Last Updated on February 2, 2020 by Fiona Maclean
Winter Menu at Temakinho
Brazilian and Japanese cuisine seem an unlikely combo, however before I visited Temakinho, I was unaware that Brazil houses the second-largest Japanese population in the world and that there is a sushi bar on virtually every street corner in Brazil.
Temakinho was set up as a venture of love by the three founders, who wanted to create a restaurant that brought the fusion of Japanese and Brazilian cuisine to life.
They first opened in Italy in 2012, and have gone on to take their inventive Japanese-Brazilian cuisine to Milan, Rome, Ibiza and most recently, London.
Founder Laura explained to me how sustainability is at the heart of Temakinho, they strive to use high quality, ethically sourced ingredients to encourage the conscious consumption of raw materials. They are extremely proud to be the first restaurant group in the world to be honoured with the ‘Friends of the Sea’ certification.
Temakinho is in the heart of Soho on Old Compton Street, juxtaposed between a sex shop and a West End Theatre and surrounded by lively bars and restaurants. It’s fun and it’s vibrant.
Each restaurant’s decor has been inspired by different things, the Soho branch was influenced by the tropical rain forests, it creates a tranquil oasis within an urban jungle, with hanging monkeys, pineapples and with a very cool day to night feel, accessible, and not overly expensive.
I was invited to Temakinho to sample their new, seasonal menu which has been specially designed for the long winter months ahead, something a little warming for those cold London nights.
No Brazilian evening, in my view would be complete without a Caipirinha, on my arrival I was offered a choice of flavours, I chose the Limâo Clássico – made with Brazilian cachaca Mais Amor and lime, it was so heavenly and moreish that I drank a couple more over the course of the evening – highly recommended!
We were served a steady stream of mouthwatering colourful dishes all beautifully presented and full of flavour.
Lula Baiana – made with shrimps, coconut milk, cashew nuts, tomato, coriander and lime – a multi-layered thick broth with wonderful meaty prawns. Very hearty and flavoursome and perfect for a winter’s evening.
Pastel de do Dia -Epinanada – the famous Brazilain fried ‘epanada’ is usually served with fish though we enjoyed a mixed vegetable version with turmeric and tomato and a piquant tropical sauce, which was remarkably tasty.
Espethinho Brasileiro – Lightly chargrilled prawn pineapple on a skewer –a lovely combination of savoury and sweet
Causal Quente – mashed potato with sweet corn and sour sauce-lightly spiced with Peruvian yellow chilli and breaded yellowtail fish. This was truly scrumptious! The warming creamy mash perfectly complemented the tender breaded fish.
Temakinho is known for their tropically inspired colourful and unique sushi rolls, mixing sweet and sour and using a wonderful combination of fish, fruit and rice. Our selection included black rice and asparagus (my favourite), an unusual composite of breaded salmon, banana and cream cheese, which was divine and went down a storm, perfectly seared tuna with sweet papaya, avocado with graviola (or soursop) and mint sauce and salmon and avocado with cream cheese with almonds on top. These make the perfect sharing plates.
We were brought some indulgent deserts to finish off our delicious meal- luscious passion fruit cheesecake and rich chocolate gateau.
All the staff at Temakinho were an absolute delight and strove to provide us all with an exceptionally good experience.
I was really impressed with my visit and will definitely be keeping Temakinho on my Soho radar for a fun night with plenty of tempting food to choose from, either out with friends or perhaps for a more intimate post-theatre dinner. But undoubtedly, with a Caipirinha Limâo Clássico in hand and imagining myself in a sunnier climate!
Temakinho
10 Old Compton Street,
Soho W1D 4TF.
020 3893 0365
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