MAKI & RAMEN

FAQs

Maki & Ramen’s Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Maki & Ramen! We understand you may have some questions regarding our restaurants and menus. To provide you with a seamless dining experience, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. If you have further enquiries, our friendly staff is always ready to assist you. Read on to learn more about our private dining options, payment methods, and more.

Food
What Is the Difference Between Sushi, Sashimi, and Nigiri?

Sushi is made with vinegared rice often combined with raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes even tropical fruits. Sushi is typically wrapped in seaweed or served in bite-sized pieces. Nigiri is a specific type of sushi where a small mound of vinegared rice is shaped by hand and topped with a slice of raw or cooked fish, shellfish, or other ingredients. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw seafood or fish served without rice, highlighting the fish’s natural flavours and textures.

What Are the Different Types of Ramen Noodles and Broths?

Ramen is a beloved Japanese dish consisting of noodles in a flavourful broth. The most popular styles include:

  • Miso – Miso ramen features a broth made from fermented soybean paste, resulting in a rich and hearty flavour. This ramen often incorporates thick, curly noodles with toppings such as roasted pork, corn, bean sprouts, and butter.
  • Tonkotsu – Tonkotsu ramen features rich, creamy pork bone broth with thin, straight noodles. Toppings may include tender slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and seaweed.
  • Shoyu – Shoyu ramen has a soy-sauced broth for a savoury, slightly salty umami flavour. The noodles are typically curly and chewy, and toppings may include roasted pork, bamboo shoots, nori, and green onions.
  • Shio – Shio ramen has a clear, delicate salt-based broth and thin, straight noodles. Toppings may include sliced chicken, bamboo shoots, seaweed, and green onions.
Do You Offer Vegetarian/Vegan Menu Options?

Yes, we offer a wide range of mouth-watering vegan and vegetarian options. Our selections include ramen, katsu curry, and yakisoba. We also feature a variety of sushi and sides suitable for vegans and vegetarians. For a full list of our plant-based offerings, please visit the vegan section of our menu.

How Do I Properly Eat Sushi With Chopsticks?

Hold one chopstick between your thumb and index finger, resting it on the base of your thumb. Hold the second chopstick with your thumb, index, and middle fingers like a pen. Gently pick up sushi from the plate, holding each piece lightly to avoid squeezing or damaging its delicate ingredients. If possible, place the sushi in your mouth in one bite to ensure you experience its full flavour profile. Remember, practice makes perfect when using chopsticks to eat sushi.

What Is the Significance of Umami Flavours in Japanese Cuisine?

Umami is often called the “fifth taste” alongside sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. It’s the savoury taste in soy sauce, miso, bonito flakes, and seaweed. In Japanese cuisine, umami is crucial in enhancing the overall taste experience and leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds.

Can I Customise My Ramen Order With Extra Toppings/Substitutions?

Absolutely! We understand that everyone has unique preferences when enjoying a bowl of ramen. Whether you prefer extra meat or additional spice, we can usually accommodate your requests.

Do You Use MSG in Your Dishes?

No, we don’t use MSG in any of our dishes. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients and flavours that are derived naturally to ensure your satisfaction and well-being.

How Fresh Are the Seafood and Produce Used in Your Meals?

We proudly source the freshest ingredients for our meals, working closely with trusted suppliers. We strive to deliver an exceptional dining experience showcasing the natural goodness of our ingredients.

Some of the most popular Japanese condiments include:

  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce is often used as a salty or savoury dipping sauce for sushi, sashimi, and tempura, as well as a seasoning in various dishes, marinades, and dressings.
  • Wasabi – Wasabi is a strong, spicy green paste typically served with sushi and sashimi. It adds a fiery kick and complements the flavours of raw fish.
  • Pickled Ginger – Pickled ginger is served alongside sushi to cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Miso – Miso is a fermented soybean paste commonly used in soups, marinades, dressings, and glazes.
  • Ponzu – Ponzu is a citrus-based sauce often used as a dipping sauce for sushi, sashimi, and grilled meats.
  • Sesame Dressing – Creamy sesame dressing is commonly used as a salad dressing, drizzled over vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for grilled meats.
Can You Provide Tips for Appreciating the Nuances of Sake?

