REVIEW: Chopsticks at the ready

Don’t be put off by the name, which might sound unwelcoming, but should be pronounced ‘foo-koo’. For years, it will probably go on being pronounced something which sounds rather different.

The exterior and interior are certainly welcoming. The small restaurant is marked by striking Oriental patterns and features with deep red and blues used as the flagship colours for the brand.

There is limited seating inside, so be quick if you wish to avoid disappointment. This initially concerned me, but after experiencing how quickly the food left the kitchen those worries disappeared.

The main events offered on the menu at Fukku are traditional ramen noodle soups and katsu curries, supplemented by a solid selection of smaller dishes

For those of a vegetarian or vegan disposition, fear not! There are ample options built into the main and side dishes to cater for all diets.

The beef tataki was delightful, with complimentary zest provided by an assorted bed of pickled veggies that also delivered a great contrasting crunch.

The small pieces of cold beef, with visible fat marbled through the muscle, were extremely tender. A real winner.

I had to try the tempura squid purely on the instinct that it is something easily overcooked and would put the chefs to the test.

Somewhat begrudgingly as a harsh reviewer, I found that the squid was perfectly cooked. Crispy batter with a melt-in-your-mouth interior.

The accompanying sauce deserves a paragraph all its own. Unbelievably refreshing; hints of lemon; a subtle spice; and a punch of salt. All helped to create the perfect ying and yang of flavours and textures with the squid bites.

Chicken katsu curry is now a western icon. Succulent chicken breast and a crispy panko finish were expected and delivered. The sauce was unmistakably homemade, unlike any other katsu sauce I have tasted.

The lashings of sauce were happily mopped up by a dollop of surprisingly floral sticky rice. Everything was there in this main dish.

My only criticism of the whole experience was the daikon shavings featuring in each of the dishes ordered. Whilst aesthetically pleasing, they added little in terms of flavour and texture.

Service was incredibly quick and cheerful. Not a single complaint can be made.