Embracing Japanese Hospitality
When you dine at Maki & Ramen, you can be assured of an amazing dining experience, with the best sushi rolls, ramen bowls, and other various dishes. There is something more, though, and perhaps you have sensed it. Our goal is not just to provide the region’s best Japanese dining experience, but also to share Japanese culture and customs. We strive to transport guests to a Japanese state of mind, with all the cultural implications that entails. One of our most treasured Japanese customs is the art of Omotenashi.
Japanese Culture in the UK
Japanese cuisine has certainly gained a foothold in the UK. In fact, Japanese restaurants have become so popular that they have outstripped both Indian and Italian cuisine. Is a love of noodles and sushi all there is to it? The healthy options in Japanese cuisine are definitely gaining ground among people who want to eat cleaner, more nutritious diets. Traditional Japanese cuisine relies on fresh, locally sourced food, using special techniques to bring out the natural flavour. However, people in the UK are interested in more than just the food. On the whole, the British are extremely interested in Japanese culture, and there are many shared cultural interests between Japan and the UK. We like to think that Omotenashi is a big part of this.
Understanding Omotenashi
What is Omotenashi? There is no direct translation for it in English, but it has been suggested that it is best understood as wholehearted, selfless hospitality. Omotenashi has deep roots, going back centuries, to ancient tea ceremonies and the samurai code of conduct. It is the concept of service with no expectation of anything in return, and it is a philosophy that is deeply entrenched in Japanese society. It is more than politeness; it is hospitality that prioritises guests’ comfort and strives to meet their needs before they even know what they need. It goes hand in hand with the Japanese concept of kibukari, or anticipating the needs of others and meeting them before they are addressed. These concepts are not rooted in showmanship or formality, but in genuine care for others. Offering spontaneous, meaningful gestures that make someone’s day, prioritizing someone else’s emotional comfort, is a refreshing and wonderful way to show consideration and provide memorable hospitality.
Examples of Japanese Hospitality
Are you beginning to get the picture? The Japanese philosophy of hospitality seeks to make others feel seen and cherished. The concept of Omotenashi is present in the feeling you get from a warm towel you receive at a restaurant in Japan, the care taken to prepare your tea, or the little ice pack put in with your carryout order. It is also the warmth of an attentive host, who takes note of your preferences and adjusts accordingly, without you even voicing a concern. It is not fancy or overblown, but grounded in principles of humility, mindfulness, and simplicity. It is not about things, but about little ways of making someone’s day a little bit better. While in the West, we might prioritize efficiency and rely on formal, scripted interactions, in Japan, hospitality is based on prioritising people. This attitude is prevalent in Japan, but it should not be limited to any one country. Imagine a world where Omotenashi is the prevailing attitude, where attending a meeting means finding your favourite beverage stocked in the conference room, or you are surprised by a photo of you and the bride at your place at the table at a wedding. Thoughtful touches are something we all can do, and prioritising the needs of others could be life changing.
Celebrate Japanese Culture and Cuisine at Maki & Ramen
At Maki & Ramen, we embrace Omotenashi, striving to be more than just a Japanese restaurant. Inspired by the ramen shops of Japan, Maki & Ramen was founded by Teddy Lee, our CEO, in 2015. With a background as a Chef, having studied in a sushi academy in Tokyo, he wanted to introduce high-quality ramen and sushi to our local communities. Today, we have seven other Asian restaurants as well, having extended our reach around the UK. Our team has one objective: to serve delicious, accessible, high-quality Asian food to members of our community. The strength of our community and our shared passion propels us forward, championing the joy and diversity of Japanese cuisine, promoting inclusivity in dining, as well as participating in outreach. Whether they prefer the comforting warmth of our signature Tonkotsu Ramen, or the refined simplicity of our high quality sushi, about 40,000 customers find something that caters to their palate every month. To join us on our culinary adventure, drop by one of our locations, order online, or learn more about what makes us special by perusing our website.