The original Californian-Japanese fusion restaurant concept, Hatsune is a time-tested stalwart that has become a veritable institution in Beijing’s dining scene, the very first of its kind in China to feature innovative, cutting-edge California-style sushi rolls on its menu. There aren’t many restaurants in Beijing that have lasted more than 5 years in this fickle and fiercely competitive F&B scene, but Hatsune has proven themselves worthy with their crafty fusion sushi rolls, consistently excellent service and awesome anniversary parties.
The only thing that many of us sushi addicts believed to be missing from our past Hatsune dining experiences was that sweet finish we all crave at the end of a glorious sushi feast. Sure, they always serve that complimentary little mousse dessert, but even after two servings of that, it rarely did the trick.
And not having much of a sweet tooth himself, owner and sushi master Alan Wong-san decided it best to recruit one of the most creative, talented dessert creators in Beijing (and possibly the world), Michelin-starred Chef Brian McKenna (of the celebrity-packed, fine dining restaurant BMK@The Courtyard). Trusted in the capable and brilliant hands of the insanely talented McKenna, Hatsune has just upgraded their menu big time with these perfectly crafted 4 delectable desserts.
New Hatsune Desserts Designed by Brian McKenna:
TIRAMISUNE:
A Matcha Tea Twist on a Classic Tiramisu
Served to perfect fit inside a customized Hatsune branded wooden boxes, this TIRAMISUNE (haha, get it?! Love clever names!) dessert is big enough to share between two. The clever swap of Matcha Tea for coffee is a perfect fit for Hatsune’s Californian-Japanese fusion brand and an ideal finishing dish after a sushi feast!
Hatsune “Bubble Tea”:
An Exotic Fruit Blend of Sago, Fruit, Tea Jelly, Topped with Coconut Sorbet + a Lemongrass Candy Stick
Eating Tips: With your long spoon, make sure you dig deep down for an even balance of both the fruit blend at the bottom and icy coconut sorbet on top . Between bites, have a little lick of the lemongrass candy – just don’t bite it as it’s stickiness really latches onto your teeth! Flavors and textures balance each other so it’s best enjoyed all together.
Shiso + Panna Cotta:
Tart Green Apple Compliments the Rich Maple Panna Cotta and topped with Fragrant Shiso Leaf
Refreshing and light, this is a beautiful blend of sweet and tart flavors that really compliments Hatsune’s fusion concept with the inclusion of the strong shiso flavor mixed with green apple and maple.
Coffee + White Chocolate Tofu:
Coffee Flavored Crumbs Sprinkled over a Thick White Chocolate flavored Tofu Dessert topped with marinated kiwi chunks and an artistically crafted lemon crisp wave
Probably my favorite of the four (but don’t listen to me, you should still try all 4 to find which one you like best!), this creamy white chocolate tofu has a similar consistency to a panna cotta, but the crunchy fragrant coffee-flavored crumbs brings this dessert to another level.
Hatsune Restaurant Details:
The Original Hatsune (Guanghua Lu Branch):
- 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
- 朝阳区光华路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层
- Tel: 6581-3939
Hatsune Sanlitun Taikoo Li Village Branch:
- 3rd Floor of Sanlitun Taikoo Li Village (next to Element Fresh & below Middle 8), 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
- 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S8-30
- Tel: 6415-3939
Hatsune @Kerry Center Branch:
- B31 Kerry Center Shopping Mall, Guanghua Lu Rd, Chaoyang District
- 朝阳区光华路一号嘉里中心商场地下一 B31
- Tel: 6591 3939
About Kristen
Kristen Lum has an accomplished background in PR, communications and events in China. Born and raised in California, Kristen has been based in Beijing since 2006 and is founder of the lifestyle blog called LumDimSum, covering mostly restaurant news and reviews alongside upcoming events around town that relate to Beijing’s muti-faceted, quickly-developing creative industries like art, music, film, health and fitness, fashion, nightlife, charity events, and travel tips.