Sake comes in various styles and grades, so we recommend exploring different types to discover your preferences and appreciate the range of aromas and tastes. Sake can be served at various temperatures, enhancing diverse aspects of its flavour profile. Take your time to savour the sake, allowing the flavours to unfold on your palate. We also suggest experimenting with various food pairings to find the best combinations to elevate your dining experience.

How Can I Find Allergen Details for Your Dishes?

We provide detailed allergen information for all our dishes, covering the common 14 allergens. You can view this information here.

Do You Offer Gluten Free Options?

Yes, we provide gluten-free rice noodles as an alternative to our regular noodles. To ensure your meal is prepared with these noodles, it is crucial that you inform our staff about your gluten-free dietary request when ordering. As a traditional Japanese restaurant, our kitchen and many menu items typically contain gluten. Consequently, guests with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies should be aware of the potential for cross-contamination and carefully consider this before choosing to dine with us.

Locations
Where Are Your Restaurant Locations in the UK?

Maki & Ramen has restaurants in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester & Leeds. With plans to expand to  Aberdeen, Birmingham and more in 2025.

Do You Offer Delivery or Takeout From All Locations?

Yes, you can order our dishes for delivery through Deliveroo, or you can opt for takeaway directly from any of our locations.

What Are Your Hours of Operation for Each Restaurant?

Our hours of operation vary by restaurant:

Leeds – Bond St. Location

Monday-Friday: 11:30am – 10:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Manchester – York St. Location

Sunday-Thursday: 11:30am – 10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Edinburgh – Nicolson St. Location

Monday-Thursday: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Friday-Sunday: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Edinburgh – Fountainbridge Location

Monday-Thursday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Friday-Sunday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Edinburgh – Leith Location

Monday-Friday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Edinburgh – St. James Location

Monday-Friday: 11:00am – 10:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Glasgow – Bath St. Location

Monday-Friday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Glasgow – Renfield St. Location

Sunday-Thursday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (closed 3:00pm – 5:00pm Monday-Thursday); Friday & Saturday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm

Aberdeen Location – Coming soon!

Birmingham Location – Coming soon!

Is There Parking Available at All of Your Locations?

All of our locations are near car parks and other convenient neighbourhood parking. Public transportation is also easily accessible.

Do You Have Private Dining or Event Spaces Available?

Yes, we can offer exclusive private dining options for special occasions and gatherings at many of our larger venues. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or a corporate event, contact our team for more details.

Are Your Restaurants Accessible for Guests With Disabilities?

We strive to make our restaurants accessible for all guests, including those with disabilities.

Can I Make Reservations? How Far in Advance Do You Recommend Booking?

Yes, you can book a table at some of our branches via our website. We have partnered with Dojo for bookings. Please note that our smaller branches (Nicolson Street, Leith Street, Bath Street and St. James Quarter) are walk-in only. All of our branches are walk-in friendly, so you are welcome to visit us without an advance booking. However, we accept reservations at our Fountainbridge, Bath Street, Renfield Street, Manchester, and Leeds locations. Book through these links:

Fountainbridge, for bookings over 7 people, please email Makiramen3@gmail.com and follow this link for smaller booking sizes: https://app.walkup.co/create_booking/vendor/jM-MofzvQorXTo3ilZ_TnagR5WEbUvYfb9HCkhXqyF0_restaurant

Renfield Street, book through this link: https://app.walkup.co/create_booking/vendor/-SDkB2eg_UDfTqLLtPYJRSdVGqfjNpixUnSsiUaE0MI_restaurant

(Please note that we reserve 40% of our restaurant for bookings, so if there is not a table available, you can walk in.)

Manchester, book through this link: https://app.walkup.co/create_booking/vendor/EipRJIkjVSAAeCWXv1rOaIsXpYTVq3Vk0LY9rSpv8pk_restaurant

(Please note that we reserve 40% of our restaurant for bookings, so if there is not a table available, you can walk in.)

Leeds, book through this link: https://web.dojo.app/create_booking/vendor/TGcX3zsWWjZhrMnu3YTXE3s_oCyvjSvAT3GhPDS_ZmI_restaurant

(Please note that we reserve 40% of our restaurant for bookings, so if there is not a table available, you can walk in.)

Do You Offer Any Special Promotions or Discounts at Certain Locations?

