Itadaki Zen

Posted: October 31st, 2010 | Author: Bernie B | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bernie b, cusine, healthy, Itadaki Zen, Japanese, kings cross, london, makemeonebernieb, organic, restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian | 3 Comments »

Itadaki Zen at London’s King Cross is Europe’s first Organic and Vegan Japanese restaurant.

It’s got that cosy unique homemade feel, the tables look like they were made during a woodwork course. foam mounted photos of greenery adorn the walls.

The restaurant was very brightly lit, more informal diner restaurant than somewhere to go on a romantic date, it’s a fun place.

Service was very friendly but could be a bit slow due to only one waiter working all the tables. The waiter forgot about our tea, but sincerely apologised when we asked again. We were in no rush so just enjoyed our meal at a relaxing pace.

What I Ate

Tofu Steak with Yangeom Sauce -  Good firm tofu which my friend recognised was Clean Bean Tofu that has a great strong taste. The Yangeom sauce which I thought was going to be like the spicy Korean one, turns out to be more subtle, complementing the tofu rather than drowning out the flavour. It was a lovely dish, so often Tofu Steak will always be with a Teriyaki sauce it was a nice change.

Medium Nigiri Set – Had to try some, but was slightly dissapointed. Tended to be on the bland side, and I can imagine the toppings would work better together as a Chirashizushi dish.

Wild Garlic Sushi Roll and Koya-Tofu Sushi Roll – Yet again, quite bland. There wasn’t enough seasoning in the rice. The names sounded interesting, but I couldn’t really taste much.

Chapche – This was tasty. Stir fried Sweet Potato noodles with a scattering of mixed vegetables and fungi. It was delicately seasoned leaving you wanting more.

Senmoku – This was interesting, never had this before. This crunchy jelly is made from Acorn Starch. Not sure how to describe it, if you like weird textures then you might like this. Honestly, I can’t remember the taste.

Tempura – Man, this was really good. I was expecting the usual pieces of vegetables, instead we got tempura made of shredded mixed vegetables, so you’re biting into a crispy myriad of sweet flavours. The other Tempura consisted if various types if seaweed, all terrifically crisp and light and it was a really good sized portion!

Homemade Kimchi – This was light, fresh and the piquant sauce just clinging to the cabbage.

Okara no iri-ni – This dish comprising the unusual grainy texture of Soybean pulp was cute. The clean sweet taste was very enjoyable.

Gokoku and Sansen Rice – Both rice were tummytastic. The Gokoku-han, sweeter with the different grains. I felt very healthy eating them.

Soymilk Pudding and Sesame Pudding – Was really looking forward to these. They look quite similar, but tasted so different. The Soymilk Pudding was creamy smooth, sitting on it’s moat of sweet Soymilk , with a light Azuki Bean Paste trim. The Sesame Pudding was more intense. We’d be tasting the Soybean and then the  Sesame and exclaim “the milk in the Sesame Pudding has a Sesame hint to it too!” . The Azuki Bean Paste on the Sesame pudding was stronger, the pudding itself more grainy probably due to the ground Sesame. Both were delicious.

Itadaki Zen Tea – Hot fragrant Soymilk, you can’t go wrong.

Good bits

Most of it.

Cosy little place, friendly staff, the menu large and varied.  I felt very healthly after my meal.

Like that they aim for organic sourcing, the dishes created are aimed at your health as well as being tasty.

Usually eating Japanese I feel guilty when going with Vegetarians as there is a limited menu, this time we were able to eat so much variety was great.

Not so good bits

Ok for locals but not me is that they don’t open Saturday for lunch or on Sundays, as the lunch set menus look good.

Maybe a little more experimentation on the Sushi, but not that bothered as there was so much other stuff that was yummy.

Got a little thirsty as teacups are pretty small and service was slow for refills.

Would I go again and what would I want on the next visit

Would definitely go again, already planning who to go eat with next and try some of the other dishes I didn’t get to try this time.

Maybe a set lunch or a set dinner.

Maybe one of the workshops and events relating to food which they organise.

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