Easy Chicken Teriyaki

An old favourite of many I'm sure and it is so easy to make. The amount of sugar is slightly scary but I usually substitute two tablespoons of sugar with one of honey as I don't like it uber sweet anyway. It's probably not that much better for you but it doesn't feel quite as naughty. You can also add some sake for extra taste but as it is quite difficult to get hold of I usually do without or use a splash of chinese Shao Hsing wine.

Ingredients:

5 x sliced chicken thighs (I buy the skinless and boneless kind)
4 x Tbsp soy sauce
4 x Tbsp sugar (or substitute a couple of tbsp with honey)
2 x Tbsp water
1 x Tbsp cornflour (mixed with water)
Sliced onions
one clove of garlic (crushed and chopped)
few strips of ginger (crushed)

Medley of vegetables steamed (I like broccoli and carrots with teriyaki) as a side.

First brown the onions, garlic and ginger before adding the chicken pieces. Once the chicken has browned add the soy sauce, mirin, sugar and water. Bring to boil then simmer for about 15 minutes making sure the chicken is cooked through. Once it is ready, add the cornflour mixture and reduce to the consistency you like.  

Serve with rice and vegetables.

The Big Four

As an avid foodie there were four places I was absolutely desperate to try before the end of the year, Hakkasan, Sushi Samba, Hutong and Nobu and I'm pleased to say I finally did it! Food was delicious at all four restaurants but it's a very close call between Hakkasan and Sushi Samba. Both offer different cuisine but if I had to chose my favourite it would probably have to be Sushi Samba. The food was just simply amazing, every other mouthful was followed by 'Oh. My. God'. On the day we went, it was absolutely pouring down outside so we didn't have a great view of London but that did not bother me in the slightest because I was so impressed with the presentation and taste of the food. A definite must try, the lift ride itself up Heron Tower was super fun, not for one with fear of heights though.

A quick run down of each:

Hakkasan

Amazing food and decor, everything was top knotch and it is my new favourite chinese restaurant in town!

Sushi Samba

Food out of this world from melt in your mouth pork belly to wagyu beef gyoza. Just when we thought we could not possible fit in another mouthful a huge plate of sushi came out and we actually finished it within ten minutes because it was so delicious.

Just when we thought we could eat no more...

Almost gone in 60 seconds

Hutong

I must say the views from Huton definitely trumps Sushi Samba but the food wasn't quite to my taste as it was quite spicey. However, if you are a fan northern Chinese spices then do give it a try. The portions were big so justified the price tags to match. The soft shell crab dish was super more-ish dispite the ma-lat spice numbing my tongue. Also, don't miss the amazing views from the toilets!

Spot HMS Belfast

Nobu

Ah Nobu, often seen as the original go to place for Japanese food. As soon as I walked in the smell of the food was like a party in my nostrils!! I could not wait to tuck in, but although each dish was delicious (yes the black cod was AMAZING) I did feel prices were inflated and I could go to some very good Japanese places in central London and have similar food for half the price. Old school Nobu is lovely but perhaps needs to up its game a little to keep up with the new kids on the block such as Sushi Samba.