The United Kingdom is among the most cosmopolitan places on the planet, especially when it comes to food. You’ve got flavours pouring in from all over the world, and Japanese cuisine is right up there. Whether it’s sushi, ramen, or teriyaki, many locals & immigrants count Japanese cuisine among their favourites.
And from fancy spots in London to casual joints across the UK, Japanese food keeps winning hearts—and plates. As we head through 2025, some dishes are standing out more than ever. It’s all about that perfect mix of staying true to tradition while shaking things up a bit.
In this blog, I’m going to take you through the must-try Japanese dishes that are making waves in the UK right now. So get ready with your chopsticks.
Why We Brits Love Japanese Cuisine
Japanese food has long become a part of the UK’s everyday dining culture. What started as something exotic and niche has now found a comfortable spot on menus everywhere. You can walk into a fancy London restaurant or a casual spot in Manchester and find authentic sushi, steaming bowls of ramen, crispy tempura, and much more.
Why? It’s simple. Japanese dishes strike a perfect balance—fresh, healthy ingredients combined with bold, comforting flavours. Plus, the presentation is always exquisite.
Another reason is how adaptable Japanese cuisine is. Chefs across the UK are experimenting by mixing traditional techniques with local ingredients and new ideas. That’s how you get innovative dishes that still respect their roots but bring something fresh to the table.
The Best Japanese Dishes in the United Kingdom
So here’s a brief introduction to some of the must-try, famous, and delicious dishes you can have at Japanese restaurants in the UK:
1. Sushi & Sashimi: The Classic Crowd-Pleasers
First up, we can’t talk about Japanese food without mentioning sushi. It’s a cornerstone—bite-sized, artfully arranged, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a nigiri purist or all about those dragon rolls with avocado and spicy mayo, sushi has something for everyone. Sashimi, too, has its own fan club—just fresh slices of fish, no rice involved, that let the natural flavors shine.
Across the UK, sushi spots have popped up in every big city (and plenty of smaller towns too). But what makes it stand out in 2025–26 is how chefs are blending traditional techniques with local twists. Think salmon nigiri topped with a drizzle of Cornish sea salt, or sea bream sashimi served with a touch of British rapeseed oil. It’s the kind of mashup that feels familiar yet totally exciting.
If you’re ever near Wellington & are looking for some great Japanese Sashimi on Wellington Street, then Ikkan Sushi is your hot spot.
2. Ramen: Slurp-Worthy Bowls of Comfort
If sushi is the fancy star, ramen is the comfy workhorse. Picture a steaming bowl of noodles bobbing in a crazy-rich, umami-packed broth, topped with a gooey soft egg, slices of pork or tofu, and a handful of spring onions. In 2025–26, UK ramen spots are next-level—every corner seems to have a tonkotsu joint, but you’ll also see weird mashups like miso ramen with a scoop of Cornish ale butter or fully vegan ramen loaded with local shiitake mushrooms.
Walking into a ramen bar isn’t just about eating; it’s like stepping into a flavor cloud. No wonder there’s always a queue for that slurp fix.
3. Katsu Curry: Comfort Food That Hits All the Right Notes
Ever wondered what happens when crispy fried chicken crashes into a velvety curry sauce? That’s katsu curry right there. In the UK, chicken katsu curry is the ultimate comfort drug.
Lately, you can’t walk into a place without seeing a twist on katsu curry: vegan aubergine katsu, pork katsu served with apple chutney, or even sushi rolls with a katsu kick. And if you swing by Ikkan Sushi, expect theirs to come with a house-made curry that’s got a bit of extra heat—just enough to keep things interesting without torching your taste buds.
4. Tempura: Light and Crispy Bites of Bliss
Tempura is all about that “wow” crunch. Think fresh prawns or seasonal vegetables dipped in a crazy-light batter, fried to a perfect golden crisp. Sounds easy, right? But trust me, getting that batter just right is a real art.
Whether you’re in a posh Manchester restaurant or grabbing a tempura taco at a weekend street-food market, this dish never fails. It’s crispy, fresh, and—let’s be honest—totally addictive.
5. Yakitori: Skewered Goodness with a Smoky Edge
Yakitori—grilled chicken skewers glazed in tare sauce or simply salted—has morphed from izakaya favorite to a full-blown UK trend. The trick is in the charcoal grill: that slight smokiness you get when chicken (or other meats and veggies) cooks over open flame. It’s simple, it’s flavorful, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends over a cold drink.
In 2025–26, you’ll see dedicated yakitori bars popping up, especially in bigger cities. But you’ll also spot gourmet ska skewer stalls at food festivals, offering everything from chicken thigh and leek skewers to shiitake-and-tofu combos. At Ikkan Sushi, expect yakitori made with free-range British chicken, glazed in a soy-based tare that’s been simmered for hours. One bite and you’ll see why it’s become a UK late-night snack legend.
6. Takoyaki: Octopus Balls That Make You Go “Wow”
Takoyaki might sound intimidating if you haven’t tried it, but trust me—it’s worth the gamble. They’re little batter balls filled with tender pieces of octopus, all crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Then they’re drizzled with takoyaki sauce, sprinkled with bonito flakes, and topped with a bit of mayo. The result? A flavor explosion—sweet, savory, creamy, umami.
In 2025–26, these Japanese street-food stars are everywhere in the UK, from pop-up carts at summer festivals to permanent spots in city centers. And chefs are playing around: octopus might get swapped for king prawns or even vegan-friendly fillings like sweet potato. But the classic version still rules—especially at places that know how to keep that batter perfectly gooey while getting the exterior just right.
If you ever go near Wellington & are looking for some great Japanese Takoyaki or Japanese Teriyaki on Wellington Street, then Ikkan Sushi is the place to be.
7. Matcha-Infused Desserts: Earthy Sweetness to Finish Your Meal
Matcha isn’t just for tea ceremonies anymore; it’s become a dessert superstar. UK pastry chefs are using matcha’s vibrant green and subtle bitterness to create everything from ice cream and cheesecakes to delicate macarons and even matcha tiramisu. It’s the kind of riff that marries Japanese tradition with British teatime sensibilities.
Wrapping Up: Taste the Best of Japanese Cuisine
In summary, Japanese restaurants in the UK has never been more vibrant. From silky sushi and sashimi to hearty ramen, crispy tempura, and inventive fusion dishes, 2025–26 is all about celebrating both tradition and innovation. These flavours have won over diners across the country, blending authentic techniques with local twists for an unforgettable taste experience.
Experience Authentic Sushi & Other Japanese Items at Ikkan Sushi
If you’re in London and craving the real deal, Ikkan Sushi is your go-to spot. We pride ourselves on delivering top-quality sushi, katsu curry, yakitori, and more.
If you’re looking for some great Japanese Teriyaki or Japanese Sashimi on Wellington Street, London, or other great Japanese food on Marylebone Road, we’re very close, and we’re delicious! For years, Ikkan Sushi has been the best Japanese restaurant in Wellington & other parts of London.
Come see why Ikkan Sushi is celebrated as a true, authentic Japanese restaurant with the best of Japanese food!
And yes, Arigato Gozaimasu!
Find Out More –
From Nigiri to Temaki: These are the Top 7 Sushi Varieties
Temaki Sushi in London: 8 Best Spots to Try This Handheld Delight
