Introducing The Takumi Menu at Shoryu
This season, Shoryu unveils something especially close to home. The Takumi menu is a celebration of craft, culture and legacy, created to mark 50 years since our founder, Tak Tokumine, began his journey in the UK.
It is more than a seasonal update. It is a story, told through food.
A Tribute To Where It All Began
The Takumi menu takes its inspiration from 1970s Japan, the decade when Tak first established himself in the UK and began introducing Japanese food and culture to a wider audience. It was a time of quiet innovation and bold beginnings, reflected in the kissaten cafés that shaped everyday dining across Japan.
This menu draws on that spirit. Nostalgic in places, playful in others, but always rooted in the care, depth and attention to detail that define Shoryu today.
Throughout the menu, guests will find moments from Tak’s journey woven into the experience, including archival family photographs that bring his story to life.
Celebrating A Pioneer
Tak Tokumine is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of Japanese cuisine in the UK. Through ventures such as the Japan Centre, he helped introduce generations to the richness and nuance of Japanese food.
The Takumi menu is dedicated to that legacy. It is a way of honouring the influence he has had, not just on Shoryu, but on the wider food scene, and celebrating the foundations he built over the past five decades.
The Dishes
The menu brings together a mix of personal favourites, seasonal thinking and new ideas, all delivered with a sense of character.
Highlights include:
Wagyu Sukiyaki Kamatama
A rich, brothless ramen with soy marinated wagyu beef and double egg yolk, designed to be stirred through into a silky, deeply savoury sauce.
Nibo Goma Tsukemen
Thick noodles served with two contrasting broths, a chilled, creamy sesame and a warm, deeply savoury niboshi and tonkotsu, encouraging guests to alternate and find their perfect balance.
Shima Spam Tempura
Crisp Okinawan style bites served with a spicy teriyaki dip, bringing a bold salty sweet heat.
Kaki Oyster Fry
Plump oysters in a light panko crumb, served with house tartare and inspired by summer festivals along the Seto Inland Sea.
To finish, a nod to classic kissaten culture:
Melon Cream Soda Float
Bright, nostalgic and unmistakable, with melon soda, vanilla ice cream and a cherry on top.
Suntory -196 Peach Float
A playful, boozy take on the classic, pairing peach soda with vanilla ice cream for a smooth finish.
A Menu With Personality
Across our restaurants, the Takumi story continues beyond the plate. Alongside the dishes, guests will find visual moments that reflect Tak’s journey and personality, from family photographs to unexpected snapshots, including Tak on a retro Harley Davidson and even mid skydive.
It is bold, colourful and full of energy. Much like the menu itself.
A Celebration Of Craft
“Takumi” speaks to mastery and dedication to craft, something that sits at the heart of everything we do at Shoryu.
This menu is a reflection of that. A celebration of where we began, the journey we have taken, and the flavours that continue to define us.
Available for a limited time, the Takumi menu invites guests to experience a piece of Shoryu’s story, one dish at a time.