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Banzai Kitchen: Karaage With a Shout of Joy
Updated: 14 hours ago
Karaage With a Shout of Joy: How a Mother-Daughter Team Is Sharing Generations of Flavour
The crackle of hot oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a dollop of Kewpie mayo, BANZAI KITCHEN turns this simple trio into pure happiness. Launched in 2023 by Ocean and her mum, the stall began as a one-off pop-up inside the Brunel Museum before joining street-food incubator KERB. Since then, its towering karaage bowls have become a lunchtime beacon for hungry Londoners.
A recipe that runs in the family
“Karaage is comfort food for us,” Ocean explains. “My grandma, great-aunt and mum all made it, and whenever I visit Japan, my aunt still fries a batch just for me.” That hand-me-down recipe, crisp chicken marinated in soy, ginger and sake, is the heart of every bowl. Ocean’s favourite? The Crunchy Combo: teriyaki-glazed chicken slicked with spicy mayo and showered in crispy onions.
Two generations, one kitchen
Running a business together has deepened their bond. Mum commands the stove with quiet confidence; Ocean handles menus, markets and the growing queue of fans. “We trust each other to lead where we’re strongest,” she says. “That balance keeps us close.”
Precision, care… and a cheer
In Japanese cooking, every cut and garnish matters, and BANZAI embraces that discipline, right down to the shichimi dusted over their Classic Mayo bowl. Even the name is intentional: “banzai” means hooray in Japanese. “We want people to taste that joy,” Ocean laughs. “One bite and shout ‘Banzai!’ inside.”
🎥 Check the featured video below
👉 Follow @banzai.kitchen for pop-up dates and experience that BANZAI feeling!
万歳 BANZAI KITCHEN
Location:
📍Tue - @cheesegraterldn
📍Sun - @chatsworthroadmarket
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