New Japanese Brunch Destination Replaces Inner Sunset Jianbing Hotspot

One daytime pop-up is replacing another at 1325 9th Avenue, a space that serves, in the evening, as Nabe, a popular Japanese hot pot restaurant. Tai Chi Jianbing, known for its savory Chinese crepes, has given up its use of the space by day, switching to a catering-only operation at the end of October.

Now serving breakfast and lunch at 1325 9th Avenue is Asahiru, a “Japanese-inspired American brunch” restaurant from partners Alex Tao and chef Hiroaki Makiyama. Hours are Thursday to Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with more to come.

Makiyama, who studied making sushi — specifically the art of tamago — in Japan is cooking dishes with a Japanese bent. There’s a “Denver scramble” with dashi eggs and shishito instead of bell peppers, and a soft shell crab Benedict with a yuzu hollandaise and slices of shiso leaf. More options include a breakfast curry and a Benedict with panko-fried Canadian bacon.

Fan’s of Tai Chi Jianbing aren’t completely out of luck, either. Their commercial kitchen is still turning out jianbing made with wheat and bean flour, eggs, and fillings like barbecue pulled pork. And Nabe, for its part, is still at it too, serving sukiyaki, shabu shabu, and more for dinner. The restaurant also operates in the Marina, where it expanded to 2151 Lombard Street in 2016.