NYC｜Hakubai's Opening Tasting & The Iconic Strawberry Cake 🍓

I visited Hakubai back when the tasting menu was $195 per person—and yes, I was totally drawn in by their dreamy strawberry cake photos! 🍰 The meal began with fresh snow crab leg, followed by a trio of appetizers where the monkfish liver stood out—creamy and smooth without any fishy taste. The sea urchin chawanmushi was silky and delightful 😋. The sashimi platter featured six to seven kinds layered together, with a light sauce that enhanced their freshness—the scallop was especially delicious. I loved the spring-inspired dish with hand-carved radish petals (so pretty!), and the golden eye snapper served with radish was subtle and satisfying. The A5 wagyu was tender and juicy, paired with wasabi—a unique touch, though the presentation felt a bit simpler compared to other courses 🥩. The unagi rice three-ways was a comforting classic, though the side salad felt a bit generic. The yogurt sorbet was stunning under the light—refreshing and tangy, perfectly balancing the rich eel. And yes, the strawberry chiffon cake lived up to the hype! Light, not too sweet, and beautifully crafted—it looked just like the emoji 🍓✨. Hakubai should seriously consider selling these cakes to go! Petit fours included pretty patterned chocolates (a bit sweet but nice with green tea). Located below The Prince Hotel, the space felt familiar—I’d actually been there before for MarieBelle chocolates! While some details could be polished, Hakubai delivers memorable dishes with seasonal elegance. Currently, Tsukimi remains my top kaiseki spot in NYC—but I’ll be watching to see if Hakubai earns a star this fall. Hakubai 📍66 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016 #HakubaiNYC #Kaiseki #JapaneseCuisine #StrawberryCake #NYCEats #FineDining #Wagyu #Sashimi #NYCRestaurants #FoodieReview #TastingMenu