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The Star Street area of Wanchai has been missing a Japanese fusion restaurant, but we’re happy to report that the second TMK (the original – TMK Punk & Rolls – opened a few years ago in Sheung Wan) has officially taken over the end of Moon Street! Dedicated to those who love some good #throwbackthursday vibes and hip-hop music, TMK is chill and mellow. A statement wall of stereos and boom boxes lines the entrance, with images of rap icons and graffiti plastered all over the space.
During the day, a tonne of natural light flows into the restaurant, contrasting with the dark interior. It’s cosy and intimate, with countertop tables and chairs dominating the restaurant – perfect for two. I wouldn’t recommend large groups walking in based on the space (when group dining is allowed again, anyway), but you could probably get away with a group of four.
With TMK officially in its soft-launch stage and COVID restrictions still in place at the time of my visit, I tried the straightforward lunch menu ($148/2 courses or $168/3 courses), consisting of a small list of appetisers and nori bowls served as mains.
If you’re looking for something healthy, the edamame hummus is savoury and earthy, containing tahini and coriander. We just wished we had been given more rice crackers for scooping!
The signature chicken karaage from the Sheung Wan location has been added here, and it’s a treat, especially paired with the spicy yoghurt sauce.
The Rap & Rolls hamachi (+$28) was one of my favourite dishes. Ponzu sauce and jalapeño give a dynamic twist to the soft, tender fish.
When it comes to the nori bowls, you can opt out of the rice if you’re going carb free, and TMK also serves vegetarian-friendly bowls if you’re going meat free.
The B.I.G. (+$20) contains tender M7 Wagyu tartare, negi, braised shiitake, pea shoots, cabbage and rice. I loved the creamy ginger dressing on this one.
Generous in size, the TO tuna (+$10) is dressed with yuzu and avocado cream to liven up the bowl.
The super tofu is a delicious vegetarian option . The “crack” fried tofu is definitely addictive, tossed in a sweet glaze. The base contains shiitake rice, garlic, braised shiitake, pea shoots and cabbage.
Desserts are kept simple at TMK, with two choices: poppin' ice cream, a unique nutty and earthy combination featuring olive oil, nori and popcorn, and fried banana, served with coconut-pistachio crumble and dulce de leche ice cream. The latter was surprisingly my favourite – I usually don’t care for banana desserts, but I loved this one!
Verdict
TMK’s second location is destined to be a hit! It offers a fun, laid-back experience for dining at any time of the day, and I foresee it being a go-to date night and future happy-hour spot. Compared to the Sheung Wan location that’s dedicated to punk rock with a high-energy vibe, this new Wanchai offshoot is more mellow and low-key, with hip hop playing in the background. Beyond the nori bowls we tried, we hope to see more dishes (and cocktails!) being launched soon, particularly TMK’s Insta-famous loaded handrolls.
17A Moon Street, Wanchai, 2662 2269 (no bookings)
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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