Let’s start by being upfront and saying that this Kennedy Town restaurant, Chino, isn’t officially affiliated with much-loved Sheung Wan izakaya-style yakitori haven Yardbird. But we mention the connection because Chino chef Eric Idos has been knocking up some delights at Yardbird’s curated convenience store, Sunday’s Grocery, and he’s definitely been sharing ideas with the ‘bird team because of the vibe, the service and to a certain extent, the ethos behind the food at Chino is strangely familiar.
The style of the new restaurant is trendy-casual, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a wall of street artist Aaron de la Cruz’s minimalist etchings at the back. Chino serves up a creative and cohesive marriage of two seemingly unrelated cultures. The menu goes for something out of the ordinary with a novel combination of Mexican-style fare inspired by Japanese ingredients and techniques. You’re even given chopsticks, despite the dishes being South American.
Sink your teeth into the lightly battered variations of tacos and tostadas, dishes that embody what Chino is about – the appreciation of fresh Japanese ingredients served in the Mexican casual street-style way. You’d be surprised how these tasty small dishes can fill you up at this eatery.