London is embracing the colours and flavours of Japanese autumn as Roketsu launches two new seasonal tasting menus inspired by Momijigari.
While spring is often associated with Japan’s famous cherry blossom season, autumn has its own equally beautiful tradition. Momijigari, the Japanese custom of admiring autumn foliage, sees people venture out to scenic areas to appreciate the vibrant transformation of leaves from green to rich shades of orange, red and gold.
Now, Londoners can experience a taste of that seasonal tradition without leaving the capital, with Marylebone’s Japanese restaurant Roketsu introducing two new autumnal Kappo tasting menus.
The restaurant, which specialises in Kappo-style Japanese dining, has taken inspiration from the colours and flavours of the season for its latest menus, bringing together carefully selected ingredients, premium produce and warming autumn dishes.
What Is Momijigari?
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, Momijigari literally translates to something along the lines of “autumn leaf hunting”, although it refers to the act of seeking out and appreciating the changing autumn foliage rather than actually collecting leaves.
Much like hanami, the Japanese tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms in spring, Momijigari celebrates the changing seasons and the beauty of nature. The custom dates back centuries and eventually became popular beyond Japan’s aristocratic circles, becoming a much-loved seasonal pastime.
That appreciation of autumn has also influenced Japanese food, art and design, making seasonal ingredients and autumnal presentation an important part of Japanese cuisine.
Roketsu’s new menus tap into that idea, bringing the colours, flavours and atmosphere of autumn to the dining table.
Roketsu’s Autumn Kappo Tasting Menus
Roketsu is offering two different tasting experiences, giving diners the choice between its Autumn Classic Kappo Tasting Menu, priced at £150 per person, and the more indulgent Autumn Prime Kappo Tasting Menu, priced at £200 per person.
The five-course Autumn Classic menu is designed as a relaxed yet refined evening experience, while the Autumn Prime menu adds premium ingredients including Wagyu beef and a selection of premium sushi.
Available for dinner, the Prime menu is particularly suited to special occasions, from anniversaries and milestones to memorable nights out in London.
A Taste of Autumn
Both menus begin with a Wild Mushroom Fine Clear Soup, topped with tofu mousse and truffle, creating a warming introduction to the seasonal tasting experience.
The meal then moves into a selection of appetisers, including Japanese Red Sea Bream, Foie Gras Miso Monaka, Cornish Crab Chawanmushi, and King Prawn and Mushroom Tempura.
The autumnal theme continues through the main courses, with diners able to enjoy prime cuts including Lamb Chop and Iberia Pork. Those opting for the Autumn Prime menu can also expect a selection of Wagyu, adding another level of luxury to the experience.
The meal then moves towards a selection of Nigiri, Maki and Soup, before finishing with an appropriately seasonal dessert: a warming Pumpkin Pudding.
A Seasonal Japanese Dining Experience in London
With its focus on seasonal ingredients and presentation, Roketsu’s new menus offer a different way to embrace the arrival of autumn in London.
Rather than simply celebrating the changing weather, the Momijigari-inspired experience reflects the Japanese appreciation of seasonal change, translating the colours and flavours associated with autumn foliage into an elegant dining experience.
For anyone looking to discover Japanese cuisine beyond the usual sushi and ramen options, the new menus also provide an opportunity to experience the precision and variety of Kappo-style dining in the heart of Marylebone.
The Autumn Classic Kappo Tasting Menu costs £150 per person, while the Autumn Prime Kappo Tasting Menu costs £200 per person.
Find out more about Roketsu and its seasonal menus via the restaurant’s official website.
AloJapan.com