As a lover of all things Japanese and especially all things curry, I was super stoked to come check out SAMA, a legendary spot from Sapporo which made its way to HK only a few years ago. Located on the corner roundabout on Gough, this Sheung Wan hot spot (#1) has attracted quite a following to an otherwise quiet area of the neighborhood.
Like most places in the city, SAMA is tiny. There are only a handful of tables to accommodate groups (which likely seat 20 at most), so I wouldn't be surprised if there were waits during good weather nights. The decor has a modern edge to it, along with the consistent corporate urbanized graphics one would expect from a Japanese chain. The staff speak English decently, but Canto is the way to go here.
How the curry portion of the menu works:
1) Choose A Spice Level: Baby Bear (0-5), Adult Bear (6-15), Crazy Bear (16-30).
2) Choose A Soup Base: Tomato, Coconut, Prawn (Seafood flavor)
3) Choose A Curry Entreé: Chicken, Pork, Seafood, Vegetarian Options ranging $78-128
One can also choose additional toppings from extra meats (+$30), veggies (+$10), tempura (+$30), and eggs (+$10). The menu is available in English, Chinese, and Japanese. There is a nice selection of Asian craft beers as well as nice variety of sides.
My group and I enjoyed a variety of curry dishes, with the most notable being the Oink Oink ($96) spice level 10 and Ocean Trophy ($108) spice level 15. There was one with the Vegetarian Bear ($78) but with a solid spice level of 20. The flavors are extremely potent and the spice is definitely no joke. I thought SE Asian curries gave me trouble, but the veggie curry had me feeling the sweat beads. I like the punishment.
Our array of sides were also tasty. I enjoyed the Tempura add on, as well as the Curry Fries ($28), Shishitou Brussel Sprouts ($58), Hokkaido Spinach ($72), and Garlic Prawns ($72). I wasn't super crazy about the Spiced Chicken Karaage ($68), Hokkaido Corn Croquettes ($18), or their Nagoya Style Curry Wings ($28).
A slight eyeroll to the gimmicky t-shirt and recipe books on display but I'm sure there are some serious fanboys / girls out there. Parking is limited but doable in this part of HK. They accept all credit cards and are open till just before midnight.
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(#1) Literally. No pun intended. read more