From a Fragment of Memory to an Amber Glow
Every story has a small beginning. For me, it was a bowl of tantanmen noodles at a restaurant called Chuugoku Hanten in Mita. After a client meeting, I stumbled upon the place by chance. The flavor I discovered there became deeply etched in my memory. Since then, whenever I had business in the area, I found myself drawn back to it.
Then one day, I learned that Kohakukyu, the premium brand of that very restaurant, was located inside the Palace Hotel Tokyo. In the heart of the city, overlooking the lush greenery of the Imperial Palace East Garden. I hoped to one day open its doors. This vague longing grew quietly but surely within me.
In October 2025, on a clear autumn day that illuminated Marunouchi, an opportunity arose. I finally made my way to that place of my aspirations: Kohakukyu. This article is a personal record of that day’s experience.
An Entrance Where Serenity Meets Anticipation
On the 5th floor of the Palace Hotel Tokyo, Kohakukyu stands with quiet dignity. The entrance, marked by wooden lattices and softly glowing round lanterns, gently builds anticipation for the culinary journey ahead. This is a quintessential part of the fine dining Tokyo experience.
Stepping inside reveals a modern, sophisticated space with a dark wood theme. Even the walk down the stone-paved corridor feels like part of the course. It’s a masterful transition from the everyday to the extraordinary, a hallmark of the Palace Hotel Tokyo Chinese restaurant.
A Story in Gems: The “Pearl” Course
Once seated, I perused the menu. The dinner courses were “Coral” and “Pearl.” Both looked appealing and included the famous Peking Duck. To celebrate this special occasion, I chose the “Pearl” course without hesitation. This is the kind of experience you look for in a top-tier Cantonese restaurant Tokyo.
I started with a toast of non-alcoholic sparkling wine. As it was a lunchtime visit, I opted to forgo alcohol. The Pierre Zéro Chardonnay from France, with its beautiful golden hue and delicate bubbles, perfectly set the celebratory mood.
Like a prologue to the story about to unfold, the menu was placed on the table. Peking Duck, stir-fried seafood with green shiso, braised beef cheek… My heart danced with excitement for each dish I was about to meet.
Assorted Appetizers: The Opening Chapter
The first dish to arrive was the “Assorted Appetizers with Roasted Meats.” It was arranged like a work of art on a beautiful yellow-rimmed plate. The crispy-skin roasted pork belly had a perfect crunch and sweet fat. The char siu was moist and tender, its flavor deepening with every chew.
The satisfying texture of the jellyfish salad was also delightful. It was a flawless start that did not disappoint the high expectations for the rest of the meal.
Stir-fried Seafood with Green Shiso: A Feast of Color and Aroma
Next was a visually stunning dish. The jade-colored sauce stood out against the white crackle-glaze bowl. The plump texture of the whelk and scallops was complemented by the refreshing aroma of green shiso.
The crunchy lotus root and slightly bitter ginkgo nuts served as wonderful accents. The complex yet harmonious flavors were a testament to true culinary craftsmanship. It was a dish that justified every positive Amber Palace Tokyo review.
The Climax: The Peking Duck Experience at Kohakukyu
And then, the star of the show arrived. A Peking Duck, glistening with a beautiful amber glaze. The staff kindly brought it to our table to present its magnificent form before carving. “Please, feel free to take a picture,” they said with a warm smile. I truly appreciated that gesture.
This presentation elevates a simple meal into an experience. It stimulates all the senses before you even take a bite, building anticipation to its peak. For those seeking the best Peking Duck Tokyo has to offer, this moment is unforgettable.
Shortly after, the duck, expertly wrapped in thin pancakes by a professional chef, was served one by one. The pancake was thin yet chewy. It enveloped the crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat. The sweet and savory bean sauce tied everything together, creating a perfect harmony in my mouth.
I savored each piece, completely engrossed. This single dish encapsulates why Kohakukyu Palace Hotel is so highly regarded.
Exquisite Steamed Soup: A Savory Interlude
As if to gently calm the excitement from the duck, a warm soup was served. The clear, amber-colored broth was filled with mountain delicacies like mushrooms and buckwheat groats, which had a fun, popping texture. It was a deeply savory and gentle flavor that warmed me from the inside out.
Deep-fried Fresh Fish with Salted Egg Sauce: A Play on Textures
A vibrant red plate brightened the table. Inside a crispy batter was flaky, perfectly steamed fish. It was all coated in a rich and savory salted egg sauce.
The contrast between the crispy batter and the soft fish was fantastic. The unique saltiness and umami of the sauce were simply addictive. A sprig of broccoli provided a welcome touch of freshness.
Braised Beef Cheek with Spicy Sichuan Sauce: A Melting Finale
As the course neared its end, the braised beef cheek arrived in a beautiful orange bowl. The meat was so tender it fell apart at the slightest touch of my chopsticks. It melted in my mouth, exceeding all my expectations.
The spicy Sichuan sauce, with a hint of Sichuan peppercorn, reawakened my appetite. The vibrant green of the bok choy added a beautiful freshness to the rich dish.
Crabmeat and Japanese Parsley Fried Rice: The Perfect Conclusion
The final savory dish was crabmeat and Japanese parsley fried rice. Often, fried rice at the end of a Chinese course can feel heavy. However, this was different. The perfectly stir-fried rice was surprisingly light and not at all greasy.
The umami from the generous crabmeat and the refreshing aroma of the Japanese parsley were exquisitely balanced. I finished every last bite without feeling overwhelmed.
White Peach Annin Tofu: A Cool, Lingering Note
For dessert, a refreshing almond jelly (annin tofu) was served in a cool glass. The smooth jelly was lavishly topped with large, juicy chunks of white peach. Its elegant, subtle sweetness was a fitting end to a magnificent meal.
Hospitality to Remember
Beyond the amazing food, what made the experience at Kohakukyu truly special was the staff’s hospitality. They were always attentive, approaching the table at just the right moments. Their gentle demeanor allowed me to relax and fully enjoy the meal.
The jasmine tea I ordered was also a delight. Served in a pot, it was refilled promptly whenever it ran low. Watching the beautiful tea leaves slowly unfurl was a calming experience in itself. Such meticulous attention to detail speaks volumes about the restaurant’s class.
Planning Your Visit to Amber Palace: Practical Info
For those interested in visiting Kohakukyu after reading this, here is some practical information to help you plan your own experience. The Amber Palace menu offers a range of options for every occasion.
Reservations and Access
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners. You can book via their official website or by phone. The restaurant is located on the 5th floor of the Palace Hotel Tokyo, easily accessible from Tokyo Station. Consider enjoying a stroll in the nearby Imperial Palace East Garden before or after your meal.
Lunch vs. Dinner
The restaurant offers different course menus for lunch and dinner. Lunch is a great option for those who want to experience the quality of Kohakukyu at a more accessible price point. The dinner courses, like the “Pearl” course I enjoyed, offer a more extensive and luxurious experience perfect for special occasions.
The Amber Glow Will Call Me Back
From the first appetizer to the final dessert, the entire meal was a seamless and delightful journey. Despite the volume of food, I never felt heavy. This must be the result of perfectly balanced flavors and high-quality ingredients.
A story that began with a bowl of tantanmen noodles concluded with an unforgettable dining experience on the grand stage of the Palace Hotel. But this is not the end. I am certain the amber glow of Kohakukyu will call me back to this place again.
It was a truly memorable meal. I will be back.
Official site:https://www.chuugokuhanten.com/store/kohakukyu.html
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