Hakata TonTon: Authentic Japanese Cuisine and Izakaya in New York's Chinatown

Hakata TonTon Introduce

In the rich and diverse culinary landscape of New York City, finding a truly authentic and unique dining experience can be a treasure hunt. Hakata TonTon, a modern Japanese izakaya, stands out as a genuine gem in the heart of Chinatown. This is not your typical sushi-and-ramen spot; it is a place that brings the distinctive flavors of Hakata, Japan, to the bustling streets of NYC. Known for its specialty collagen-rich pork dishes and a wide array of small plates, or "izakaya" fare, Hakata TonTon offers a dining adventure that is both comforting and exciting. This article provides a comprehensive look into what makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Japan, from its unique menu to its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location.

The concept of an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub, is all about sharing small plates and enjoying a relaxed, communal meal. Hakata TonTon embraces this tradition while elevating it with its own signature dishes. The star of the show for many is the "tonsoku," or collagen pork feet, a delicacy that is both rich in flavor and deeply satisfying. This commitment to traditional, regional Japanese cuisine sets the restaurant apart from the mainstream. It’s a place where you can discover new flavors and textures that you might not find elsewhere in the city. The menu is a carefully curated selection of unique dishes, from the Goma Hamachi with its rich sesame sauce to the savory Wagyu Yakiniku Wrap.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Hakata TonTon is a key part of the experience. It is designed to be cozy and casual, a perfect setting for a low-key dinner with friends or family. The space feels both trendy and welcoming, striking a balance that appeals to a wide range of diners. The bar onsite and selection of alcohol, including beer, cocktails, and wine, further enhance the izakaya experience. It's a place where you can linger over drinks and small plates, enjoying the conversation and the lively energy of the room. This combination of a unique menu, a comfortable setting, and an emphasis on shared dining makes Hakata TonTon a standout choice in the vibrant downtown food scene.

Hakata TonTon is located at 43 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA. This address places it squarely in the historic and culturally rich neighborhood of Chinatown. Its location is highly accessible and convenient for both locals and visitors. The restaurant is nestled among a diverse array of shops and other dining establishments, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

Accessibility is a key advantage for Hakata TonTon. The area is exceptionally well-served by New York City's public transportation system. The restaurant is within easy walking distance of several major subway stations, including those for the N, Q, R, W, J, Z, 6, and F lines. This makes it a breeze to get to from almost any part of the city. The restaurant also has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that it is welcoming to all patrons. While street parking is available, it can be limited and is typically paid, so taking public transportation or a rideshare service is often the most convenient option. The central location in Chinatown makes it a great starting point or final stop for a night out in downtown Manhattan.

Hakata TonTon offers a range of services designed to provide a flexible and convenient dining experience.

Dine-in: The restaurant provides a comfortable and inviting setting for guests to enjoy a full meal. With seating and a bar onsite, it's a great place to sit down and relax.
Takeout: For those on the go or who prefer to eat at home, the restaurant offers a convenient takeout service.
Delivery: Hakata TonTon provides a delivery service, allowing customers to enjoy their authentic Japanese dishes from the comfort of their home or office.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for planning a dinner during peak hours or for group dining.
Table service: The restaurant offers traditional table service, ensuring that customers are well taken care of by the friendly and attentive staff.

The features and highlights of Hakata TonTon are what truly make it a special place to dine.

Authentic and Unique Menu: The focus on genuine Japanese cuisine, particularly the flavors of Hakata, sets it apart. The menu features a variety of unique dishes, including collagen pork feet, various hot pots, and chef's specials.
Modern Izakaya Experience: The restaurant offers a trendy, cozy, and casual atmosphere, perfect for a modern izakaya experience. It's an excellent place for sharing small plates and enjoying conversation.
Inclusive Environment: Hakata TonTon is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, being a transgender safespace and LGBTQ+ friendly. This dedication to creating a safe and comfortable space for everyone is a major highlight.
Late-Night Food: The availability of late-night food is a significant highlight, catering to the New York crowd that often dines at later hours.
Fast Service: The staff is known for their fast and efficient service, ensuring that even during busy times, the dining experience is smooth and pleasant.
Variety of Offerings: From small plates and hot pots to cocktails and a selection of wine and beer, the restaurant offers a comprehensive dining experience.

