Japan Super Store Opens in Prime London Spot
Bilateral ties have never been stronger, claim UK-Japan observers this year. First came the new British Shop grocery store in Shibuya, then 40 elite sumo stars competed at the Royal Albert Hall to help promote Japanese culture abroad, and now Japan fans in the UK are queuing for their favourite flavours, reads, fashion and lifestyle ideas thanks to the opening of the Japan Centre off Leicester Square in London on 10 October.
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Featuring a classic depachika (basement food hall) with a range of unique specialist spaces set around open kitchens and a central dine-in courtyard, visitors to the flagship Japan Centre can explore the authentic Japanese dining and shopping experience or opt for home or office delivery of freshly made specialties.
A statement said, “You’ll be able to order and taste true Japanese flavours at our deli hot counter. No matter if it’s a hearty bowl of katsu curry rice, ramen for a quick filling meal or crunchy gyoza dumplings, takoyaki octopus balls and more soul food sides to enjoy with friends and family, the choice is yours.
“You’ll be welcomed through our mochi bar, down to the depachika where you will be continuously delighted as you explore our truly unique dining and shopping experience. Find our restaurant Yokocho for a legendary bowl of regional ramen.”
According to their website, Japanese cooking can be characterised by its frequent use of selected staple ingredients including soy sauce, mirin, miso, sake and vinegar. Find all these plus other fresh Asian fruits and vegetables, matcha, rice, noodles, panko breadcrumbs and more in store. If you need to stock up on your Japanese cooking essentials, snacks and of course confectionery, head to the bright and open aisles in our food hall.
“Some of the most well-known dishes in Japanese cuisine, such as sukiyaki, shabu shabu and yakiniku require the use of specially cut, thinly sliced meats and fresh seafood. Thinly sliced meat and high grade seafood is readily available in most supermarkets in Japan and now you can enjoy it here too.”
Specialist spaces provide the opportunity to explore in depth some of the most popular products, such as in the aromatic Tea Room. “Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll be able to browse and sample different teas and then order your favorites by the gram.”
Japan Centre also offers an extensive sake range from master brewers such as Gekkeikan to rare products by boutique suppliers. “Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or a complete beginner, let our sake sommelier be your guide to the rich world of sake.”
Japan Centre is a joint venture between the Japan Centre Group and Cool Japan Fund, a public-private fund, part owned by the Japanese government which helps support businesses to promote Japanese products, food and culture overseas. The fund’s partnerships with local and artisan suppliers across Japan allows Japan Centre to offer authentic products and rare regional produce from some of the best producers and farmers exclusively to the UK. From books, beauty, manga and magazines to ramen bowls, groceries, homeware, gadgets and greetings cards.
Made fresh right in front of you, mochi donuts combine mochi rice cakes with donuts with a special donut dough made with Japanese mochiko rice flour, which is what gives them their chewy, bouncy and soft texture. Japanese flavors such as matcha and yuzu are popular, as are global favourites Biscoff and Oreo. Shoppers often pair them with tapioca bubble teas, or matcha and vanilla soft serve ice cream.