An exciting new restaurant has opened in the heart of the London’s West End, guaranteed to give lovers of Japanese food a new hotspot to get their fix.
With the catchy name MUGA, this authentic dining spot serves the best of Japanese classics such as agadashi tofu, abri charshu, goyza and beautiful hot and creamy Takoyaki (Octopus balls cooked to mouth-watering perfection), alongside a list of rich and hearty bowls of Ramen.
Dedicated followers of ramen will know the secret of the bowl lies in the quality of soup base and noodle. Muga’s kitchen has certainly achieved flavour magic and developed complex stock, laying the foundations for the all-important noodles, which MUGA make in-house.
The menu offers a choice of shio, miso, shoyu, classic tonkotsu and an original Yasai vegetable base ramen for non-meat eaters, with the option of upgrading – or rather pimping your meal – with additional toppings offering even more delectable goodies to your bowl.
My combination of a tonkotsu and the spicy vege and kara-age topping came in a king size bowl, large crunchy chunks of deep fried karage chicken bobbing about and sharing space with a generous mix of spicy vegetables, garlic chips, sesame seeds and a salted creamy egg. Every mouthful was bursting with well-crafted flavour, so much so I ate well past the point of fullness as not to waste a drop of the heavenly rich creamy soup base, the aftermath resulting in my presence similar to that of a happy fat dozing cat.
Situated in the heart of London’s theatre district, MUGA also offers a great space to stop off for a few pre-show cocktails, (the Piscoteque with gin and lychees is highly recommended), or a dessert option and a tasting session with some of Japan’s best sake would be an ideal treat.
Those not attending a show needn’t worry, the open plan ramen bar brings a visual treat to diners, offering front row seats to the fast and skilful environment of expert chefs hard a work. A great addition to the ever-evolving London ramen scene, MUGA is high up on the list of ‘must eat’ restaurants.
MUGA – 5 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DL
020 7930 5088
Written by Justina Terese, Food Writer and Recipe Developer www.foodforaking.com