Poké has been the go to trend for London foodies for quite sometime now and by the looks of it, it’s not going anywhere soon. And whilst, it was the traditional Hawaiian poké trend that caught the attention of Londoners, Tombo Poké has been enticing guests with their predominantly Japanese focus, making it a unique alternative.
Tombo (Japanese for dragonfly) was the first authentic Japanese café and matcha bar in London and the proof is certainly in the pudding – they have given consumers such an appetite that there’s now a third just recently opened in the heart of Fitzrovia following their other two successes in South Kensington and Soho.
The new opening is a family affair, mother Manami and brothers Louis Sloley and Leo Sloley are behind the design and creation of the brand new Fitzrovia café which continues to bring authentic Japanese décor and cuisine to the West end. Manami’s experience of working in the world of fashion as both a fashion buyer and creative director shows as her keen eye for detail is evident at the café. The dining area compromises of grey shades, wooden panels and Japanese minimalism that the country has become famous for. There’s also a large maple tree in the middle of the café which gives the space an authentic, contemporary and welcoming feel.
Food wise, expect an array of poké dishes, all of which are made using the highest quality fish from Ataryiya Japanese fish suppliers to give the freshest possible taste. Choices include the Classic Poké comprising of Salmon or Tuna, Sesame Soy, White Onion, Edamame, Sesame Seeds and Nori, Terriyaki Chicken with Terriyaki Sauce, Spring Onion and Sesame Seeds, the Salmon Avocado Lux with Wasabi Soy, Edamame, Avocado, Salmon Roe and Nori and The Spicy Mayo Prawn with Sriracha Mayo, Edamame, Crispy Shallots and Shichimi Chilli perfect for spice lovers. You can also ‘Build Your Own Poké’ which we did with some guidance from the staff.
The trip to the café is simply not complete without sampling one or two matcha teas. Tombo prides itself on serving some of the highest quality matcha in London and is a matcha supplier to several other cafés and restaurants in London. With 10 times the amount of antioxidants of a normal cup of green tea, your mug of matcha is both a healthy and tasty consumption. There’s a speciality lemonade and a watermelon version which are worth a try. Desserts on offer include; Matcha Soft Serve Ice Cream, Sundaes and Matcha Tarts!
Who would have thought this essentially deconstructed sushi dish would become so popular but it has and a visit to Tombo will leave you feeling not only content but exceptionally virtuous too!
Tombo Fitzrovia, 4 Windmill Street, W1T 2HZ
