June 27th 2024.
Ellie Forbes decided to give the new menu at Mikaku, a neo-Tokyo inspired Japanese restaurant in Glasgow, a try. As she entered the restaurant, she couldn't help but notice how most restaurants nowadays strive to create a separate world from the one outside, a place of respite from the monotony of daily life.
But if you're in need of a quick break and some fun, then a visit to Mikaku on Queen Street is definitely worth considering. Sure, the flashy neon decor may seem a bit over the top, with its faux cobbled floor and communal tables set under lean-to roofs, mimicking the streets of Japanese inns. But if you allow yourself to let go and appreciate the ambiance, you'll find that it has the ability to transport you to a different place altogether.
Executive Chef Joe Grant has recently launched a new menu, the first in five years. It boasts popular Japanese street food such as Sandos, which are milk bread sandwiches filled with crispy deep-fried ingredients and slaws. And let's not forget the homemade Tsukemono, a staple in the Japanese diet, now also a must-try on their menu. And if that's not enough to entice you, they have also added a range of new Donburi dishes to their offerings.
For starters, Ellie and her companions indulged in furikake fries, pork gyoza, and cauliflower karaage. They then moved on to a beef fillet skewer glazed with ginger teriyaki, because who can resist anything deep-fried and crispy? The cauliflower was a hit, as were the tender slices of beef on a stick. The portions were generous and the gyoza, in particular, stood out as some of the best Ellie had ever tasted, with their light and flavorful fillings.
Feeling adventurous, Ellie opted for a sando, a soft Japanese Shokupan bread filled with minced tiger prawns and spring onions, made into a patty, coated with panko, and deep-fried to perfection. It was served with a tangy pickled cucumber slaw and a togarashi dip, adding a burst of flavor to the dish. And for those who prefer a bit of spice, the katsu curry had just the right amount of heat without being overpowering.
Despite the new menu, Mikaku has kept some of their all-time favorites, including their famous half portions of Ramen, which Ellie and her companions couldn't resist ordering. The chicken slices in the salty broth were juicy and accompanied by the usual suspects – sliced spring onions, nori, and sesame seeds.
To end their meal on a lighter note, they ordered some edamame, but by this point, they were already stuffed from all the delicious food they had just devoured. Ellie couldn't help but agree with Mikaku's claim of serving the best Japanese street food, and she was looking forward to her next visit.
If you're ever in Glasgow and craving some authentic Japanese street food, be sure to check out Mikaku. You won't be disappointed. Mikaku is located at 45 Queen Street, Glasgow G1 3EF, and can be reached at 0141 243 2441. And for more reviews like this, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field and stay updated with the latest issue.
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