Chicken Katsu Curry
Crispy panko-breaded chicken cutlet served over rice with rich golden Japanese curry sauce and shredded cabbage.
Chicken katsu with tonkatsu sauce
Panko-breaded chicken breast, double-coated for maximum crunch, served over rice with finely shredded cabbage and a glossy tonkatsu sauce. The Japanese comfort food equivalent of fish and chips.
Japanese chicken teriyaki with shiny soy-mirin glaze
Pan-seared chicken thighs with a glossy soy-mirin-sugar glaze, served over rice with steamed broccoli. The Japanese home-cooking classic.
Pan-Fried Pork Gyoza
Crispy-bottomed Japanese pork dumplings — pan-fried then steamed for that signature crunchy base and juicy filling.
Okonomiyaki
Osaka-style savoury cabbage pancake with pork belly, topped with bonito flakes, Japanese mayo and okonomiyaki sauce.
Tonkotsu-style pork-bone ramen with chashu and egg
Rich pork-bone broth ramen with curly noodles, soft-boiled marinated egg, charred chashu pork, and crisp scallion. The late-night bowl.
Sushi Platter
A home sushi platter with salmon nigiri, tuna nigiri, cucumber maki and avocado rolls. Served with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
Vegetable and Prawn Tempura
Light, crispy Japanese tempura — prawns and vegetables in a delicate cold-water batter, served with tentsuyu dipping sauce.
Tonkotsu ramen with chashu pork and marinated egg
Rich, creamy pork-bone broth ramen simmered for 8–12 hours, topped with chashu pork, soft-boiled marinated egg, and fresh noodles. A weekend project that rewards patience.
Chicken Yakitori
Japanese grilled chicken skewers glazed with sweet soy tare sauce. Charcoal is traditional but a hot griddle works.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about making Japanese fakeaway at home.
What is Japanese fakeaway food?
Sushi, ramen, katsu curry, donburi (rice bowls), teriyaki, gyozas, tempura, udon and soba. UK Japanese takeaways are usually sushi-heavy but katsu curry and ramen are the most popular home-cooked dishes.
Can I make sushi rice without a rice cooker?
Yes, use short-grain or sushi rice, wash until the water runs clear, then use a 1:1.1 rice-to-water ratio in a heavy pot with a tight lid. Bring to the boil, cover, reduce to lowest heat for 12 minutes, then off-heat steam for 10 minutes. Season with sushi vinegar while warm.
How do you make crispy katsu?
Pound the chicken or pork thin (1cm or so). Flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs, that three-stage dredge is non-negotiable. Panko is coarser than normal breadcrumbs and that is what gives the crisp. Fry at 170C for 4-5 minutes until golden.
What is the difference between ramen and pho?
Both are noodle soups but from different countries. Ramen is Japanese, wheat noodles, soy-miso-shoyu or tonkotsu broth, topped with chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, nori. Pho is Vietnamese, rice noodles, beef or chicken broth spiced with star anise, cinnamon and cloves, topped with herbs and bean sprouts.
Is Japanese food healthy?
Generally yes, lots of fish, fermented foods (miso, pickles), vegetables and rice. Watch the sauces: teriyaki, katsu and tempura sauces are sugar-heavy. Sushi is high in refined carbs from the rice but portions are small.