The impassioned, synchronised chant of “moshi moshi” echoes throughout the long, timber-clad room as diners enter Bird’s Nest in Fortitude Valley. The enthusiastic Japanese welcome sets the mood for the bouncing-off-the-wall energy guests can expect at this fun, fast-paced yakitori bar from Channel 9 reality show Hotplate winners Emi Kamada and Marie Yokoyama.

The sleek fit-out encompasses a curved bamboo wall, heavy timber bar and impressive open kitchen, but it’s their superbly executed chicken-based menu that keeps diners piling in.

The lightning fast chefs sling out dishes quicker than you can fling a chopstick, with the likes of mini tama hitting tables in seemingly seconds. The soy-soaked boiled quail eggs proudly boasting perfectly runny centres, heightened only by a splash of Japanese mustard; while buta bara involves precisely rendered pieces of charred, slightly smoky pork belly with a punchy kimchi mayo.

Vegie skewers won’t set the world alight, but what might is tsukune – the skewered chicken meatballs hold a miso-like sweetness balanced by an accompanying raw egg yolk. While tori kawa – skewered pieces of crispy chicken skin – are an indulgence to get excited about. They’re even better washed down with one of the Japanese craft beers from the well-composed drinks list, which extends from plum wines and sake to cocktails and Japanese whisky.

The white sesame seed panna cotta will satisfy for dessert, but pair it with yuzu sorbet and it’s even better.

Must-eat dish: Tsukune
Instagram: @birdsnestbrisbane