To get in touch with Hakata TonTon, you can use the following information:

Address: 43 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone: (212) 577-2888

When considering the myriad of dining options in New York City, what makes Hakata TonTon truly worth choosing? The answer lies in its unique and authentic culinary identity. This is not just another Japanese restaurant; it is a specialist in regional cuisine that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the city. The signature collagen pork feet dishes and the variety of hot pots provide a culinary experience that is both nourishing and deeply flavorful. This specialization makes it a destination for those who want to explore beyond the typical Japanese fare.

Moreover, the restaurant's atmosphere is a significant draw. The combination of a cozy, casual, and trendy environment makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a solo dinner to a group outing. The focus on izakaya-style dining encourages a social and relaxed experience, where sharing and conversation are part of the fun. The inclusive and friendly nature of the staff and the establishment itself further cements its status as a welcoming space for all. The availability of delivery and takeout services also makes it incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy their unique dishes even when you can't dine in. In short, Hakata TonTon is a top choice for anyone in the New York area who wants an authentic, delicious, and memorable Japanese dining experience in a truly special setting.

Hakata TonTon Menu

Dessert
Roasted Goma Ice Cream $9.00
Roasted sesame ice cream
Green Tea Tofu $9.00
Almond tofu with unsweetened green tea sauce
Basque Cheese Cake $10.00
Basque cheese cake with fresh fruits
Dessert Platter $24.00
Get all the happiness with this all-in-one dessert platter

Appetizers
Kuro Edamame $6.00
Boiled black edamame
Tonton Salad $11.00
Seasonal salad with miso dressing
Mentai Gnocchi $12.00
Potato dough mini pasta with spicy cod roe sauce
Uni Scallop $25.00
Seared scallop with sea urchin
Goma Hamachi $20.00
Baby yellowtail with scallion, seaweed, sesami, sesami oil, wasabi, and sesame sauce
Motsu Ponzu $14.00
Boiled beef intestine with onion and ponzu
Liver Sashimi $18.00
Veal liver sashimi with sesami oil, salt and spicy soy sauce

Grilled Favorites
Gyu Tongue $25.00
Beef tongue with ginger scallion sauce
Grilled Motsu $16.00
Grilled beef intestine with spicy cod roe
Tonton Gyoza $12.00
Handmade dumpling with pork feet

Appetizer
Kaisen Okonomiyaki $18.00
Japanese pancake with squid, shrimp and 2 kinds of cheese
Wagyu Yakiniku Wrap $18.00
Barbecue washu beef with scallion pancake, lettuce, pickled vegetables, and mayo
Beef Garlic Fried Rice $18.00
Fried rice with beef, onion, garlic, spinach, ginger, egg, and soy sauce
Mentai Fried Rice $16.00
Fried rice with spicy cod roe and broccoli rabe

Fried Favorites
Karaage $9.00
Japanese fried chicken with mala mayo
Tebasaki $13.00
Chicken wing tossed in sweet soy sauce
MaruMaru Potato $11.00
Hasselback potato with truffle butter mushroom sauce

Collagen pork feet
Tonsoku Ponzu $13.00
Grilled pork feet with scallion and ponzu sauce
Garlic Tonsoku $13.00
Grilled pork feet with cilantro and garlic sauce
Dashi Tonsoku $14.00
Grilled pork feet with spicy cod roe in bonito broth

Chef Koji's Specials
Koji's Ebi Chili $20.00
Shrimp with sweet chili over egg and cheese omelette
Ebi Mayo $18.00
Shrimp with roasted almond, fresh cherry, and yuzu mayo
Kani Harumaki $14.00
Blend of snow crab, pork, mushroom, and vegetables served with spring roll skin
Koji's Mabo Tofu $20.00
Tofu with minced pork, fermented beans and chili paste

HOT POT
Tonton Hot Pot
Comes with Pork feet, Chicken thigh, Pork belly, Dumplings, Tofu, Chives, Spinach, Cabbage, Jalapeño, Goji berry, Garlic slices
KaraTonton HotPot
Comes with everything in Tonton HotPot + spices, Spicy mala paste, Red pepper, Red soup
Motsu HotPot
Comes with Beef intestine (motsu), Tofu, Dumpling skin, Chives, Cabbage, Red pepper, Garlic slices

DIM SUM
Pork Soup Dumplings $12.00
Pan fried Pork Soup Dumplings $12.00
Chive & Shrimp Dumplings $11.00
Crab & Pork Soup Dumplings $13.00
Shrimp & Pork Siu Mai $11.00
Vegetable & Pork Bun $9.00
Steamed Shrimp Gyoza $11.00

