Romantic Skewers at Tori Ton

All edibles can be classified thus: date food and non-date food. Yakitori skewers tend toward the latter camp. However, if you can work your way around a chuan’r, Tori Ton’s dimmed mood lighting and bench seating makes it the perfect romantic spot for hip kids who aren’t afraid to get a little inelegant. This new venture from owner Issey Yamakawa is just as classy as his last (Tori Tei), with similar offerings.

We’ve raved about Tei’s skewered chicken hearts and salmon, but new discoveries at Ton include the chicken breast with plum and basil (RMB 10), arriving with a waft of subtle aromatics. It’s an appreciable break from heavier yakitori flavors.

They really do skewers best. A dragon roll (RMB 38) was bland, tonkatsu ramen (RMB 30) barely approached proper richness and curry chicken wings (RMB 30) tasted just a little off. Stuff on sticks ranges from RMB 5 to RMB 60, though portions are small, so expect your (very delicious) meal to add up.

Also try: Sanma No Aji, Suzumei

Tori Ton 鸟屯 Daily 5.30pm-1am. Alleyway opposite Workers’ Stadium East Gate (behind China View), Chaoyang District (156 9988 5500) 朝阳区工体东门对面中国红街后面

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Photo: Judy Zhou