Growing up in North Jersey, I’ve seen my fair share of Italian restaurants. From block to block, there’s a pizza shop at every corner, so to my surprise, there’s this unexpected Asian fusion restaurant that’s better than your “sushi” or “Chinese” spot. In Hamburg, NJ, Blue Spice serves flavorful Korean and Japanese dishes in a modern, minimalist space. It’s a place that surprised us when my girlfriend and I discovered this during our anniversary dinner in 2023, and again when we brought our friends in 2024, who also loved it just as much.
Last time we ordered this, we ordered their Akiko Curry, which is a Japanese curry with katsu, but it’s also award-winning, a fact they tell you every time you order it. (They hang its award plaque in the front of the restaurant.)
What We Ordered:
Volcano Kimchi Fried Rice
The volcano kimchi fried rice is one of those tableside dinners where you look over from your seat and see something sizzling. It’s like the fajitas in Applebees or Chilis. You know those science fair volcanoes, that’s what the kimchi fried rice is shaped as. The fried rice arrives with the waitstaff cracking open an egg and mixing it together. The rice was slightly spicy and savory and has the kimchi and nuttiness of sesame. Mixed well with melted mozzarella cheese goes well with the bold spice. Even though I enjoyed the rice, I would still recommend their award-winning Akiko Curry.
Mango Coconut Milk
I had different expectations of the mango coconut milk. I personally thought it was would be sweeter than I had anticipated, but it was refreshing nonetheless. The coconut flavor felt stronger than the mango, and the tartness caught me off guard. However, it did look very appetizing.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Blue Spice is a hidden gem that’s worth the trip (or better if you’re in the area, skiing or snowboarding). It’s a top restaurant in North Jersey, that has a lot of Korean and Japanese options, and they’re opening a new cafe next door. This is a good break from the typical North Jersey Italian scene, and make sure to order the Akiko Curry.
