Right Time, Right Table

When Juu Ku opened in May 2025, it marked the realization of an idea Chef Andrew Fung had been carrying for nearly 15 years.

“A modern Asian restaurant is something that I always dreamed of opening,” Fung says. “But at the time, the market in Edmonton wasn’t ready yet for my vision of traditional sushi and Asian food.” At the time, even fine dining outside of established chains felt like a hard sell. Instead, Fung opened XIX Nineteen, featuring upscale fusion food — it quickly expanded to a second location in St. Albert, and both locations became destination dining spots outside of central areas. But as Edmonton’s dining scene evolved — and chefs began reinterpreting their own cultural cuisines — Fung sensed a shift. “Modern Asian restaurants started popping up, so I thought, this is probably the time to do it.”

During the pandemic restrictions when dine-in restaurants pivoted to takeout and delivery options, Fung started experimenting with themed nights — Japanese, Chinese and ramen — and the response was overwhelming. He knew that things had evolved, and the market was now ready for his vision. Juu Ku, the Japanese word for Nineteen, was born from that momentum, conceived as a bridge for diners who may feel intimidated by traditional Asian restaurants. “Some people are still uncertain about visiting traditional Asian restaurants, so I thought we could provide a nice space and food, and act as a stepping stone for them to go to actual authentic Asian restaurants,” Fung says. When a space became available near the Edmonton location of XIX Nineteen, it was time to turn his dream into a reality.

Juu Ku blends Japanese, Chinese, and Korean influences into a menu designed for sharing, including Dim Sum. Rather than limiting diners to one culinary lane, Juu Ku encourages exploration across styles of cooking. 

There are sushi nigiri and rolls, but also heartier offerings. “When I go to a Japanese restaurant myself, I like to eat certain things, but sometimes I’m not full enough,” Fung says. “Here you can have a nice steak with sushi.” 

The standout bestseller so far? “Dry-aged Picanha Beef Ho Fun,” Fung says. The dish features sliced beef with rice noodles and has quickly become “very, very popular.”

While the concept leans modern — Fung describes it as “Americanized Asian food” — the technique remains rooted in classical training. Everything is made in-house, and the sushi bar features fish sourced from Japan. “We might not have a huge variety [of seafood], but the ones that we select are definitely the best cuts.”

The room itself reflects the same thoughtful fusion. Designed by Vancouver’s Box Interior Design, the space incorporates what Fung calls “bento red,” evoking the feeling of a bento box. A central mural anchors the room, while round tables nod to traditional Chinese dining. Booths, side-by-side couple seating facing the sushi bar, and varied configurations create what Fung believes is a one-of-a-kind layout in the city.

After 15 years of waiting for the right moment, Juu Ku’s time has finally arrived.

Address: 5946 Mullen Way, Edmonton, AB.