Hello Hachikō: meet Belconnen’s Japanese fusion restaurant – HerCanberra

Posted on 25 May, 2022

There’s no denying burgers, linguine pasta, and ice cream served in a lakeside restaurant already sounds like heaven on earth.

But it’s the combination of a diverse menu filled with delectable Japanese flavors and a relaxed atmosphere that makes Hachikō the ultimate dining destination.

Opening its doors in 2021, Hachikō is Belconnen’s very own Japanese fusion restaurant, bringing the best of Japanese and Western food together. With views overlooking Lake Ginninderra, airy yet elegant interiors, and alfresco dining options, it offers a relaxed and cosy atmosphere that encourages conversation and a good time.

Founded by Vanessa Ji and chef Vincent Yu—who perfected his cooking skills at Japanese bar and restaurant, Raku—the idea of Hachikō was to create a place that (like its menu) fuses together the best of five-star restaurants and casual eateries.

“We’re using Japanese ingredients to cook Western food,” explains Vanessa. “For example, we have burgers, and we have pasta but we use Japanese techniques to cook it. But there’s a mix of flavours so the older generation can enjoy it as well.”

Open for lunch and dinner, Hachikō’s menu offers entree options like duck breast tacos with a jalapeno slice, pickled onion and chili hoisin sauce, Wagyu gyoza with homemade Japanese chimichurri and kale, as well as Pacific oysters with pickled water chestnuts served with lime.

And while the main menu at Hachikō does offer the delectable combination of a Fried chicken burger with kimchi mayo and a grilled king prawn Ochazuke  served with Napoli sauce, rice, edamame, tobiko, shiso furikake, and miso cream, that doesn’t mean the more traditional dishes should be ignored.

A delicious Dengaku eggplant served with a side of rice is a highlight, as are the many don options (including an Unagi omelet don served with Japanese grilled eel) and a Tempura platter with prawns, oysters, and seasonal vegetable tempura.

And for dessert lovers, there are plenty of options including a range of ice creams (think black sesame, roasted green tea, and matcha) as well as a sweet and citrusy Yuzu lime tart.

Add in a wine list that has been specially curated to work with the contrasting flavours of the menu as well as the option of Japanese craft soft drinks for when your craving bubbles without the buzz, and you’ll soon be a loyal patron.

Naming the restaurant after the Japanese Akita dog who is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner (and the movie that made us all sob ugly tears), this is exactly what Vanessa wants to create with each customer: a bond and a sense of loyalty.

“It’s a beautiful story and we want to be loyal to our customers,” she says. “We want everyone coming in here to be our friend.”

Recently updating their menu to add even more options to their patrons, Hachikō now has a lunch special.

For just $26 Vanessa and Vincent are offering the choice of an entree, a main, and a drink of choice. And for those who aren’t sure where to start their culinary experience, Hachikō is also launching a $55pp and deluxe $80pp set menu to offer guests a chance to taste everything.

“Most people like to taste a bit of everything, so we thought we would create something that offers the best bits of our menu,” says Vanessa.

“For $55 each, two people can try all different kinds of food. Sometimes one meal isn’t quite enough and this offers more choice.”

And to show how much they love their customers, during the month of June Hachikō will have a special promotion on offer—for every $100 you spend they’ll gift you with an alcoholic beverage.

With the choice of a cloudy strawberry sake, peach sake, premium yamahai and Redbank pinot noir, it’s the perfect excuse to try their diverse menu.

Open for lunch and dinner six days a week, make sure to book in advance to say hello to Hachikō.

Photography: Max Luong

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