More Than Sushi At Huntington’s Hikudo

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By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

It’s all about fresh at Hikudo in Huntington Village, an Asian bistro that incorporates flavors from all over the Far East.

Hikudo has maintained its residency in the village for over 12 years. Owner Lucy Qiao was looking to bring a taste of Asia to Huntington and Hikudo’s expansive menu offers soups, salads, sushi rolls, sashimi, wok dishes, noodles, poke, Japanese teriyaki dishes, Chinese classics, and Asian desserts.

“We were the first Asian restaurant in town, to offer Chinese, Thai food and sushi together,” sushi chef Jason He said. “The original.”

He has over 20 years experience as a sushi chef, previously working at a Japanese restaurant in Oceanside. He has brought this experience to the table, curating plates packed with flavor and crafting sushi sensations. His knowledge of multicultural recipes has helped to develop the menu as a “melting pot” of foods.

“We try to incorporate many cultures’ elements,” waiter Matthew He said. “We have Thai dishes, sushi, Chinese elements, just a variety of everything. I would say we’re almost a fusion of Asian food.”

Walking into Hikudo, you may feel transported to a tranquil place with zen music lightly playing and greenery all around. The atmosphere is a relaxed one.

“We want to create a welcoming and wholesome environment, where people can enjoy their food in peace,” Matthew said. “I think that’s one of the more important elements of people enjoying their food… We want to create a sanctuary.”

For many regulars, Hikudo is an oasis where they can indulge in their favorite dish or sample their extensive menu. A favorite is General Tso’s Chicken ($15.50), deep-fried and doused in a sauce that hints of sweet and spice, it is accompanied by fresh broccoli and white rice. Their dish puts take-out to shame, mastering a glaze that is neither greasy nor gooey, but rich and thick. Try it with the beloved Hot and Sour soup.

If going off the beaten path is your thing, Hikudo can take you there.

“When I go out to eat I know I like to experience a different variety,” Matthew said. “By having this with our food, it gives customers something new that they’ve never experienced before.”

Spicy Bean Red Snapper Fillet ($21) is a Thai dish that brings the flavor of broad bean and spiciness together in harmony. The fish was cooked impeccably — soft on the inside while encased in a crispy shell. It did have a bit of a kick to it, so spice lovers will delight, but it didn’t overpower the meal.

Hikudo works to update their menu with fresh dishes often and offer new specials daily. They recently introduced two new rolls, the Yummy roll and Pink Lady roll.

“Our sushi selection is where we give the most value, we have deals at lunch for any two rolls, it is $9 or three rolls for $13,” Matthew said. “That’s the biggest bang for your buck.”

Hikudo sources their fish from a Japanese wholesale company that they trust to deliver them the freshest fish. If you’re looking for a sampling of their fresh fish, look no further than the Sashimi Regular ($20), a 12 piece assortment of salmon, yellowtail, tuna and white tuna. Each fish had a lush taste with a wonderful silky texture.

A specialty roll bursting with flavor was the Volcano Roll ($12.75) with Hikudo’s original “kudo” — chopped crab, shrimp and fish eggs — topped with fresh salmon and spicy sauce.

When fish is delivered, Jason will conduct an elaborate process to cut and store the fish to ensure maximum freshness.

“It’s hard work to keep it fresh,” Jason said. “But it has to be always fresh.”

Hikudo
329 Main St, Huntington
631-421-4729
hikudo.com

Cuisine: Asian
Atmosphere: Modern and elegant
Prices: Appetizers: $5-$14.50, Entrees: $13-$24, Sushi: $4.50-$16.50
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-10 p.m.