LDNReview
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Machiya
Living in London ain’t easy. Whether it’s because you were affected by the recent national biscuit shortage, or your night out was ruined by some tosspots rioting down the road while you were just trying to finish your pint, life in the capital has been trying of late. Sometimes you need something to take the edge off, and Machiya will do the trick.
Machiya is a casual restaurant in Piccadilly from the people behind ramen overlord Kanada-Ya, and this time they’ve focused on Japanese comfort food. If you’re not familiar with the more homely style of Japanese cuisine, expect dishes like deep-fried pork tonkatsu and beef curry that go nicely with a glass of Kirin. Not everything on the menu is a hit, but Machiya is worth a visit for their rice dishes alone - the toppings (like lightly cooked beef and a soft-boiled egg) are fresh and good, and they’re the perfect excuse to shovel spoonfuls of warm carbs into your face. There are cocktails and izakaya-style snacks too, and if you want to keep on drinking, there’s even a hidden sake bar in the basement.
While Kanada-Ya is a one-dish overachiever, it helps to think of its younger sibling as a people-pleaser that does a few things well, even if no single dish will blow you away. Machiya’s already a hit with Asian students and young professionals, who pop in for a cheap solo lunch, or to catch up with friends over matcha cake and tea. In other words, it's easy.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Tsukune
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Japanese Curry
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Tonkatsu
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Gyudon
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Zaru Soba
Chicken Yakitori
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch
Raindrop Cake
photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch