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| A Peak Inside The Wonderful World Of Jin Kichi |
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| Adrenalin Rush |
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| Turning Over The Sizzling Eye Candy |
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| Yebisu 330ml. A Perfect Bottle Of Beer. |
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| Here Comes The Cavalry. |
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| The Famous Five - Gyoza Dumpling |
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| Robin Hood Arrows |
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| The Ballerina Dancing Bonito Flakes |
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| The World's Best Avocado and Prawn Tempura Fritter |
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| Simply Yum. |
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| Hand Made Washing Up Japanese Style. |
#15 Young and Keen
Me Wa Kuchi Hodo Ni Mono O Li.
Who in their right mind cares about the Rugby World Cup when there's an edible egg shaped ball of Hamachi Sushi roll to chase ?
Step forward Jin Kichi, an old faithful and ever present on the burgeoning Japanese circuit of Eateries in London. With a well heeled reputation as an authentic Tokyo experience, JK has the good sense to retain its position as a word-of-mouth secret, with its humble and simple Izakaya bar foundations.
Enter through the keyhole and the attentive staff provide the traditional Japanese restaurant welcome cheer "Irrashaimase". You notice the Itamae-chef holding forte at the centrally staged charcoal grill plate, neatly built on simple masonry bricks. This mesmerising stage sets the tone for the hand crafted character of authentic Japanese cuisine and showcases the art of Sumiyaki, the grill skewered speciality delicacies, this establishment is known for.
Being seated at the grill bar counter, feels just like Tokyo, with a perfectly formed utility space and bright pendent paper globe lanterns with their Japanese tattoo calligraphy. With the addition of delightful toothpick ceramic holders, these provide a welcome contrary view to the theory that everything beautiful, is BIG in Japan.
Conveniently with seating at an attractive blue-formica bar counter top, or little sets of wooden table and chairs, theres no need to remove your shoes, to perform the traditional Padmasana Lotus pose on a Tatami mat. You could instead focus such artful meditation and poise, upon the challenging task of securing a table booking in this hugely popular venue.
Conveniently with seating at an attractive blue-formica bar counter top, or little sets of wooden table and chairs, theres no need to remove your shoes, to perform the traditional Padmasana Lotus pose on a Tatami mat. You could instead focus such artful meditation and poise, upon the challenging task of securing a table booking in this hugely popular venue.
The food at JK stimulates the senses and leaves you drooling and shrieking for more. There are so many highlights you may need an art director to help edit the footage. The homemade gyoza pork dumplings with spicy sauce are reason enough to queue outside, but even they could be considered token fillers amidst the other jaw dropping delights.
And there is no better jaw dropping scene than a plate of the grilled 'Salmon Jaw with Salt', Richard Drefyfuss eat your heart out; while a Jin Kichi highlight is watching Bonito flakes dance a pirouette on top of the grilled aubergine, like miniature ballerinas swaying and swirling in unison in death defying slow motion.
On this visit we fell head-over-heels in love with...
- Yakitori Skewer with Shiso Leaf
- Ebi Yaki Grilled Jumbo Prawn
- Mixed Prawn and Vegetable Tempura Fritter
- Yellow Tail Tuna with Avocado Roll Inside Out with Black Sesame
- Salmon with Avocado Roll Inside Out.
- Grilled Aubergine and Bonito Flakes
- Gyoza Grilled Dumplings
On your way out, don't forget to bow and smile and say "Okanio O Onegaishimasu", as you discreetly unbutton your waistband. And if you can still find room to fit in this mouthful .... 'Sumiyaki-Robatayaki-Izakaya-Yakitori' style bar restaurant, then this little goldmine is certainly the one for you.
*Remember when booking in advance to pop in to the nearby Holly Bush pub for a pre Sumiyaki drink.
