From cult additions like Moustache Milk and Cookie Bar, to the hot-desking sweet spot Holm, the gastronomic gold of Gemmayze St, and beloved brunch local Bestie, it’s safe to say K’ Road’s refresh is coming along very nicely. But, we mused (as you do about such high priority matters) that there seemed to be a lack of equally exciting, oriental offerings. Well, Saint Kevin himself may have heard us. As no sooner than the thought did we receive word that an Asian-inspired former food truck was coming to K’ Road’s famed arcade to feed us like only an Okaasan (Japanese for mother) could.

For anyone who has had the great fortune of sampling the generously stuffed steamed buns and skewers that would stream from the Acho food truck window at various markets all over Auckland, this is tasty, tasty news. Drawing from their experience in hospo (having both spent time managing or behind the bar at Ebisu) Tomoko and Noboru were keen to serve Japanese food with a difference. You see, Tomoko explains, what many of us consider Japanese food (sushi, sashimi etc) isn’t what a local would eat on a whim. Because it takes so many years of experience to become a sushi master, these foods are reserved for special occasions. So what does a local eat ‘normally’ then? We’re glad you asked because at Acho, rather than tell you, they think it’s best if you devour and draw your own conclusions.

Designed for sharing and made to suit appetites great and small, an ever-changing menu that reflects the best in season awaits eager appetites. We sampled a favourite, the mapo eggplant, where saucy savoury mince joins forces with tender eggplant and crunchy capsicum with a side of bouncy steamed buns. And with every bite, it was clear that chef Noboru’s cooking would make his mama proud. Homely, hunger-quelling and heartfelt are just some of the words we’d use to describe this dish and the many to come, all designed to be eaten in or easily taken away.

Fancy a wee wind down after work? We took a quick gander in our crystal ball and saw this intimate locale becoming a go-to spot for many looking to sip on a little something from the Acho arsenal of premium Japanese sakes, beers and whiskies followed by a skewer or two. If you ask us, the green tea plum wine pairs particularly well with the prawn tempura while we dare you to not go another round after sampling the crumbed fried chicken (kushikatsu) with a pint of Orion on tap — chosen for the sole fact that the Okinawa-made beer is also home to where the couple first met.

Set to keep the punters happy from lunch till late once they open officially on Friday, October 9th, if you fancy eating, drinking and being merry like a local in the land of the rising sun, look no further than this new K’ Road addition.

Opening 7 days, 11.30am till late.