Hokkaido Shoutout: Hi Kori in Chinatown Square, Philadelphia

Brainchild of restauranteurs and entrepreneurs Kenny Poon and David Taing, Chinatown Square Food Hall replaced the previous general goods store Shanghai Bazaar, and the end results of their renovations and launch are phenomenal.

Between Halal Guys making their signature shawarma and falafel, I•CE•NY Thai rolled ice cream, Khmer Grill serving what is some of the best Cambodian food in the city, Philly Poke serving delicious poke bowls, Kurry Korner's with (you guessed it) delicious gourmet curry, Coreanos with Mexican/Korean fusion, Bao Bar with delicious steamed buns and craft beer, and of course Hi Kori, there is no shortage of food options at Chinatown Square in Philadelphia, PA (Okay, there’s more I’m likely missing, please feel free to let me know in the comments!).

If you walk into Chinatown Square and head straight to the back you will come across Hi Kori — Japanese for “fire and ice,” a Japanese whiskey and sake bar with tea-infused cocktails, and some epic Japanese street food. The menu includes kushiyaki (skewers), pork belly mini boxes, and yakisoba noodles. Hi-Kori's bar and back area also provide generous seating, which is a good thing, since you’ll probably want to work your way through the selection of Japadogs as well, hot dogs that include variants of Japanese-style foods like okonomiyaki, yakisoba, teriyaki and tonkatsu.

Of course, we can’t forget to mention, you can find Hokkaido’s Otaru craft beer and fruit beers at Hi Kori (as well as in the upstairs Vape Bar launching shortly), perfect pairings for the various dishes, and they even make great chasers for a bottle of sake or soju. Serving the Peach White Ale, Yuzu Lager, Lemon Lager, Cherry & Berry Ale, Honey Apple Ale, Niagara Ale, Pear Lager, as well the Otaru craft beer line, with Otaru White, Otaru Ale, Otaru Lager, and the Otaru Stout.