Making the rounds on social media and hungry stomachs, these viral seaweed tacos right in front of Sunway University are an innovative take on Mexican and Japanese cuisine!
Crispy, meaty, and flavourful, Kinori takes Subang by storm as students and office workers flock for a taste of classic Japanese flavours wrapped up in an ingenious bundle of crispy, deep-fried creativity.
How it all started
Kinori. Ki stands for energy and power, and nori stands for seaweed. The business was started between Chong Ka Fei and Carine Hwong. Ka Fei having over 10 years of experience in the Japanese food industry.
In fact, his roots started in Perak, where he worked part-time, and then full-time at a Japanese restaurant. Seeking more opportunities, he took his skills to Singapore. He then joined Public Izakaya by the prestigious Hachi group.
Before the year passed, he was promoted to the group’s flagship restaurant, where he learnt about traditional Japanese multi-course meals, kaiseki.
Searching for more and packing up his knives, Ka Fei’s journey took him to Melbourne. Fervent in his pursuit of knowledge of Japanese cuisine, he joined a Japanese fusion restaurant and bar by the name of Golden Gai. The menu was created by a Michelin-starred chef, who, recognising Ka Fei’s talents, quickly snatched him up to work at a different kaiseki restaurant by the name Ishizuka.
Instead of leaving Golden Gai, Ka Fei worked from 10 AM to 4 PM, then 4:30 PM to 10 PM in two different restaurants.
However, sensing that there was more potential back home, Ka Fei returned to his roots to start an F&B business. Meeting his business partner online, Carine Hwong, the duo began calculating their moves and tactics.
Image Credit: Malay Mail
The location
It was more than ingenious to set up shop right in front of Sunway University. Students and office workers alike do not often traverse far for their daily meals.
In a statement with Vulcan Post, Ka Fei states,
“It targets both students and crowds coming from other areas. Compared to Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, the location is not as easily accessible.”
However, there are challenges with a food trailer. Though portable, it simply doesn’t compare to a traditional food truck. Which can shift locations easily and conveniently.
Thus, it was for that reason that a kiosk in Tropicana Gardens Mall popped up. Serving the exact same fare that the food trailer had been so successful with.
Now, Kinori operates at both locations, serving beaming customers crispy nori tacos and carefully curated donburis.
Image Credit: Kinori (left), Steph [Google Reviews] (right)
Viral seaweed tacos
But why seaweed tacos? Well, the fusion product was chosen as the business duo adores Japanese food. And they were searching for a way to make it fun, delicious, and convenient.
Targeting young working adults and university students, the nori tacos were made for those who love on-the-go food and enjoy convenience. Through the Japanese QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) concept, fare here is quick, convenient to consume, and delicious!
The nori taco base starts with a crispy fried nori (seaweed) shell. With Kinori’s expansive menu of options for fillings and sauces, the flavour combinations are endless!
If you’re unsure of what to try, the owner’s glowing recommendation, and favourite flavour, is the Yuzu Chicken Karaage, with hints of sweet and tangy accompanied by thick, juicy fried chicken. It’s very easy to see why this is the owner’s favourite.
However, our recommendation would be to get the All Day Seafood set, where an assortment of nori taco flavours and fillings await you. A set of four, it comes with Spicy Korean Salmon or Mentai Mayo Torched Salmon, Yuzu Soft Shell Crab, Pop Tartar Crabstick, and Teriyaki Ebi.
Challenges faced
And the best part has yet to come. Kinori only uses halal-sourced ingredients and is completely pork and alcohol-free. Kinori also intends to be Jakim halal-certified as the ultimate goal.
This posed a bit of a challenge to the owners. It was stated that finding halal-certified substitutes to achieve the desired taste was the biggest one, as most imported Japanese ingredients are not halal.
Other challenges included the massive trial and error process to curate their recipes so well. For instance, the Spicy Korean Salmon requires 12 different ingredients just to make the sauce!
Despite all of that, they’ve still achieved what they set out to do. Make downright delectable offerings that are easy to consume, easy on the eyes, and certainly more than easy on the palette.
For more information and live updates, visit Kinori’s official webpage and official Instagram!
Here’s how they make the viral nori tacos!
Looking for more viral food recommendations? Try out this article on how This Restaurant Only Serves One Dish and it’s Always Sold Out in 2 Hours!
