What: Yamagoya
In a nutshell: Authentic ramen and Japanese cakes
Summing it all up: After a successful pop-up on Shaftsbury Avenue, and the cake that launched 1,000 Instagrams, Yamagoya is back for good, bringing ramen-shaped joy into the hearts and bellies of Londoners on The Cut (near Waterloo).
The raindrop cake is back
Salty, silky, nourishing ramen is a joy all year round, but it's always particularly welcome during the capital’s descent into colder weather. So the next time you’re roaming SE1 London feeling a bit blustery and in need of a comforting noodle soup, you’d do well to stop into Yamagoya’s first permanent venue.
There’ll be handmade noodles immersed in smokey tonkotsu broth, topped with Japanese Chashu pork belly, marinated bamboo shoot and Kikurake mushrooms for their signature dish, or try a spicy Tonbanjan with chilli, or even a Yuzukara with green broth. A refreshing cold Hiyashi Chuku ramen will be on the menu as well, which comes with seasonal veg. Then you just decide which toppings you’d like to add on, from nori to kimchi to pickled mustard leaves known as takana.
There’ll also be a host of Japanese desserts, including, yes, the legendary raindrop cake, a genuinely gorgeous mizu shingen mochi creation that looks like a translucent blob of water. The raindrop cake will be back permanently, with the newly added option of matcha flavouring. It’ll be joined a couple of other new permanent additions to the menu, like a Charishi sushi bowl, or Mentaiko Gohan with spicy cod roe.
“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,” said founder Masatoshi Ogata
Drinks will include imported Japanese delights like Sparkling Yuzu Juice, Pokka Melon Tea and Aloe Vera drink, but if that’s not quite exciting (read: boozy) enough for you, then you can also try Shochikubai Gokai Nama Sake, plus house wines and beers.
This all follows a successful pop-up above Shuang Shuang last December and their new spot will have eat-in, takeaway and delivery.
More about Yamagoya
Where is it? 49 The Cut, London SE1 8LF
When does it open? 9 October 2017
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @YamagoyaUK and Twitter @YamagoyaUK.
