Maki and Ramen review: I tried the katsu curry at this contemporary Leeds restaurant - here’s my verdict
It’s not every day that a gong heralds the fact that dinner is served. In our house, the only noise that gives you a clue that food is on its way is the ‘ping’ of the microwave.
However, when you enter Maki & Ramen, the occasion is announced by a resounding wallop on the huge instrument just inside the door.
And it’s a lovely touch – eating out should be special, even when the surroundings ooze contemporary cool, with leather seated booths and blossom on the ceiling.
We visit on a chilly Thursday evening and there are plenty of other diners to create a convivial atmosphere without proceedings feeling rushed.
The menu is almost like a brochure, glossy and beautifully illustrated. You can order via a QR code on the table; however, after a couple of minutes squinting at your mobile, trying to get it work, a friendly waiter will take pity on you and do things the traditional way.
January in Leeds is probably the ideal time to try ramen – a traditional, deeply flavoured broth that is simmered for hours then served with noodles – and many of our fellow diners are doing just that.
However my guest is a huge fan of sushi and there’s an impressive selection on offer. And yours truly has been known to ruin a top by spilling a sandwich down it so in the interests of laundry, it’s going to be something else for supper this evening.
That something is a vegan katsu curry and it’s sensational. The sauce is thick, fragrant and glossy with enough heat to bring a glow to the chilliest winter evening without being overpowering.
There’s a good-sized mock chicken steak in a golden, crispy coating and a generous helping of rice, accompanied by a bowl of delicate miso soup – a lovely touch.
Anyone torn between pumpkin and vegan chicken as the main ingredient of their curry need not worry – the addition of a side of deliciously crisp pumpkin croquettes means you can actually have both.
My guest, while tempted by the yakisoba, decided to stick with his initial choice of sushi – the only dilemma being what to pick. Sashimi? California rolls? Hosomaki – or dragon rolls?
Happily you can plump for a combo, with that day’s special offering a bit of everything – nigiri, sashimi, salmon avocado rolls and a kaisou salad.
Terrified of still being hungry, he ordered a side of chicken gyoza – and predictably ended up too full for a dessert. Which is a shame as little scoops of mochi ice cream were very tempting.
Washed down with a crisp pint of Japanese draught lager, it was an affordable treat, with the bill coming in at just over £50 for both of us.
Don’t take my word for it though – diners are invited to leave their feedback on post-it notes that adorn the walls like brightly coloured Japanese blossom. We didn’t get chance to read them all, which feels like an excellent reason to return.