London’s culinary scene is about to get a major upgrade with the arrival of Kanpai Classic, a renowned Japanese yakiniku restaurant celebrated for its high-quality wagyu beef. Taking centre stage in an array of dishes, from raw beef and sushi to yakiniku then Kamameshi and soup, guests will be able to experience its entire range of flavours. Set to open its doors in September in the heart of Soho, Kanpai Classic promises to offer an unparalleled dining experience, combining the rich tradition of Japanese barbecue with a modern twist.

A Taste of History

Kanpai Classic is the brainchild of Soji Hiraide, a visionary restaurateur with a deep connection to both Japan and Taiwan. Born to a Japanese father and Taiwanese mother, Hiraide moved to Taipei in the early 1990s and fell in love with the city.

It was here, while still a student, that he took over a struggling yakiniku restaurant using an inheritance from his mother. Drawing on his Japanese heritage and keen business acumen, Hiraide transformed it into Kanpai – meaning “cheers” in Japanese – and introduced Taiwan to the joys of grilled beef and beer.

Wagyu: The Star of the Show

Central to Kanpai Classic’s allure is its premium wagyu beef. The restaurant became the first in Taiwan to serve Australian wagyu in 2003, a move that set it apart in the highly competitive food industry. This commitment to quality has been a cornerstone of the brand, culminating in Kanpai Classic’s Shanghai Bund Store earning a Michelin star just a year after opening.

For its London debut, Kanpai Classic will showcase up to 10 different cuts of aged wagyu beef, sourced from world-renowned suppliers like Jack’s Creek and Tajimaya. Diners can expect a tender, melt-in-the-mouth taste sensation, with beef aged for a minimum of 40 days to enhance its intricate marbling and flavour.

A Unique Dining Experience

Executive Chef Masatada Ogata and Head Chef Nicolo Bolognesi, formerly of Nobu Hotel Portman Square, will lead the culinary team at Kanpai Classic’s 86-cover, two-floor Soho location. The restaurant will feature a 14-course Omakase Menu during its soft launch, with a full a la carte menu available from September. Each table will be fitted with a safe, smokeless, and odourless charcoal grill, allowing diners to enjoy perfectly cooked wagyu in an intimate setting.

Complementing the exquisite fare will be an extensive drinks list, including 10 exclusive sakes from Japan’s award-winning Masuizumi Brewery. The restaurant will also offer a private chefs’ table for up to seven guests, perfect for corporate events and special celebrations.

Looking to the Future

Kanpai Classic’s London opening marks a significant milestone for the Kanpai Group, which now operates nearly 70 sites across Taiwan and China. With an annual turnover exceeding £125 million and a workforce of nearly 2,500, the group is poised to make a significant impact on the UK dining scene.

“Having introduced wagyu to Taiwan and China, we’re about to do the same in Europe,” says CEO and founder Soji Hiraide. “We can’t wait to give London its first proper taste of the world’s finest beef!”

London food enthusiasts can look forward to an extraordinary culinary adventure as Kanpai Classic brings the best of Japanese yakiniku to the vibrant streets of Soho.

For more information, visit www.kanpaiclassic.co.uk