Stepping into Sakagura London on Heddon Street evokes a feeling of being ‘transporting’ into a low-lighted traditional eatery in downtown Kyoto. With dark interiors and a warm exclamation of greeting, the dedication of Japanese hospitality is definitely not overlooked here in the heart of London.
With a new steak menu as well as the launch of Sakagura’s new spirits club located in their downstairs Kappo counter, we went along to find out what all the food critics have been talking about.
Ishiyaki Steak Menu
The restaurant’s newest addition to the menu is the Ishiyaki Stone Steak which presents diners with a hot lava stone grilling plate. The plate comes at 400˚c and alongside an impressive cut of Australian Wagyu sirloin and an array of ingredients to cook your own meal. You can choose from 200g Argentinian Sirloin or Ribeye with Hakata fries, sweet potato fries or steaming rice and green salad. Then, add a sauce of your choice; horseradish, fresh wasabi or a Japanese inspired steak sauce – Misodare, Soyadare, Ponzu Oroshi. Great for a date night or a dinner out with a few friends, it’s all a bit of fun and you can grill your meat just the way you like it with a Japanese Ishiyaki twist.
As if that wasn’t already enough, get ready for the dessert after a couple of cocktails. The Hedonist Mojito was a delightfully sweet combination of Japanese and Cuban rums. Crushed mint leaves, fresh citrus and Gyokuro tea infused syrup all added to the rush of flavour. If you’re into something more citrusy, the Red Lantern is a bittersweet blend of yuzu umeshu, Campari and brandy, topped with ginger ale.
To satisfy any sweet tooth, Sakagura has you covered. A curious concoction of ice creams such as soy sauce caramel and wasabi dark chocolate enticed us all the more to give it a try. Think of it as salted caramel with a malt after-taste and dark chocolate with a subtle kick at the end. Or, if you want to play it safer, the matcha cheesecake and Daiginjyo Tiramisu are there to tempt you even when you think you’ve had enough.
Sakagura Spirits Club
On arrival, the head mixologist poured us a green tea cocktail and we were introduced to a new Japanese-inspired London gin. For anyone who loves gin, the new Kokoro Gin, distilled in London, is a delicious easy-drinking spirit that’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. Its flavour comes from the Japanese sansho berry which gives a delicate and piney aroma alongside juniper and black pepper. It’s amazing in cocktails and very drinkable just over ice for those who prefer the neat taste of gin. Also, if you’re looking for a smart Valentine’s gift for your other half, this is something quirky and different.
How to make a Kokoro Negroni
Ingredients:
- 25ml Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
- 25ml Campari
- 25ml Kokoro Gin
- ¼ teaspoon Japanese cherry green tea
- Orange twist
Method:
- Infuse Kokoro Gin with Japanese cherry green tea
- After two minutes, strain into a mixing glass full of ice
- Add the Campari and Cocchi Vermouth and stir
- Strain into a cup or glass filled with fresh ice
- Garnish with a twist of orange
Images: courtesy of ME:MO Interactive
