The culinary landscape of Tuen Mun has received a notable addition this month with the debut of Manmaru, a highly regarded eel (unagi) specialist originating from Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Its inaugural overseas branch has officially opened in Tuen Mun Town Plaza, bringing a celebrated tradition of preparation—combining expert grilling techniques with daily sourced fresh eel—to Hong Kong diners.
The new establishment promises an experience deeply rooted in classic Japanese technique, centered around the meticulous preparation of unagi. Manmaru adheres to a demanding standard of freshness, utilizing live electric eels that are delivered daily, ensuring they are humanely slaughtered and prepared immediately on-site before being expertly skewered and grilled.
Authentic Kansai-Style Grilling Lands in the New Territories
Manmaru’s reputation stems from its origins in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, a region often revered as a “Sacred Land of Eel.” Despite its slightly secluded location in Japan, the original restaurant consistently draws enthusiasts who travel up to 30 minutes just to sample its renowned dishes. The Hong Kong branch aims to replicate this commitment to quality and tradition.
The key to Manmaru’s distinctive flavor profile lies in its cooking methodology. The restaurant employs a unique combination of traditional grilling styles: the unagi is either prepared using kabayaki (with a savory-sweet glaze) or shirayaki (plain, without sauce). Crucially, both methods incorporate the intermittent steaming (manmushi) technique before the final grilling. This preparatory steam session tenderizes the flesh, resulting in a distinctly smooth and silky texture before the eel is finished over high heat.
Furthermore, the restaurant insists on the use of high-quality Binchotan charcoal imported from Japan. This specialized charcoal burns at a high, clean heat, imparting a distinct, smoky aroma beloved in Kansai-style cooking, while ensuring the eel skin achieves a desirable crispness.
Menu Highlights Beyond the Classic Unagi Donburi
While the unagi donburi (eel served over rice) is the centerpiece, celebrated for its perfectly caramelized skin and melt-in-the-mouth texture, Manmaru offers a comprehensive menu designed to showcase every aspect of this versatile fish.
Diners can explore a variety of traditional Japanese eel dishes, including:
- Classic Unagi Skewers: Simple yet elegant preparation highlighting the natural, rich oil content of the eel.
- Grilled Eel Liver (Kimo): A delicacy known for its slightly bitter, robust flavor.
- Fried Eel Bones (Karaage Unagi Hone): Crispy and savory, offering a unique texture contrast.
The focus remains on highlighting the supreme freshness of the main ingredient. The result is a dining experience where the skin offers a flavorful crispness, the meat remains tender and delicate, and the unagi oil gently coats the palate, creating a memorable richness.
Manmaru Essential Information
- Location: Shop 19 – 22, UG Floor, Phase 2, Tuen Mun Town Plaza
- Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch) | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
The arrival of Manmaru in Tuen Mun signifies a growing trend of prestigious, specialized international dining establishments choosing the New Territories for their initial foray into the Hong Kong market. This move not only elevates the local culinary scene but also provides an accessible opportunity for food enthusiasts to sample authentically prepared, top-tier Japanese unagi without the need to travel far.