Japanese home cooking is, in many ways, children's food that adults enjoy too. In Japan these dishes are staples of family dinners and school lunches, and they are designed to be mild, filling and easy to like. That makes them a good way to broaden what children eat without a battle at the table.
The dishes children tend to love
Japanese curry
If one dish wins children over, it is Japanese curry. It is thick, mildly spiced and gently sweet, mild enough that Japanese children eat it from a young age. It is also a good way to get carrot, potato and onion into a reluctant eater.
Chicken teriyaki
A proper chicken teriyaki is savoury with a light sweetness from mirin. We use tender chicken thigh, and it comes with sesame green beans, which even fussy eaters tend to accept when they come with the glaze.
Chicken katsu
Crispy breaded chicken is a near-universal hit with children. Chicken katsu is that, done properly, with panko for a lighter crunch.
Gyudon
Gyudon is thinly sliced beef and onion simmered in a light, savoury broth over rice. The beef is soft and easy to eat, and it is gentle in flavour.
The ones to try when they are ready
Veggie mapo tofu is milder than the Sichuan original, but it has gentle warmth from the toban djan chilli paste. Miso glazed salmon is a good way to introduce oily fish, though some children find the texture of fish harder going.
Adjusting for children
- Spice. Our dishes are mild by default. If you want them adjusted, milder for the children or hotter for the adults, say so when you book and we will adapt where we can.
- Portion size. Each dish makes four adult portions. With younger children, a portion can often be shared, so a visit stretches further.
- Chicken. We use thigh by default because it stays tender. We can use breast if you prefer.
Allergens to know about
Several classic Japanese ingredients are common allergens. Across our menu:
| Allergen | Found in |
|---|---|
| Soya | Every dish, from soy sauce |
| Wheat | Every dish, from soy sauce, panko or curry roux |
| Egg | Tonkatsu and chicken katsu |
| Milk | Japanese curry |
| Sesame | Chicken teriyaki, miso glazed salmon, veggie mapo tofu |
| Fish | Gyudon, from the dashi, and miso glazed salmon |
Food is prepared in your kitchen, which may handle other allergens, so we cannot guarantee a dish is free from traces. If anyone in the family has an allergy, tell us when you book. Our guide to private chefs and allergies explains how we handle it.
A family week from one visit
A three-dish visit gives you twelve portions. For a family of four, that is three family dinners. A combination that works for most households:
| Dish | Why |
|---|---|
| Japanese curry | The one everyone agrees on |
| Chicken katsu | Katsu curry night, or on its own with rice |
| Chicken teriyaki | A lighter dinner with greens |
Freeze what you will not eat in the next couple of days, and you have dinners ready for the busiest nights of the week.
FAQ
Is Japanese curry suitable for children?
Yes. It is mild by default and one of the most popular dishes with Japanese children.
Is Japanese food spicy?
Most Japanese home cooking is not spicy at all. Our mapo tofu has gentle warmth, and everything else is mild.
Can you make dishes milder for children?
Tell us when you book and your chef will adapt where they can.