Vegetarian Japanese menu comes to London

LONDON`S first shojin kaiseki menu is to launch in Saki Bar and Food Emporium this month.

The menu is strictly vegetarian and is an integral part of Japanese cuisine that as yet has had little impact in the West.

The traditional dishes on the shojin kaiseki menu date back to the 6th century arrival of Buddhism in Japan, and the specialist skills needed to make it are often taught over many years.

Yoshitaka Onozaki, Saki’s new Head Chef, is the only chef in the UK with dedicated experience to introduce this delicate cuisine to London having acquired traditional shojin skills and technique from the Hachinoki restaurant in Kamakura, one of Japan’s most reputed shojin kaiseki restaurants close to Tokyo.

Shojin Kaiseki is seasonal with its main ingredients vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts. Saki’s shojin menu will include dishes served in the traditional kaiseki style: a six-course tasting menu priced at £65 per head.

Some of the dishes featured include Abalone Shitake, Konbu Infused Winter Melon, Jade Aubergine, Tofu Stuffed Mushroom, Gyoja Garlic Flower and Marinated Myoga Flower Buds.