This October, Yamagoya, the masters of traditional Japanese ramen, will open its first permanent site in the capital, following a successful residency on Shaftsbury Avenue.
Founder Masatoshi Ogata said, ‘We’ve spent the past few months testing and experimenting in our pop up kitchen and after such a warm reception, we are now ready to build Yamagoya’s first real home in London; in a bigger and better space, with an added takeaway option.
'Our focus remains the same, with ramen at the heart, but we’re excited to bring more of our favourite Japanese dishes to London too, not to mention the raindrop cake!’
The signature ramen menu will include their celebrated ‘Yamagoya’, handmade noodles immersed in a smoky tonkotsu broth, garnished with traditionally prepared Japanese Chashu pork belly, marinated bamboo shoot, Kikurake mushroom, nori and marinated Burford Brown egg; to sit alongside the ‘Tobanjan’, a fiery tobanjan spiced broth known to locals as ‘the fire of food’, finished with chilli pepper.
The ‘Yuzukara’ ramen, the uniquely green tonkotsu broth, will also be layered with sliced chashu pork and topped with a salty, spicy paste made from the zest of Japanese yuzu and fiery green chillies.
Cold varieties of ‘Hiyashi Chuka’ ramen cooked in cold water, will also be available with either smoked chashu, chicken or tofu, all served with marinated Burford Brown egg and garnished with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
A host of toppings are available for all hot and cold ramens, including glazed chashu of pork; seared chicken; kimchi; umami nori sheets and a pickled mustard Takana.
The snacks feature Hijiki Seaweed and Edamame Salad; Cold tofu dressed in a cold fish and spring onion dressing; Chicken Karaage with Yuzu Mayo, as well as an array of new rice dishes such as ‘Charishi’, a colourful sushi bowl packed full with salmon and avocado and ‘Mentaiko Gohan’, spicy cod roe rice bowl.
For any diners looking for a quick take-away bite, Yamagoya’s Japanese sandwiches will include fillings of Chicken Katsu or Chicken Chashu.
The raindrop cake, which debuted in London for the first time at Yamagoya earlier this year, will be a permanent feature on the menu with an option to be infused with matcha. Made in the shape of a water droplet, the completely clear dessert is a challenge to the senses, melting into liquid form once in the mouth.
Japanese flavoured ice creams also feature on the dessert menu with Matcha Mochi, Black Sesame Mochi and Green Tea. Fridges will be stocked with Pokka Melon Tea, Aloe Vera drink, Iced Green Tea and Sparkling Yuzu Juice while a selection of house wines, beers and Shochikubai Gokai Nama Sake are available for guests dining in.