Urban Fusion: How Japanese Cuisine is Reshaping British Food Culture

Japanese Cuisine and the British Food Scene

Just a few decades ago Japanese food was often misunderstood or overlooked in UK dining. Today, the UK’s Japanese dining scene is thriving, with around 1,753 establishments across England alone, including both traditional Japanese restaurants and modern fusion concepts that showcase the cuisine’s incredible diversity and sophistication. 

Past Reactions to Japanese Dining Traditions

Initially, British people traveling in Japan found the cuisine problematic. In the late 19th century, Britain-Japan experts like Isabella Bird and Basil Hall Chamberlain described  Japanese food unfavourably, even going so far as to use words like “insipid”. The attitude stuck for quite a while, and even as recently as the 1990s, Japanese food was considered an oddity to many in the UK. Rather than appreciating its focus on simplicity and balance, people saw Japanese cuisine as lacking flavour. Today, this is no longer the case, and Japanese food can be found just about anywhere, from supermarkets to high-end restaurants. What brought about the shift? It certainly didn’t hurt that UNESCO chose Japanese food as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013. This recognition threw Japanese cuisine into an international spotlight, and appreciation began to grow for the Japanese focus on seasonality, aesthetics, and respect for ingredients. Foodies soon discovered that the simplicity of Japanese cuisine, involving just a few high-quality components, lends itself well to adaptation and experimentation.

Urban Fusion: Creative Blends Using Japanese Cuisine

In London, you will find all sorts of fusion dining, and Japanese cuisine lends itself beautifully to this kind of scene. Using traditional Japanese techniques while experimenting with global flavours, chefs have found ways to embrace the adaptability of Japanese cuisine while giving it a new spin. Creating Japanese inspired dishes with influences from France, South America, and Mexico may sound like an outrageous idea, but these inventive menus provide exciting, cross-cultural dining experiences. Southeast Asia and Japanese hybrid menus offer diners bold, contemporary flavours, and even traditional British dishes are being given a Japanese twist, just to make things more interesting. 

Japanese Chefs and British Cuisine

While we in the UK may have initially misunderstood Japanese cuisine, it is important to note that the misunderstanding was mutual. In Japan, as in many other places where fish and chips and tea are the only familiar items in our cuisine, British dishes have had the reputation of being bland or uninspired. With the popularity of media like Downton Abbey, however, interest in British food and traditions is having a revival in Japan. Unfortunately, some outdated notions remain, but as globalisation continues to bring people together, our countries’ mutual respect and understanding will continue to grow. 

Experiencing Maki & Ramen

When you are looking for a lovely Japanese restaurant in the UK, Maki & Ramen has locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Leeds, all serving high-quality Japanese food to their local communities. Customers rave about dishes like the grilled nigiri of eel and the green dragon roll, which is a tempura prawn sushi roll topped with avocado and fish roe. Our signature dish, tonkotsu, features an 8 -hour broth that guests describe as “lush”, along with noodles that are made from scratch daily. Whether they are tucking into steak tataki, with its rich, warming broth, or enjoying scrumptious desserts like matcha crème brulée, mochi moons, or banana fritters, the customers delight in the fresh, delicious offerings, served by cheerful staff in a cosy, quirky environment. What many people find surprising about Maki & Ramen is the size of the portions. Despite Japan being known for its small plates, the portions here are quite generous. 

Visit Maki & Ramen to Enjoy Japanese Cuisine in the UK

Every bowl tells a story at Maki & Ramen, where the buzz of Tokyo’s finest noodle houses meets British hospitality. Our culinary adventure began when Chef Teddy Lee brought his passion for authentic Japanese cuisine from Tokyo’s renowned sushi academy to the UK’s bustling food scene. What started as a single restaurant has flourished into a collection of welcoming spaces across the country, each one adding its own chapter to our story.

Behind every steaming bowl of ramen and artfully crafted piece of sushi stands our dedicated team, committed to sharing the joy of Japanese dining. We believe great food brings people together, which is why we’ve created an experience that’s both authentic and accessible. Come taste the difference at any of our locations or bring the flavours home by ordering online – we’re serving up happiness, one dish at a time.