On 8th Ave and Clement Street, a delicious smell spreads through the street. It is the smell of sizzling yakitori coming from Moku Yakitori-Ya, making your mouth water.
Daniel and Richard Cheng, two brothers, who have been working in Japanese restaurants since they were teenagers, have opened their own authentic Japanese restaurant amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant in question, Moku Yakitori-Ya, is located in the Richmond district of San Francisco and has already gained a reputation for its fresh and tasty dishes, including its incredible yakitori.
Daniel and Richard have spent years working in various Japanese restaurants across the Bay Area and have developed a deep understanding of the cuisine. They have also learned the ins and outs of running a restaurant, which has prepared them for the challenges of opening their own establishment.
The idea of opening Moku Yakitori-Ya came about when the brothers were regularly frequenting a restaurant that was forced to shut down due to the pandemic. One of their friends informed them of the available space and encouraged them to take a chance. Daniel and Richard saw this as the perfect opportunity to start their own business and serve their own unique take on Japanese cuisine.
The restaurant has quickly gained a loyal following, with customers raving about the delicious skewers of meat and vegetables. One customer said, "The yakitori here is some of the best I've had outside of Japan. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful, and the vegetables are perfectly grilled. And the atmosphere of the restaurant just adds to the whole experience."
Moku Yakitori-Ya's cozy atmosphere, where the kitchen and tables are in the same room, adds to the whole experience of dining there. Being able to see, smell, and hear the food being cooked creates a sense of anticipation that only adds to the enjoyment of the meal. The restaurant's focus on fresh ingredients and skilled cooking has quickly earned it a loyal following, with customers raving about the delicious skewers of meat and vegetables.
“It's just a small hole in the wall. You know? It's it's a place where you just feel really kind of homey - you don't want to go to a restaurant where you feel so disconnected from whoever's cooking your food, you know?” says Daniel.
Stop by this local favorite for some of the best Yakitori in the city and support a local business that deserves it!
