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UK says 'Hai' to Japanese fast casual concept

February 13, 2014

The latest Japanese-inspired food trend has landed in London with the launch of the UK's first Japanese burrito bar — Hai Street Kitchen & Co. The new fast casual concept opens in March in the city's Leadenhall Market and will be the world's first Hai Street Kitchen & Co, followed by a U.S. opening in Philadelphia this spring and two more sites in the UK later this year, according to a company press release.

Hai Street Kitchen & Co, owned by Genji, a subsidiary of Peace Dining Corporation, the largest sushi provider to Whole Foods Market, serving the Eastern U.S., California and the UK, offers customizable "Japanese burritos" and bowls with fresh, healthy ingredients, according to the release.

Designed along the lines of a burrito bar, diners first choose whether they want a burrito-style sushi rice roll or bowl (rice or salad), which will be made in front of them. Next, they choose their filling, which could be chicken or fish katsu, grilled pork belly, salmon pastrami, flank steak or roasted carrot for vegetarians and vegans. Lastly, customers may add homemade sauces, toppings and crunchy bits, which are fried garlic, shallots or yucca chips.

Executive Chef Takao Iinuma, who has worked alongside Japanese Chef Masaharu Morimoto, said the all-natural fresh ingredients are of the highest quality and are sustainably sourced. In addition, the theatre-style kitchen and service allows diners to see exactly what is going into their food. Iinuma has also created a complementary range of side dishes including Renkon chips, Tomato bisque and Miso soup, according to the release, according to the release.

Hai Street Kitchen, headquartered in Philadelphia, will launch in the U.S. this spring with its first outlet also in Philadelphia.

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