Hakata TonTon Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Late-night food
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Hakata TonTon Photos

Hakata TonTon Location

Hakata TonTon

New York New York County New York Mott Street

43 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Hakata TonTon Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 409 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Short review- order the goma, kani, wagyu, tonsoku. Nabe/hot pot is alright.I went here a while with a group.The first thing that arrived was probably my favorite bite of the night which was the Goma Hamachi for $20 with baby yellowtail with scallion, seaweed, and sesame sauce which is poured table side. The hamachi was excellent quality being buttery with a soft texture and the nutty sesame sauce (said goma) worked nicely with it. This was excellent and I would recommend it heavily.Also very tasty was the Kani Harumaki for $14 with a blend of snow crab, pork, mushroom, and vegetables served with spring roll skin which came with a light soy based dipping sauce. There was a bit of sweetness, a bit of earthiness, and some richness and it all fit well with the crispy skin. This was very good as well and was decently portioned for the price point.Also very tasty was the Wagyu Yakiniku Wrap for $18 with BBQ washu beef with lettuce, pickled vegetables, and mayo wrapped in a scallion pancake. This was perhaps a bit messy due to the mayo as well as the sweet sauce especially when paired with the slightly oily pancake but the flavor was excellent. The beef quality was high and it had some sweetness to it but not too much so and the pickled vegetables added a nice crunch.The Tonsoku Ponzu for $13 with grilled pork feet with scallion and ponzu sauce is one of their signatures that you can't really find in many other Japanese spots. The dish of course has a lot of collagen so it's rich and fatty but the ponzu helps cut down the richness of the pork. There was also a Japanese hot sauce on the table which helped as well. This was also good though I would recommend more compared to other small plates to share.The Kara Age for $9 consisting of Japanese fried chicken with mala mayo was pretty standard outside of the price point being relatively cheaper for the portion size compared to most other places. The chicken was pretty tender though I have had much crispier versions before but I can't complain with the light batter and the amount of chicken given. Though the color was different, the mayo also didn't exactly have any type of mala seasoning either but it still worked with the chicken.The Koji Ebi Chili for $20 consisting of shrimp with sweet chili over egg omelette was pretty standard western Japanese/Yoshoku style comfort food. There was plenty of shrimp/ebi in there and the sweet chili was standard. I wish the egg was a bit fluffier but that is only a minor fault in an otherwise standard tasty dish.Last was our large main to share which was the Tonton Hotpot (or nabe) which is $68 for the large or $38 for the small and we got the large one which was large and fine. This came with pork feet, chicken thigh, pork belly, dumplings, tofu, vegetables, and your choice of soup where we got the spicy miso tonsoku soup. The primary meat in there was the tonsoku/pork feet with there being some thigh and a little bit of dumplings and pork belly. Outside of the size which is easily big enough for four people as it should be for the price point, it's hard not to compare it unfavorably to some other nabe spots such as Kimura or even some other recent ones such the izakaya Toriya on the LES which both had much better broths, a little more variety in terms of vegetables, and was not focused on one meat in particular. Possibly the motsu/intestine pot is better here but I would recommend sticking with their other dishes instead.This place is tasty with plenty of highlights and a worthy successor to the original excellent izakaya.
September 03 · Glenn C
The food was delicious. I ordered the small tonton pot and the portion was enough for two. The fried oysters were delicious and came with a delicious sauce (I think it was mentaiko egg mayo but not 100% sure). The pork in the hot pot was so soft and delicious, and the dessert was a perfect not-too-sweetness.The service was also excellent. We had the pleasure of interacting with multiple staff members and they were all extremely friendly and welcoming.
June 27 · William Nobutomo Shinwo Kim
Delicious Japanese food! I went here with some friends and we got a bunch of "street food" type of dishes and they were all really enjoyable.The beef garlic fried rice was really tasty, so was the okonomoyaki. We also got the wagyu yakiniku wrap which was pretty unique. It tasted good but it reminded me strangely of a big mac. Not in a bad way!Prices were a little high for Chinatown but about standard for this kind of Japanese food. I was pleasantly surprised, I would definitely be back!
July 31 · Ros B
Tasty comfort food, came here three times since they opened here. Many appetizer like dishes and motsu hotpot must try.
June 28 · Murat YILMAZ
New place in Chinatown. We rode the bike in the city, looked to restaurant allowing us to place bikes in the restaurant. They were very kind to put our bikes.Foods are great, especially summer cold ramen. I loved it.
June 28 · 市川智丈