Look. The brunch classics like Eggs Benedict, avocado on toast and hearty granola bowls are great… but when you want something richer, texturally interesting and just as happily filling, a fun take on Japanese comfort food can be just what you need. Writer Sanjuna Budhani visits Chotto Matte in Soho for a taste drive of its new Ichiba Icons Brunch
Ever thought about putting jalapeño and fatty tuna together? Or the combination of pecorino and udon? Me neither. So when I heard about Chotto Matte’s glamorous Ichiba Icons brunch menu, I knew I needed to experience the glory of aji amarillo together with crispy bacon.
Collab with the new kid on the block
We kicked off with a matcha latte, with the tea provided by the matcha cafe of the moment, Jenki. Warm and earthy sweet. Accompanied by the tuna nigiri flight (an unintentional pairing, yes, but brunch does also require caffeine).
Just like sampling various wines/beers/sake, the tuna nigiri flight showed off various cuts of tuna – ranging from medium fatty to otoro, the richest of all tuna cuts – finished with toppings like jalapeño, wasabi leaf and a sunny sweet citrus, all helping to lift the richness of the buttery tuna cuts.
New brunch classics
Next came the rice dishes. The Tonkatsu-don is a Japanese classic. Crispy panko coated pork fillet dressed in a skirt of seasoned egg with sweet caramelised onions and soy, it’s pure comfort; satisfying and gratifying. Keep it in mind if you ever need a cure for the night before. The chefs at Chotto Matte are unapologetically generous with the seafood in the Kaisen-don.
Filled with salmon, tuna and yellowtail sashimi, it even comes with a side of salmon roe you can pour on top. Textures that melt and pop, nestled in between kernels of perfectly cooked rice. It disappeared quickly.
Small but mighty
The smaller bites like the yakitori and takoyaki were hearty in their own right. The chicken skewers are freshly grilled and incredibly juicy with a beautiful almost sweet and smoky char.
The star striker
Now for the headline act, the star on the roster: The Udon Carbonara. Now, spaghetti is usually the de facto pasta for carbonara, the long strands are known to hold on well to thick sauces, so it makes sense to have its thicker, chewier Japanese cousin as its base. It’s deeply umami, addictive and incredibly filling. Also another solid choice when you need to replenish your stores.
The Wordrobe Verdict
The brunch classics like eggs Benedict, avocado on toast and hearty granola bowls are great, but when you want something richer, texturally interesting and just as happily filling, these fun takes on Japanese comfort food can be just what you need.
Make it happen
Where: 11, 13 Frith St, London W1D 4RB
When: Available Saturday & Sunday From 12pm-4pm
Wallet: Bottomless brunch available from £69.00 (per person)
How: Find out more and make a booking via chotto-matte.com
Words by Sanjuna Budhani, writer
