Date: Mar 3rd 2014 10:47a.m.

Contributed by:
siennapc

Hatsune delivers its usual formula, with a sumo theme  It’s been over five years since Hatsune opened a new branch, and the new Kerry Centre location has filled up just as quickly as the original CBD and Sanlitun outlets. The restaurant is a boon to those who work in the area and offers a fun, original sumo-themed design. For now, this is all that sets the third Hatsune apart, but this is set to change later in the year.

At present, all branches of the award-winning restaurant serve the same menu, which has grown steadily over the past 12 years. This means the selection of rolls, especially, is overwhelming. The plan is to reduce this core menu, while giving each branch its own specialty menu of eight dishes.

But we’ve been eating at Hatsune for nearly a decade and still try new things every time. A discovery this last visit was the Candy & Caviar roll (RMB82), a sweet, crunchy combo of sweet potato, crab salad, avocado, yellowtail, wasabi mayonnaise and caviar. The Lum Dim Sum roll (RMB85) is served in a steamer, dim-sum style, which is a fun gimmick, especially if you’re not expecting it and wonder what on earth you ordered. The best part about these rolls is the crunchy seaweed salad, which is combined with scallop, albacore tuna, avocado, maguro, mayo and black tobiko.

The oyster selection is new to the menu—there are six varieties from six countries. They range from the creamy little Canadian Sound Select (RMB40) to the classic favorite, French Gillardeau (RMB75), served with spicy cocktail sauce and a scallion vinegar that gives the shellfish a Japanese flavor.  

The CBD office crowd is well catered to, with a long sushi bar ideal for solo diners, as well as a large communal …