RESTAURANT REVIEW
I had visited almost every widely recommended Japanese restaurant in Glasgow when I finally crossed Nippon Kitchen off my list. I took a while to get round to it precisely because I had a feeling it would be something special, and it absolutely is! This place - which offers some of the most vibrant and well-plated food I've seen - is simply brimming with variety and style.
Nippon Kitchen's interior decor is classy, warm and romantic. There are playful decorative ideas thoughtfully placed here and there - including the origami crane and daruma dolls in the windowsill by our table - and the space is at once open plan and intimate.
The traditional Japanese art and wood panels adorning the walls set Nippon Kitchen apart from other Japanese restaurants in Glasgow which veer towards a safer but ultimately less charming modern look.
Everything in Nippon Kitchen from the music to the service makes you feel at home. But what about the food?
I was happy to see some personal favourite veggie starters on the menu like korokke and agedashi tofu. Other expected and very welcome options include gyoza and takoyaki.
Impressively, Nippon Kitchen also offer some lesser seen starters such as crispy fried squid, seasoned with Japanese 7 spice, crab, and BBQ style teriyaki pork ribs.
The ribs were decadent and beautifully succulent and came as a generous portion for a starter. The gluten free chicken skewers were similarly juicy and packed with flavour.
When it comes to mains, Nippon Kitchen spoils you with a variety of options to choose from:
- bento boxes
- fried and boiled rice dishes
- katsu curry
- noodle soup dishes
- stir fried noodle dishes
- yakimono grilled fish
You can also choose to simply nibble yourself full with a selection of sushi and/or sashimi.
No matter what aspect of Japanese cuisine it is that you love, you can rest assured that Nippon Kitchen's got you covered.
The tamago donburi - pictured above with beef but also available with chicken, duck, prawn, salmon or eel - is a shining star among Nippon Kitchen's rice dishes. The beef is wonderfully soft and the vegetable and seaweed garnishes were delicately sliced and flavourful.
Similarly, the teppan ginger noodle stir fry was a feast for both the eyes, body and soul.
It comes in a large bowl with a generous helping of egg fried rice that'll leave you comfortably full and satisfied. It's brightly adorned with fresh vegetables and just the right amount of warming pickled ginger.
Even the drinks here are carefully thought out. Nippon Kitchen stock Peacock cider for example, which is crisp and refreshing without being sickly. The menu recommends one try this drink - which is specifically created to compliment Asian food - with the spicy noodle soup as it's said to help cool the heat.
Definitely a combination I'll be sampling next time!
Do Nippon Kitchen do a Gluten Free Menu?
Nippon Kichen offer a gluten free menu that blows many other Japanese gluten free menus out the water. In fact, this was one of the reasons I was so excited to go.
It could be a little larger, but what's there is really excellent. One can even order ramen - yay! - made with rice noodles. Sadly, this option isn't usually on offer for gluten free customers.
