Shackfuyu

As all good Londoners know, Bone Daddies Ramen Bar is a culinary staple of soho. So when I heard about their newest pop up - Shackfuyu (Winter Shack), that had arrived on Old Compton Street for only a year, I had to check it out. With a motley gang in tow, we risked a Saturday lunchtime service (Shackfuyu do not take bookings) and found quite a few empty tables. After being shuffled past the wood burning oven, we were seated in a cosy booth. For a temporary restaurant, you feel instantly at home; the walls are painted a rich emerald green and adorned with white japanese script, while a soundtrack of David Lee Roth and Alice Cooper plays. This was a great start.

I started with an Orenji What?! A cocktail of fine Japanese whisky, triple sec and orange miso. It was presented in the most adorable corked bottle, Bone Daddies branded naturally, and I instantly fell in love. The cocktail itself was a perfect balance of sweet and sharp, the whisky warming my cockles after a morning in the biting wind.

Shackfuyu is based on a concept of small, sharing plates - an idea which I thoroughly enjoy as I get to try so many more dishes. We shared 6 between us plus dessert, which left no room for any afternoon tea.

Mentaiko Mac and Cheese, bacon and cock scratchings  - delicate macaroni in a deliciously creamy sauce, the addition of bacon adding a lovely smoky flavour. The charmingly named 'Cock Scratchings' were a perfect textural addition, finishing with the mentaiko (cod roe) that was an interesting take on a classic.

 

Bitesized yellowtail sashimi tostada with avocado shiso pack a punch! A beautiful mixture of textures and flavours in a petite mouthfull.

Who doesn't love a great chicken wing? These little morsels are a joy to behold - a great combination of sweet and sour, and satisfyingly crunchy.

Fried Potatoes with Japaense Curry Sauce are exactly how they read, simple and classic. The crunchy cubes of golden potato are soft and fluffy on the inside and match perfectly with a Katsu-esque sauce.

 

For a moment of indulgence, order the hand dived roasted scallop with chilli miso butter. A squeeze of lime cuts through this rich dish. The size of the scallop was generous and ladened with butter.

The highlight of this meal was the Hot Stone Rice with Goma Tare (sesame seed sauce), Chilli and Beef.  Placed in front of me was a sizzling hot bowl with compartmentalised ingredients. After giving a lovely description on the dish the waiter stired it together, releasing a delectable cocophany of aromas. On first bite, the rice floated between crunchy and soft and my mouth was alive was tingling chilli and aromats.

To finish, we tried the only dessert on the menu - one that has been in the press a fair few times recently: Kinako French Toast and Soft Serve Ice Cream. Two inch thick roasted soy flour toast is caramelised on the outside and delightfully squidgy on the inside. It was perfectly complimented by the matcha soft serve - a complete winner to a matcha enthusiast.

So head down to Shackfuyu and indulge on some fantastic modern Japanese cuisine at great value for money! Why not follow them on Twitter? @shackfuyu

While you're at it... follow me on Instagram for more delicious foodie pics - @gourmet_georgie