On a recent trip to London I decided to go along to Tsuru, a fairly new Japanese restaurant, just behind the Tate Modern on the South Bank. I had been recommended this place by a friend who had also lived in Japan, so was looking forward to an authentic Japanese meal (by London standards!) I was suitably impressed. What makes Tsuru different from most Japanese restaurants in London is that they focus on casual dishes, reasonably priced and served speedily. Part of the reason for this is that their main trade is lunchtime, not evenings. So rather than serving huge platters of overpriced and under-fresh sushi they offer a fantastic range of ‘bento’ boxes (commonplace in Japan), featuring a range of fresh contents, many of them healthy and wholesome, as goes the reputation for Japanese food. However as is often the case one of the most delicious options is one of the less healthy options!
One of their featured offerings is a range of ‘katsu bento’, a choice of meat, fish or veg breaded and fried to crisp finish, served over rice with a lovely mild curry sauce. ‘Kare-raisu‘ (have you worked that one out yet?) is actually claimed to be the most popular food in Japan, but rarely makes it onto the menu in overseas Japanese restaurants. I was impressed with Tsuru’s katsu (I went for chicken) and also with the other dishes I had, including gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), edamame (soya beans – great as a snack with beer!) and miso soup. I was there in the evening, and they do open until 9pm, so although lunchtime is their main trade you can still go along in the early evening and have a great casual meal. I will definitely be back to Tsuru. They are bringing another side of Japanese cuisine to London, and showing that the Japanese do fast food better (and generally healthier!) than anyone. If you are planning a trip to Japan, or have been there in the past and long for a taste of your favourites go along to Tsuru; you won’t be disappointed.
Tsuru, Fabulous & Affordable Japanese Food
Filed under: Japan in the UK Tagged: | Curry, London, Restaurants
Tsuru is a gem. No two ways about it. Japanese food in the UK can be a stream of wallet-emptying disappointments. Do Yo-Sushi even realise that the key element in sushi is the rice. Judging by the over-chilled, packed together tasteless rice they use it would appear not. Anyway, Tsuru: I have rarely enjoyed Japanese food more outside of Japan. The sushi is firs rate and the katsu-curry. Well, even in Japan you will struggle to find anything to match Tsuru’s 8 hour sauce. If you have a chance go and eat here. It is superb!
[...] keeps a rather exotic image to many people. We’ve talked about Japanese restaurants in London before, and here in Bristol, we have a number of great Japanese restaurants also – so there’s always [...]