New Japanese handroll bar Roru Baru opens in Wan Chai

There’s no such thing as too many Japanese restaurants in this city. Hongkongers travel across town for a bowl of ramen, book omakase months in advance, and happily fill a lunch break with a half-dozen pieces of sushi. So when a new Japanese spot opens, consider our interest piqued.

Opened in Wan Chai late last year, Roru Baru is now celebrating its official grand opening. The name is a play on the word ‘roll bar’ in Japanese katakana style, setting the tone for a casual venue that doesn’t take itself too seriously – well, apart from its food.

Helmed by chef Joey Chan, whose culinary journey has taken him through the UK, Australia, China, and Hong Kong, Roru Baru draws from Tokyo’s handroll culture and translates it into a modern Japanese handroll bar that makes omakase-quality freshness accessible at an everyday price point.

That focus on simplicity and quality carries straight into the menu. Each made-to-order roll is served fresh off the bar with warm rice, crunchy nori sourced directly from Japan, and seafood that’s paired with shiso or citrus ponzu. There are three signatures on the menu: the lobster bomb ($68) layers lobster with avocado and a tempura crunch, the typhoon shelter soft shell crab ($68) takes a local classic and reinterprets it through Japanese technique, and the coconut shrimp ($58) swaps panko for coconut crumb and comes with Thai green curry sauce.

The same approach extends to the drinks. A ‘Draught & Go’ format forms the core, with simple options like sake carafes, draught beer, and Kaku Highballs that arrive quickly and pair naturally with what’s on the plates. Beyond that, the team keeps things playful with a few creative experiments that will round out the overall experience with a sense of spontaneity.

The Roru Baru space is intimate and low-lit, built around a counter that puts guests right where the action happens. The building’s original granite wall has been deliberately left exposed as a nod to Wan Chai’s architectural past, while clean lines and symmetrical seating keep things contemporary. Playful LED lighting adds some energy from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets while also hinting at Hong Kong’s own colourful history. Music is part of the equation too, with playlists that shift from afternoon to evening as the mood changes. The vibe during the day is quick and efficient, perfect for a lunch break or a speedy stop between meetings. Come nightfall, the lighting warms up and the pace slows down, making it the kind of place where you might stay longer than you planned.

As part of the grand opening celebrations, Roru Baru will host a collaborative event on April 24 and 25, with Delia, a celebrated Mexican restaurant from Bangkok, joining the bar for a two-night takeover. More details will be announced soon.

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