We Asked The Japanese Tourism Board To Recommend London’s Best Japanese Restaurants
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3 hours ago
A mini foodie tour around Japan, without leaving the city
Finding great food in London might seem like an easy ask on paper, but with so many options available, finding superlative international cuisine can be a tough ask. If you’re not sure where to start with finding the best authentic Japanese food in London, the answer is here. We went straight to the experts, in the form of Miho Oguri, Marketing & Communications Manager, Japanese National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) London Office, who has shared with us her best picks for finding regional Japanese food in London.
Authentic Japanese Restaurants In London: Miho Oguri’s Pick
Okan
Food: Okonomiyaki
Location in Japan: Osaka
‘Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake filled with cabbage and any meats, veg, cheese (or any fillings!) you like. It’d be then topped with Okonomiyaki sauce (kind of sweeter and thicker Worcestershire sauce), mayonnaise, Japanese kewpie mayonnaise, aonori (dried green seaweed flakes) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). It’s one of the most loved street foods by Japanese and also international travellers too.’
Where? Brixton Village, Brixton East and Southbank
BOOK: okanlondon.com
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Jeux Jeux Okonomiyaki Restaurant
Location in Japan: Hiroshima
‘You can enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki here. Unlike the Osaka style Okonomiyaki, the Hiroshima style is built in layers (not mixed together) and most importantly, it has noodles in the middle! As far as I’m aware this is the only restaurant you can have Hiroshima style okonomiyaki in London.’
Where? 3 Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB
BOOK: exploretock.com
Koya
Food: Udon
Location in Japan: Kagawa
‘Opened in Soho in 2010, Koya specialises in freshly made sanuki udon noodles (thick wheat flour noodles with firm texture) with dashi. Other than the traditional udon menu, Koya serves donburi, small plates and even a unique udon menu – English breakfast twist! Sanuki udon noodles is the soul food of Kagawa locals.’
Where? Soho, City, Hackney
BOOK: koya.co.uk
Kanadaya
Food: Tonkotsu ramen
Location in Japan: Fukuoka
‘Tonkotsu ramen is already quite popular in the UK too but Tonkotsu ramen or Hakata ramen is a ramen with rich, creamy pork bone broth and thin straight noodles. It originated in Fukuoka. Other than the UK branches, Kanadaya also have branches in Hong Kong, and Fukuoka in Japan.’
Where? Angel, Carnaby, Covent Garden, Ealing, Piccadilly, Westfield
BOOK: kanada-ya.com
‘Additionally, here are two additional Japanese restaurants that are recommended,’ says Miro. ‘Whilst they do not have direct ties with the Japanese locations, they serve authentic foods.’
Mugen
‘An Izakaya (Japanese pub) style restaurant, I recommend their signature dish – mackerel sushi.’
Where? Dorrington House, 9-15 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7ST
BOOK: mugen.london
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Tanakatsu
‘They serve Tonkatsu (pork cutlet). You see many chicken katsu (chicken cutlet) in London but I don’t know any better restaurant that serves Tonkatsu than here. I recommend the Pork Katsu set. If pork isn’t your option, they also have Chicken Katsu set too. For a veg option, the Pumpkin Croquette Curry is great.’
Where? 10 Wakley St, London EC1V 7LT
BOOK: tanakatsu.co.uk
