Enjoy Japanese and Western Fusion at Sanlitun's Kamigyou

Earlier this year, business partners Sally Jiang and Arise He opened Kamigyou in Sanlitun. 

When business partners Sally Jiang and Arise He opened Kamigyou in Sanlitun earlier this year, the restaurant was focused entirely on yakitori dishes. Iin the middle of the year, however, they decided to rebuild their menu, bringing in a whole new concept fusing West with East into the mix.

Kamigyou in Japanese (Chinese上京色鸟 shàngjīng sè niǎo) means “new-born bird”, and although it was picked because the character 鸟 niǎo (bird) is also in the Chinese word for yakitori (烧鸟 shāo niǎo), the name seems even more appropriate now thanks to the change in direction the restaurant has taken. 

On their revamped menu you'll find mouth-wateringly good food like their Sauce Braised Octopus Tentacle (RMB 78) or their Yunnan Chilli Roasted Chicken with Tofu (RMB 68). Co-owner Jiang’s personal favorite dish is the Shrimp Ceviche (RMB 58) a low calory dish that pairs sweet shrimp with macadamia nuts for a tasty crunch.

Kamigyou still serves up yakitori, but offer some more unusual options that you won’t see elsewhere such as their Iberian Black Pig Skewer (RMB 18) that comes served with shredded kimchi or their Pineapple with Chicken (RMB 14). However, as someone who is a big Brussel sprouts fan, I’m personally intrigued by the Brussel Spouts with Black Pepper (RMB 12) as I’ve never seen yakitori style sprouts before. 

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Along with fusion dishes and yakitori they also do a number of more traditional Western dishes such as Smoked Duck Breast (RMB 68) with black vinegar and onion sauce or Beef Tartare (RMB 168) that’s made with high quality Australian Wagyu M6 beef. 

The restaurant is located just off Xindong Lu, northeast of the Workers’ Stadium. The interiors are Japanese inspired and totally minimalist, with wooden panelling and white brick walls. Numerous plants dotted around and an ample amount of natural light create a fresh atmosphere during the day. But come evening time warm, orange lighting brings a cozy, intimate vibe that’s perfect for a date night or casual meet up with friends.  

With Covid related issues, it’s been a tough first year for Kamigyou. They’ve already had to endure three separate periods of in-house dining bans meaning they have had to constantly replan events and their marketing strategy. However, Jiang remains hopeful and with the most recent in-house dining ban slowly coming to an end across the capital it shouldn’t be too long before things go back to normal.

During these trying times it’s always important to support small independent businesses in Beijing, so if you’re looking to try some creative, fusion food in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere then you should definitely check out Kamigyou. Their food is also available for delivery on JSS, Sherpas, Meituan and Eleme. For those planning on dining-in you’ll ned to have a 48-hour negative Covid test. 

Kamigyou