Best of the Spectator Table Talk: Jun Tanaka
Jun 3, 2025
Jun Tanaka, a Japanese-British chef with over 30 years in top London restaurants, shares his culinary journey. He reminisces about the comforting smell of baking and the nostalgia of Japanese home cooking. Jun debates why Japanese packed lunches outshine English ones and why London still lacks excellent ramen. His passion for innovative flavors shines through as he reflects on the evolution of London's dining scene and emphasizes the importance of a positive kitchen culture.
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Childhood Baking Memory
- Jun Tanaka's earliest food memory is sitting under the kitchen table while baking classes happened in his home.
- He loved eating the whisk used for creaming butter and sugar like a sweet treat.
Japanese Packed Lunch in UK School
- As a child new to the UK, Jun's packed lunch was Japanese with onigiri and soborodon rice bowls.
- His friends found this intriguing and he felt special eating something different from typical cheese sandwiches.
Ramen Quality in London
- London still lacks an authentic ramen experience compared to Japan.
- The critical elements are the broth flavor, cooking method, and texture of the noodles.