Located just beyond the bustle of London’s Oxford Circus lies a hidden oriental gem, Flesh and Buns Fitzrovia. Notorious for their bold and brilliant Bao Buns, delighting the public in debaucherous feasting for over a decade now, the establishment has decided to offer a novel experience with their weekend Flesh and Buns brunch menu. I can assure you that this is one you do not want to miss.
The Setting
The first thing that hits you on arrival to Flesh and Buns, Oxford Circus, is the serene environment surrounding it – shocking when considering it is a mere matter of minutes away from the vibrant energy characterising London’s most infamous street. Greeted at the door by a friendly face, you are quickly ushered into a spacious seating area with the traditionally Japanese ‘Lucky Cats’ lining the walls. This is in conjunction with bespoke anime-style art created just for Flesh and Buns by the talented Emily Fay, a London-based illustrator.
The Menu
Although the A la Carte menu was undeniably tempting; offering a variety of small plates varying from Scallop Yaki to a Mizuna Avocado Salad as well as an extensive selection of fresh raw sushi, Bao Buns and Poke Don – the latter’s likes of which ranged from Spicy Tuna Sashimi to Miso Grilled Aubergine – the weekend Flesh and Buns Brunch menu was a must for me due to its banquet style take of modern Japanese derived dishes.
Beginning with a selection of Salmon Sashimi, Spicy Tuna and Salmon Avocado rolls, served on a beautifully presented bamboo platter, I knew that I was in good hands. This was paired with chilled edamame, sesame infused charred broccoli and the real star of the starters – the delectably tangy Korean Fried wings that quite literally fell off the bone. It was safe to say that my hunger was satisfied long before the mains arrived!
The focal feature of the brunch is most definitely the ‘Flesh and Buns’ – it is only when you experience this that you truly discover the meaning behind the restaurant’s name. Choosing from an array of fillings, from Crispy Duck Leg to Japanese Fried Chicken to Crispy Piglet Belly, these arrive separately to the steamed to perfection and characteristically fluffy Bao Buns, allowing you to construct the delicacy yourself.
To finish your culinary experience are the Flesh and Buns desserts, the likes of which I have never encountered before. Entirely unprecedentedly, a ceramic fire pit arrives at your table in order for you to make your own smores (consisting of strawberry marshmallows, almond chocolate and graham crackers) – a true tongue-in-cheek showstopper. Though if this isn’t to your fancy, an array of Kinako Donuts stuffed with black sugar custard are also great.
The entire dining experience can truly be defined as a feast for all the senses.
Make it Bottomless
Alongside this bacchanalian-style feasting is free-flowing sparkling, red and white wine, or beer on tap, and even a firework sporting Lucky Cat cocktail. The drink pairings really work to ensure the holistic nature of this experience.
You can also choose from the substantial drinks list offered on the A la Carte menu – offering nearly a dozen cocktails infused with oriental touches and meticulously presented. For an even more authentic experience, warm sake by the carafe is recommended as well as an impressive listing of traditional Japanese whiskies.
To discover more, visit: fleshandbuns.com
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All imagery courtesy of Flesh and Buns.