Yuki’s Kitchen Opens in Westport with Authentic Korean, Japanese & Chinese

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Yuki’s Kitchen, a charming Korean, Japanese and Chinese culinary haven that left me utterly impressed and thoroughly satisfied. From the moment I stepped in to this primarily take-out spot, the quaint friendly ambiance and attentive service set the stage for a memorable gastronomic experience. Ken and Yuki Piao, a husband and wife team, have been in the Fairfield/Westport area for more than +10 years and decided in November of 2022 to open a lovely tiny haven of authentically excellent Asian food. We also had the pleasure of enjoying some special dishes prepared by Yuki’s mother visiting from Korea for 2 months.

The menu at Yuki’s boasts an impressive array of traditional and modern Korean, Japanese and Chinese dishes, each a masterpiece in its own right. As a lover of Korean cuisine, I was thrilled to find both classic favorites and inventive creations that showcased Ken’s creativity and dedication to authentic flavors. For myself, after moving to Westport from Manhattan in Sept 2020, I could not find a single Korean Restaurant nearby.

To start, I sampled the Korean Kimbap as an appetizer, a traditional sushi roll but with egg, carrots, spinach, yellow radish pickle and fishcakes, and I chose to have the Bulgogi (marinated beef) inside the sushi roll and Kimchi. Ken will make a vegan one if you ask and he is happy to! The selection of banchan (side dishes) that accompanied the meal was a testament to the attention to detail that sets Korean dining apart. From the savory Spinach Namul to the mouthwatering Dumpling, each small dish was a burst of flavor that harmonized beautifully.

Bibimbap: Korean delight of crisp rice, vibrant veggies, marinated protein, crowned with a sunny egg. Gochujang's spicy artistry binds this masterpiece.

For the main course, I opted for the Spicy Crispy Jerky Beef, a dish that truly transported me to the heart of Seoul. The delicious strips of beef that is deep fried to perfection, exuding a tantalizing aroma that whetted the appetite. Coated with sticky, sweet and hot sauce  This dish is truly addictive and it will be my go to dish for a while.

What truly stood out at Yuki’s Kitchen was the commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients that shone through in every dish. The attention to authenticity was evident, making each bite a nostalgic journey for those familiar with Korean cuisine and a delightful introduction for newcomers.

Plumpy Dumpy Potsticker or better known as Gyoza: Delicate Japanese dumplings, crispy-golden on one side, revealing a savory center of tender meat and veggies.

Soup Dumpling: Soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are made of tender, thin wrappers filled with chicken, cabbage, shiitake mushroom, with a few teardrops of gelatin-rich broth that melts when steamed. Each bite is juicy and oh, so flavorful. Pan-fried until crispy on the bottom and served with our homemade soy-aged-vinegar dipping sauce.

No Korean culinary journey is complete without an array of dumplings and Dokkboki, and Yuki delivered with their delectable Street food favorite. This meal made me long to go back to Korea but now I don’t need the 18 hour flight when it is literally down the street.

Personalized Sushi Platter: Create your ultimate sushi platter. Begin with a base of white rice. Pick from a variety of proteins including salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab, eel, or tofu. Complement with fresh veggies like avocado and cucumber. Complete with your choice of sauces. Ken the skilled Sushi Chef will transform your selections into delightful rolls and nigiri, tailored precisely to your taste.

Also, it’s worth noting that thanks to Ken, who was the sushi chef at Fjord for many years, Yuki’s Kitchen also serves a wonderful array of fresh fish and artfully prepared sushi.

Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup ( Jjamppong ): A popular Korean hot & spicy noodles soup that makes you sweat and cools you off. Loaded with various type of seafood (green mussels, shrimp, squid, scallop, cod fish) and vegetables in a rich, fiery looking red hot broth. Deep spicy seafood soup and noodles that are savory and comforting  – all at the same time!

The service here deserves its own accolades. The staff was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also eager to share insights into the origins and preparation of each dish. Their passion for Korean cuisine was palpable and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.

What is more satisfying than a Soulful Ramen. Soulful Ramen is a rich Japanese noodle dish featuring flavorful broth, tender ramen noodles, chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, and umami-rich tare seasoning. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that create a deeply satisfying culinary experience.

In conclusion, Yuki’s Kitchen is a gem in the realm of Korean/Japanese/Chinese dining. It expertly captures the essence of all North Asian flavors while adding a contemporary touch that makes the experience unique. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Asian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Yuki’s Kitchen promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds. My visit was nothing short of exceptional, and I can't wait to return for another remarkable meal.

Yuki Kitchen 903 Post Rd E, Westport (203) 557-8050

A little about writer, Dana Yee

I have always loved Korean food. I’m Chinese Korean and my parents believed you are rich when you eat well. It was not what you wore or the car you drove, it was how you ate. If you were a picky eater then you were brought up spoiled. You can’t say you don’t like any food until you try it. I guess you could call our home the boot camp for foodies.

My Korean mother always had an “in” with the street grocery vendors. We always seeked out the freshest and the best of every vegetable, fruit or protein. They went to the source, ALWAYS. My Chinese father, born in Hawaii, was from a large multigenerational family. They also had one of the first Asian grocery stores, so food was always important. 

I have lived in Korea for 17 years, then Hawaii, Los Angeles and New York. Now my goal is to find the best asian food in CT.