7 May, 2013
Peruvian/Japanese Fusion – Coya
Posted in : Food, London, Restaurants on by : Reema Tags: coya, global cuisine, London, London restaurants, peruvian japanese, Pisco Sour
What I love most about living in London is exploring the vibrant cultures and cuisines from around the world. The culinary scene over here is bustling – there are always new flavours to explore and of course, the old favourites that are practically institutions for some of us!
We had some friends in town from India this weekend and decided to try out Coya, a trendy new Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Mayfair. Peru is home to a very significant immigrant Japanese community and we were all very eager to explore the unique fusion cuisine.
We started our night with some cocktails at the Pisco Bar at Coya. The bar has an excellent selection of cocktails on offer including Pisco Sour, a traditional Peruvian cocktail made with Pisco (grape based liquor), lime juice, syrup and egg white. Our drinks were fantastic and certainly whet the appetite for more!
I expected a lot of fish and meat at this meal and I wasn’t wrong. Coya has 3 open kitchens in the main dining area – a Ceviche Bar, an Open Charcoal Grill and the Central Kitchen. One can see the busy chefs preparing the food, all adding to the wonderful ambience at the restaurant. The menu was unusual and interesting. We were greedy and very confused! We got by with a little help from our pushy server and what followed was an onslaught of wonderful flavours.
Favourites included the Atunchifa Ceviche (yellowfin tuna, soy, sesame seeds), the Pez Limon Tiradito (yellowtail, green chilli and radish sashimi), Res Anticuchos (marinated beef) and the gorgeous Chuletas de Borrego (lamb chops with crushed aubergines). Special mention also to the delicious quinoa salad with coriander, mint and pomegranate – I will definitely be attempting this at home soon!! The desserts were amazing too, especially the Chocolate Fortunato Fondant with roasted white chocolate ice cream – WOW!
Coya was pricey but without any doubt, a memorable and divine dining experience. Highly recommended for a night out with your foodie friends!!!
