Residents of east London looking for fuss-free Japanese street food will be delighted by this new opening in Hackney’s Broadway Market. Founded by experienced restaurateur Ihsan Tuncay (the man behind El Ganso, also in Broadway Market), Mio Yatai brings a taste of Japan to the nearby neighbourhoods of Hoxton and Haggerston with its short, inexpensive menu of street food and ramen.
Inspired by the informality of the street-food scene, the menu at Mio Yatai is divided into four sections: ramen; bites and salads; charcoal, oven, wok and fry; and desserts, so whether you’re popping in for a speedy lunch or catching up with friends for dinner on a weekend, there’s something for everyone.
Rich and hearty dishes include the likes of oven-cooked oyster with kimchee and whisky; pulled beef cheek spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce; and tonkatsu BBQ pork ramen, while lighter options include soft-shell crab tacos with avocado and mango; charred tenderstem broccoli with yuzu mayo, and wakame seaweed salad. Vegans can tuck into mixed wild mushroom ramen and those with a sweet tooth can look forward to desserts such as mochi balls with black sesame, coconut and ganache.
When it comes to washing it all down, Mio Yatai’s drinks list is as pleasing as its food menu. There are plenty of authentic Japanese sips to be sampled, from Kirin Ichiban beer to Haku Japanese craft vodka, Yamazaki (a single malt Japanese whisky) and, of course, saké. There are also red, white and rosé wines on offer, plus coffee and organic teas.
Unlike Japan’s bustling street-food stalls, the space is clean and modern. Diners can choose to sit at large communal tables down the centre of the restaurant, at individual tables for two on the far side, or on stools at the counter facing the street. It’s not a huge space (it seats just 46), but the high ceilings give it an airy, open feel.