Skewered dishes, known as kushiyaki, became popular in post-war Shibuya.
As the name suggests, “kushiyaki” refers to dishes where vegetables, meat, and fish are skewered (“kushi” means skewer) and grilled. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, are one such type of kushiyaki. These skewers, which supported the development of the city through food, can definitely be considered a Shibuya soul food.
Reflecting the history and culture of Shibuya, the restaurant “TRUNK(KUSHI)” offers this iconic dish!
Located in the chic Cat Street area connecting Shibuya and Harajuku, it’s a retro-styled establishment that stands out among the modern surrounding shops.
Interior of TRUNK(KUSHI)
The restaurant’s signature skewer: “Chicken Meat Balls”
The restaurant offers 17 varieties of skewers, including beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables. Grilled over charcoal, each skewer is delicious, no matter which one you choose.
The standout dish is the “Chicken Meat Balls,” the restaurant’s signature skewer.
As the restaurant’s classic skewer, you can enjoy it as a single item or in a set of 10 skewers, known as “Tsukuten.”
“鶏ツクネ,” Chicken Meat Balls 170 JPY per skewer (tax included)
The Chicken Meat Balls are simply seasoned with salt and features a unique texture. By incorporating yam into the mixture, it achieves a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Its small size is just right, and you might find yourself eating 11, 12, or even more skewers due to its irresistible texture!
“Chicken Thighs and Leek” with special sauce
(left) Chicken Meat Balls, (right) Chicken Thighs and Leek 340 JPY per skewer (tax included)）
The glistening glaze of the “Chicken Thighs and Leek” makes it a must-order skewer. The specially crafted sauce for this dish achieves a perfect balance of sweetness.
Using a blend of honey, coarse sugar, unrefined cane sugar, and brown sugar, the sauce offers a deep and complex flavor that never feels one-dimensional.
Additionally, it’s simmered for half a day with aromatic vegetables, apples, beef tendons, and chicken skin, unlocking a rich, savory depth and umami.
The lingering aroma as you eat is delightful, and the flavor of the sauce intensifies with each bite. When paired with the juicy, flavorful fat of the chicken thigh, it becomes a truly blissful indulgence.
The skewer, served with its sweet and robust sauce, is the perfect companion for a drink, making it an irresistible choice!
Chicken thighs boasting exceptional quality!
“鶏モモ,” Chicken Thighs 340 JPY per skewer (tax included)
At TRUNK(KUSHI), the commitment to quality starts with using fresh, same-day-sourced chicken. To fully appreciate the exceptional flavor of their chicken, the “Chicken Thighs” come highly recommended.
The plump, thick-cut chicken thigh boasts the perfect balance of tenderness and firm texture, showcasing the restaurant’s meticulous grilling technique.
To truly savor the natural umami of the chicken, this skewer is intentionally seasoned with just a touch of salt rather than the house-made sauce.
This simple preparation enhances the rich, smooth flavor of the chicken’s fat, leaving a satisfying and perfectly balanced aftertaste.
“Beef Steak” with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness
“牛ステーキ,” Beef Steak 550 JPY per skewer
The slightly indulgent “Beef Steak” skewer is another popular menu item. Its fluffy, almost cloud-like texture is so unexpected for beef that you’ll be amazed from the first bite.
Despite being thickly cut for a skewered dish, the tender texture is a testament to the refined skills of the master chefs. Priced at 550 JPY (tax included) per skewer, it’s a bit more expensive than other skewers, but well worth the splurge.
Pair it with the locally crafted Japanese sake offered at TRUNK(KUSHI), and you’ll elevate your dining experience to absolute luxury!
“Shiitake Mushroom”with concentrated umami
“シイタケ,” Shiitake Mushroom 300 JPY per skewer (tax included)
If you’re craving vegetable skewers, the “Shiitake Mushroom” skewer is a must-try. Do you think vegetables lack the richness of meat? Think again!
Slowly grilled over charcoal, the mushrooms become intensely flavorful, with their umami concentrated and their aroma absolutely outstanding.
Order this to finish your meal! “Stewed Beef Curry Rice”
After enjoying all the skewers at TRUNK(KUSHI), it’s customary to end the meal with the “Stewed Beef Curry Rice.” While there are other options for finishing dishes, there’s a very good reason to recommend this one!
“牛すじカレー飯,” Stewed Beef Curry Rice 950 JPY (tax included)
This dish features a curry sauce crafted with the broth from the restaurant’s signature “Braised Beef Tendon,” the same house-made sauce used for their skewers, and a touch of Shibuya’s specialty “Hachiko Sauce.”
The result is a rich and creative curry that rivals even dedicated curry restaurants. The umami from the broth, the deep sweetness of the house sauce, and the bold flavor of the Hachiko Sauce come together in perfect harmony.
The beef tendon itself is cut to retain its gelatinous texture, giving it a tender, jiggly bite that adds to its appeal!
To fully experience the dish, scoop up a generous amount of rice, curry, and beef tendon with a spoon, and savor the explosion of flavors created by this expertly balanced combination of ingredients.
Enjoy hearty lunch menus at TRUNK(KUSHI) during the day
From 12:00 PM to 15:00 PM on weekdays, TRUNK(KUSHI) transforms into a destination for satisfying lunch options.
“焼鶏丼（スープ、漬物付き）,” Chicken Yakitori Rice Bowl + Soup + Pickled Vegetables 1,100 JPY (tax included)
The “Chicken Yakitori Rice Bowl” is particularly a hit with the crowd.
The chicken, coated in the restaurant’s signature sauce, is larger than the pieces used for skewers, ensuring a satisfying bite in every piece. Grilled over charcoal, the crispy, fragrant skin brings out the chicken’s natural umami.
Large portions of rice are free during lunch
The rice beneath the grilled chicken, savory-sweet minced chicken, and seafood-infused omelet is Tsukiakari, a premium rice variety from Niigata. Its large grains and subtle sweetness pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the toppings!
Savor your skewers on the TRUNK(KUSHI) terrace!
In addition to indoor table and counter seating, TRUNK(KUSHI) offers terrace seating just outside the restaurant.
In summer, you can enjoy excellent food and beer with a night breeze; in winter, seasonal oden stew adds to the experience.
Exterior of TRUNK(KUSHI)
Located right beside the entrance of TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET, the restaurant draws a diverse crowd, from local office workers and young visitors to hotel guests from abroad.
With its vibrant atmosphere and mission to energize every guest, TRUNK(KUSHI) is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Shibuya or Harajuku!
Information
| Store name | TRUNK(KUSHI) |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access | Shibuya Station（SBY） 5-minute walk from Exit B1
Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station 8-minute walk from Exit 7
Omotesando Station 13-minute walk from Exit B2
|
| Phone number | 03-5766-3205 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Official website, Tabelog |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Weekdays 12:00-15:00（last order 14:30）, 17:00-23:00（last order: food, 22:00, drinks 22:30） Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 15:00-23:00（last order: food 22:00, drinks 22:30） |
| Closed | Third Monday of every month, New Year’s holidays（12/30-1/2） |
| Seating | 50 seats 42 table seats, 8 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://catstreet.trunk-hotel.com/kushi/ |
| Other information |
|
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of December 2024.
