Galway set for new Japanese restaurant from acclaimed city restauranteur
Kombu - which is named after the Japanese seaweed – is a new ramen and bao bar and will be operated by award-winning chef and restaurateur JP McMahon.
The new location will operate from Druid Lane in Galway city and has been described by McMahon as a 'love letter to Japan', with a menu featuring ramen bowls, rice dishes, bao buns and other Japanese cuisine.
The menu has been inspired by traditional Japanese street food, according to McMahon, who says that Kombu is a 'realisation' of his love for Japanese cuisine.
A social media post by the restaurant has teased one of the potential dishes on offer at the restaurant, with further updates expected closer to the opening date.
Kombu will further bolster McMahon's restaurant portfolio in Galway. The Dublin-born chef also runs Michelin star restaurant Aniar on Dominick St in Galway city and is the co-owner and chef patron of Cava Bodega on Middle St.
'I've taught Japanese cooking classes at Aniar for years,' said Mr McMahon. 'Our Ramen and Bao Bar pop-ups have been a big hit at at Aniar as part of Blas na Gaillimhe Festivals of Food, and of course, I'm passionate about cooking with seaweed, utilising it broadly in Aniar - so this felt like a natural evolution.'
A head chef has been put in place, with Aniar chef Gabriel Ossani taking the reins. Further hires are expected with the restaurant taking applications for managerial positions, as well as floor staff, additional chefs and kitchen porters.
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