Takeshi
No no, not the castle. The restaurant for fuck sake.
With food equally as delicious as the show was entertaining, Takeshi is a charming Japanese/Pan Asian spot in New Cross. Sat opposite the well-renowned Goldsmiths University. It’s become a favourite amongst the artistic and socially inclusive bunch.
Takeshi’s head chef, also named Takeshi, is originally from China. 15 years ago, he moved to London and has worked in Japanese kitchens ever since. Takeshi fell in love with the cuisine and mastered the craft of Japanese cooking. A couple of years ago, he opened his own restaurant in New Cross, serving what he had learned alongside some traditional Chinese additions.
Talking to Takeshi gave me an insight into why his food tastes so good, and subsequently, why it is so popular with hungry students. He demands perfection from each dish served. He told me even now, he has to check every plate that leaves the kitchen. Only he knows the appropriate standard, correct quantities, and adequate presentation.
The results are in. Firsts all around. The food is outstanding. The level of care, skill and execution that coexists in Takeshi’s kitchen, clearly does so in harmony. Everything I ate that came out of it satisfied me and more. And I have been back since.
On my first visit to Takeshi. I sat, relaxed, drinking Jasmine tea. I admired my own personal cream ceramic Japanese tea set. I felt patient, suddenly at ease. The tea was working. Doing its magic. It flowed through me, and in no time at all, the food arrived, graciously planted in front of me. Takeshi’s dishes are served in proper Japanese fashion. Refined, elegant and beautiful to look at.
I first sampled their salt & pepper squid. A traditional Cantonese dish that fits in well here. Stuffed into a white paper cone within a black bowl, battered squid tentacles overflowed the edges. It lay on top of a rectangular and speckled black ceramic plate, accompanied by the orange glare of a sticky, sweet and salty sauce. Aesthetic at its most enticing. I drowned each bit of crispy squid in the decadent sauce and crunched into the tentacles. The batter just as you’d want it. Light, airy and seasoned to perfection.
I followed this up with an Unagi rice bowl. People can be squeamish about eating eel. Do not fret. You’re missing out if you stay in that mindset. The Japanese bring the best out of this fish, and Takeshi maintains this standard. The pickled sea-weed and ginger are only a welcome addition.
Takeshi takes pride in his generous portions. I get the impression filling up strapped-for-cash students brings a smile to his face. He did express remorse, however, in that he has had to consistently raise his prices over the years. If he hadn’t, Takeshi wouldn’t be here. Sadly, the fate of many previous restaurants along this road. If you’ve ever left feeling frustrated and wondering why your local favourite spot has raised its prices recently. Remember this is a business. And a really tough one at that.
What you have here in New Cross is somewhere affordable, reliably delicious, and full of passion. Takeshi does justice to Japanese cuisine, whilst adding its own sprinkle of Chinese influence into the mix.
5 Lewisham Way, New Cross Rd, London SE14 6PP
