lights and graffiti-covered walls featuring vintage posters. Before you leave, don't forget to check out the candy vending machine wall. You can get a coin to crank for a prize with your receipt.
Yankii Robatayaki and Bar is open daily from 6pm-2am. Visit yankiirestaurant.com.
