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Bonjiri

Salmiya

Sustainable, stand-out Japanese street food

On the Pass

Maryam AlNusif

Origin story: Inspired by her love for Japanese culture and culinary traditions, Maryam Alnusif – or ‘Mimi’ to those who know her – founded Bonjiri as a chicken and duck yakitori spot in Kuwait’s Salmiya district in December 2021. The concept joined her existing ramen shop, Tampopo.

What makes it special? Specialising in Japanese skewers, Bonjiri’s menu offers a focused selection of appetisers that precedes the main section featuring a large selection of chicken on sticks. Fuelled by Alnusif’s dedication to authenticity and sustainable eating, cuts not often seen in Kuwait-based restaurants – including chicken tail, back or knee cartilage – sit alongside chicken breast on the menu.

Interior motifs: Bonjiri’s interiors fuse local materials with a Japanese-inspired practical and functional approach to design, carried out by architect Abdulla Bukhamseen. With a similar look and feel to Alnusif’s ramen shop, the space is dominated by the kitchen sandwiched between bars on both sides, giving diners uninterrupted views of the action.

Must-try dishes? The menu caters to differing levels of comfort with regards to beak-to-tail eating, but a trip to Bonjiri would be incomplete without the momo (chicken thigh), sori resu (chicken oyster), mune (duck breast), tsukune (chicken and duck meatballs) and the okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).

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