Shokupan — Restaurant in Birmingham

Wow. To begin with my partner wasn't the most keen to try it out of fear that the food would be too greasy but it was the owner who beckoned us in. What a natural businessman, he spoke with a genuine kindness and humour. Wasi seemed less interested in selling us something and more in talking to us, getting to know us, and even going so far to tell us what he likes and doesn't like on the menu.

I was besotted by the genuineness. I convinced my wife to sit and try it out.

We ordered loaded fries and one sando between us. This was plenty and he advised as much.

I am incredibly grateful that he had the alluring personality that he did because it's definitely an immediate favourite.

The food was sweet and savoury, everything cooked well and seasoned. The bread light, fluffy and moist. It was well thought through and even better served.

My wife was pleased at the lack of oil and grease.

I cannot attest enough that this is worth the try even if only to chat to the lovely staff. They went so far as to recommend other food places to us as well: unparalleled service.

I'll be sure to bring friends and family around and anytime I'm going through new street station I'll be sure to pop in.

Only point of criticism is we didnt enjoy the drinks. But in fairness they were exactly as advertised. My wife didn't enjoy the lemon-aid which was quite a bit more bitter than she would have liked. I likewise didn't enjoy the green coke but I admire the non-official coke option; Salaam cola is perhaps a better contender? But as I said, this is down to taste and not at all on fault of...

I ate in for the first time today after ordering on uber eats 2-3 times. The sandwiches although slightly wet were very tasty. This time round, I ordered the double Turkish pizza slice with fries and a drink. As soon as the waitress placed the plate on the table, I knew something had gone wrong. The "chilli honey" liquid sauce was dripping from the sides of the serving plate. I thought that it was just an extremely greasy pizza and then proceeded to eat the pizza. As I bit into it, a very watery, sticky oil like substance started dripping all over the table and down my arms and on my clothes. There was no stopping the endless amounts of "sauce" dripping everywhere. Although the taste of the pizza was ok and edible, the presentation and the execution was horrific and extreamly lazy. After eating the first slice, I then asked the waitress why there was so much oil dripping from my pizza slice. She agreed, took my plate away and then came back only to tell me that because I had eaten the first slice there was nothing they could do and that it wasnt oil it was chilli honey sauce. Regardless of what it was, the amount of it on two pizza slices was sickening. Absolutely ridiculous and unhelpful response to my very valid complaint. They did offer me a refund for the slice I hadnt eaten of the sticky liquid explosion which I declined and walked out as I was extreamly angry at the service. Won't be...

Tried this when they were GupShup on Ladypool Road. One of the owners explained his journey on producing the 'shokupan' bread and perfecting the recipe. Anyway, fast forward a few years later and here we are.

We ordered a hottie - whilst it was substantial in size it was lacking flavour. It was served warm and not hot like the name implies. The cheese was melted but was slightly cold by the time it reached us. Unacceptable for £13. Recent price hike as well.

We were sold a drink as 'Japanese', cool artwork on the can but not from Japan. This was mis-sold - it's made in the UK.

Seating and decor was ok - clear to see a Japanese theme going on. Not child friendly though, small figurines on display just not practical as I'm sure they don't want them played with, even though they are out.

Not so friendly owner felt the need to remind us that kids shouldn't be touching the wall art behind the seats as it was 'fragile'. If it can't withstand a few hands from kids - a) why put cartoons on it - b) get your interior designer to produce something more robust.

Also, next time try asking the customers how they are finding the food and experience before in effect telling them off for bringing kids to your establishment!

Lastly, shoutout to the waitress who cleaned up for us and wiped down our table. Star...