Junsei: A Modern Celebration of Japanese Yakitori
In London’s dynamic culinary scene, Junsei stands out as a haven for Japanese yakitori enthusiasts. Combining traditional techniques with modern flair, Junsei focuses on the art of skewered chicken and seasonal vegetables, capturing the depth of Japanese flavors in every bite. The restaurant’s dedication to authentic cooking methods, such as grilling over Binchotan charcoal, brings a distinctive taste and aroma that enhances each dish’s simplicity and quality.
Signature Skewers
The heart of Junsei’s menu lies in its carefully crafted skewers, each highlighting a unique part of the chicken or seasonal vegetables. The skewers, seen in the images above, showcase an array of choices, from juicy chicken thigh to crisp green onion, to flavorful tsukune (chicken meatballs). Each skewer is expertly seasoned and grilled over traditional Binchotan charcoal, which infuses the meat with a clean, rich flavor and a delicate smokiness.
Dipping into Tradition
A hallmark of Junsei’s yakitori is their tare, a savory-sweet sauce used for glazing the skewers. One of the images captures the moment a skewer is dipped into this dark, rich sauce, creating a perfect balance of umami that brings out the essence of the chicken. This dipping process is integral to authentic yakitori, enhancing the natural flavors while adding a caramelized, glossy finish to each bite.
Beyond Skewers: Donabe Claypot Rice
In addition to yakitori, Junsei’s menu includes traditional Japanese claypot rice, or donabe, as beautifully presented in one of the images. Served in a rustic clay pot, the dish is topped with a raw egg yolk and adorned with seasonal ingredients like crab or vegetables. The donabe rice offers a comforting, layered flavor that complements the simplicity of the skewers, providing diners with a complete and satisfying meal.
An Immersive Dining Experience
Junsei’s interiors are designed to echo the warmth and intimacy of Japanese izakayas, with an open kitchen that allows diners to witness the grilling process. The images reflect Junsei’s modern yet authentic presentation style, with sleek stoneware plates and minimalist plating that lets each ingredient shine. The smoky aroma from the Binchotan grill, combined with the restaurant’s cozy ambiance, makes dining at Junsei a sensory experience.
What to Try
- Tsukune (Chicken Meatballs): Skewered chicken meatballs glazed with tare and perfectly complemented by a rich dipping sauce. This popular choice combines texture and flavor in every bite.
- Negima (Chicken and Green Onion): A classic yakitori choice, balancing juicy chicken thigh with the fresh bite of green onion.
- Donabe Claypot Rice with Crab and Egg Yolk: A visually stunning and comforting dish, ideal for sharing. The donabe rice has a delicate balance of flavors that make it the perfect partner to the skewers.
Junsei offers a journey into the heart of Japanese yakitori, where each skewer tells a story of tradition, precision, and passion. For anyone seeking an authentic yet contemporary Japanese dining experience in London, Junsei provides a memorable culinary escape. Every dish, from the skewers to the hearty donabe rice, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality and the art of Japanese cooking.