UNI, Nikkei gastronomic experience in London

UNI in London (ground floor)

 

beautiful décor, pleasant atmosphere
UNI – table set

Peruvian cuisine is made up of various cultural influences that are seen all throughout the country. Japanese culture is one of those cultural influences, and the result is Nikkei, which is the combination of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Nikkei has become the most recent gastronomic sensation to hit the culinary capitals in Europe. The blend of the two cuisines has resulted into a gastronomic treat that is served in the best Japanese-Peruvian restaurants in Peru and other parts of the world.

The country has the second biggest ethnic Japanese in South America; with Brazil being the first. The Japanese started immigrating to Peru in the late 19th century, and since then the community has impacted the culture of the nation. One of their biggest influences in the country is Nikkei, which is the Japanese-Peruvian cuisine that is one of the popular food trends in the world today.

Both Peruvian and Japanese cultures give value to fresh fish. Peru has a thriving fishing industry, which gave the Japanese immigrants a source for their sushi. This in turn goes well with ceviche that is featured in most Peruvian menus.

Just like Chifa, which emerged from the Chinese community in the country, Japanese dishes were mixed with indigenous Peruvian cooking techniques and flavours to come up with Nikkei. The combined fresh fish with corn, yucca, aji peppers, limes and various types of potatoes that Peruvians love. Nikkei is the perfect mix of spicy and flavourful Peruvian cuisine and the elegant food of Japan.

UNI, a restaurant offering fine Japanese and Peruvian fusion dishes, is tucked away in a quiet street just minutes away from the central and ever so busy Victoria Station in London.  It’s an oasis of calm surrounded by a few shops and other eateries.  The decor is airy and modern; nothing echoes Japanese or Peruvian. Nevertheless, it is very welcoming.

The restaurant is split over two floors. The ground floor focal point is a large marble bar with white leather and chrome highchairs where you can view all the food and cocktail preparations. The ceiling to floor glass walls and staircase allow the light to flood into the entire restaurant. Downstairs the decor is light wood and soft furnishings still modern. The atmosphere appeals to young professionals and well-educated customers looking for high-quality,  sustainable and  local (where possible) food.

Tasting menu at UNI

Starters: Edamame (£4) and Tacos (£3-£4.50pp): Salmon (fresh salmon tartare, cucumber, tomato, masago & creamy miso) and  King Crab – excellent start of our meal, well seasoned and very fresh ingredients.

 Cocktails at UNI

cocktails:  great coconut and chilli mojito and white peach daiquiri
Kaiso (Seaweed) Salad (£7) with goma dressing (peanuts and sesame) – it had a small amount of  glass noodles that gave it a delicate texture.
Hamachi Sashimi Salad (£14): yellowtail sashimi, mixed greens, spicy chilli & ponzu – fresh, tangy and very tasty
selection of sushi : nigiri (salmon and tuna)  and spicy tuna rolls – love the spiced tuna rolls
Tempura (£7-£13): tiger prawns and vegetables  – crisp and light batter served with a delicious dipping sauce a small side of very finely grated daikon
My favourite dish: Miso Black Cod (22.50): hot, spicy, vibrant anticucho sauce (made with Peruvian chillies), served with white rice and spicy rice – both delicious!
A refreshing ending to our meal, a selection of mochi ice cream and fruits. Mochi  is a Japanese confection made from pounded sticky rice with ice cream filling

UNI hosts sushi masterclasses, teaching how to make mouthwatering sushi, to roll makis and how to cut sashimi. More info: sushi master classes
I really enjoyed my Nikkei experience at UNI. The meal was light, fresh, well crafted and very tasty. The service was very attentive, and the staff is very knowledgeable. Prices are on the high-end on the a la carte menu, but they have a chef’s selection of very affordable set menus. Highly recommended.

Very creative cocktails at UNI
Downstairs at UNI

Uni

 

18a Ebury Street

 

London

 

SW1W 0LU

 

T: 020 7730 9267
Disclosure: I was a guest at UNI. All views are my own.

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1 Comment

  1. Pasta Bites
    May 13, 2015 / 12:48 pm

    I really would like to try Nikkei cuisine!