By joining our mailing list, you will get great discounts as well as alerts about our big promotions sent directly. You can unsubscribe at any time. We don’t spam! Join the Makifam today!

What Is the Dress Code for Dining at Your Restaurants?

Maki & Ramen has a casual dress code, so feel free to come as you are and enjoy delicious ramen without any formal attire. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed while dining with us.

How Can I Find the Location Nearest to Me?

With venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and more opening soon, there’s sure to be a Maki & Ramen location near you in the UK! Find all our locations on our website!

Are Your Restaurant's Dog-Friendly?

Only the galleria space at our St. James Quarter site is dog-friendly. Other branches do not allow pets.

Ordering & Experience
Can I Order Online for Pickup or Delivery?

Yes, you can order our dishes for delivery through Deliveroo, or opt for takeaway directly from our locations.  

Do You Accommodate Large Group/Party Reservations?

Many of our larger venues can accommodate large group/party reservations. Please make a reservation.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments.  

Do You Offer Any Set Menus or Multi-Course Dining Experiences?

Yes, we often offer set menus and multi-course dining experiences at many of our restaurants. Ask about our delicious festive set menu during the holidays at participating locations!

Can I Purchase Gift Vouchers, Either In-Person or Online?

Yes, gift vouchers are available for purchase at every Maki & Ramen location. Please visit your nearest restaurant to buy one.

Do You Have a Loyalty or Rewards Program for Frequent Diners?

Yes, our new Loyalty Rewards Scheme awards dedicated customers every time they dine as a thank-you for being part of the Makifam. We appreciate you!

Can You Accommodate Any Special Dietary Considerations?

Our menu caters to all dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal. Please inform our staff about any special dietary needs when making a reservation or notify your server upon arrival.

What Is the Best Way to Provide Dining Experience Feedback?

We greatly value your feedback in person and online. Don’t hesitate to let us know how we can improve our exemplary service. Be sure to leave us a review on Google. Your feedback helps us understand your dining experience and assists other diners in making informed choices.

Do You Have a Kid's Menu?

While we do not have a specific kids menu, we offer extra portions of noodles and sides that are suitable for children.

Company & Culture
What Is the History and Philosophy Behind the Maki & Ramen Brand?

Teddy Lee founded Maki & Ramen in 2015. Our objective is simple: to provide delicious, accessible, and high-quality Asian cuisine to every guest. Learn more about our story.

Where Do Your Chefs and Culinary Team Receive Their Training?

Our founder, Teddy Lee, studied at a sushi academy in Tokyo. Many of our chefs and culinary team members have received similar training.

How Do You Ensure Consistent Quality and Service Across All Locations?

Ensuring consistent quality and service is of the utmost importance to us. We adhere to the strictest food preparation standards at all locations, sourcing the finest ingredients and ensuring our team undergoes regular training on customer service, hospitality, presentation, and attention to detail. We carefully analyse all guest feedback to identify areas of improvement and make necessary changes.

What Is Your Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing?

At Maki & Ramen, we believe in sourcing sustainably produced ingredients, whether locally grown organic produce or ethically sourced seafood. By working with suppliers who share our commitment, we contribute to preserving natural resources and supporting responsible farming and fishing practices. We also actively work to minimise food waste throughout our operations. We strive to create a dining experience that delights your taste buds and aligns with your values because we want to positively impact the environment and communities we serve.

Do You Offer Any Charitable Giving or Community Engagement Programs?

Yes, Maki & Ramen firmly believes in the power of community engagement. We proudly partner with many charitable organisations, including The Proud Trust, The Glasgow Care Foundation, The Thistle Foundation, and Homeless Street Angels.

Do You Hire Locally or Have Opportunities for Career Advancement?

Maki & Ramen is always hiring locally for interns, kitchen assistants, servers, and more. If you want to work at one of the UK’s best Japanese restaurants, browse our current career opportunities to apply!

Do You Have Any Plans for Expansion or New Locations in the Future?

Yes, we’re expanding our operations to include locations in Aberdeen and Birmingham, with further exciting plans for the coming year. We’re always looking for Franchisees to join the Makifam too, so a new location could pop up in your area!

did we miss something?

We hope our frequently asked questions have helped you with your enquiry today, however if there is anything we have missed then please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team with your query!

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