Japan’s Influence on UK Cuisine
The one thing that strikes me about Japanese cuisine is how integral it has become to fine dining in the UK over the past two decades. Most people with a penchant for the finer things in life can cite their favourite sushi restaurant in the city, or a local offering that does the perfect ramen. Well-known chain restaurants have become staples of our national offering.
Even in the home, miso features more often in the cupboards of amateur chefs more than it does not. Umami is a word that you would be familiar with if you were an avid digester of TV cooking shows and it doesn’t stop there; supermarkets boasting Wagyu beef, meal deals including sushi, it has become well entrenched in our gastronomical culture.
Cool Japan: Embracing its Culinary Culture
I’m not naive enough to believe that this has all happened by chance; quite the opposite. Cool Japan is most definitely alive and kicking and absolutely should be. The growing interest in games, manga and other cultural aspects shows how we can appreciate Japanese culture and embrace elements with open arms. And when it comes to cuisine? Surely everyone wins with the variety of options at our fingertips.
My First Encounter: A Delicious Culture Shock
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Japan twice; once as a teenager towards the start of the millennium and secondly in my late twenties. On my first visit, my knowledge of Japanese cuisine was non-existent. I had no idea where to start. So it was a culture shock of the highest order to be presented with styles of food and flavours that I’d never come across before. When I returned home, however, the exploration had begun and, with it, I watched as the UK began to fully embrace the full diversity of Washoku (Japanese food).
Returning to Japan: A Culinary Adventure
Fast forward a decade, and my second trip was a completely different experience from a culinary perspective. I had a better understanding of the style of food I would encounter, and it was the main focal point of our tour. We tasted the best Tempura in Hiroshima, visited Ramen Street in Tokyo station, ordered second portions of Teppanyaki in Kyoto. Sushi cooking courses, Sake bars, Nonbei Yokocho, we were immersed in Japan through its gastronomy.
Taste of Japan in Brighton
But here’s the reality; not every day is a holiday and, despite what we all may dream about, we cannot constantly jump on a flight whenever the need arises. In those moments, our UK counterparts give us something that truly is a great development of the past few years; we can escape to somewhere new through the magic of a meal.
Brighton has several superb Japanese restaurants that are quite adept at understanding the flavours, and importantly, the traditions of Japan. Rituals, precision and respect are key elements of any meal.
If I want Sushi, I’m heading to Moshimo for fresh, beautifully presented dishes. If I’m looking for comfort, Pompoko has a menu that is perfect for a fast, yet delicious, meal in a hurry. If it’s a date night, Bincho Yakitori offers the perfect atmosphere for sharing (though sometimes you might wish you had it all to yourself!).
Wanderlust Supper Club: A Japanese-Inspired Evening
Last month I hosted my first supper club at The Set. The Izakaya night was a huge success; with 22 guests and the perfect setting, the evening was vibrant and full of atmosphere. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the incredible menu that the team had put together. The Set have moved towards more Japanese-inspired cuisine in their latest menu and anyone looking for that hint of reminiscence of past travels will enjoy the creativity in these dishes.
Looking Ahead: More Culinary Travels Await!
As a whole, the evening was everything I hoped it would be; an opportunity for like-minded people to share their love of food and travel. Hearing my guests’ stories and discussing shared experiences brought warmth and depth which is so reflective of Brighton’s patrons. As for the supper club, there’s plenty in the pipeline, so watch this space!
Cecily’s Wanderlust Supper Club presents: “Islands, Friends and Feasts” on 24th April, 7pm.
