Tsuru Bishopsgate/Spitalfields
I love working near Spitalfields market, partly because it means my commute is short, and mostly because the food options are about ten thousand times better than they were in Canary Wharf. Still, I’m nothing if not a complainer, and for a while I’ve bemoaned the lack of good sushi options for lunch. Itsu is OK in a pinch. Japanika isn’t bad but there’s no seating.
A few months ago, I was excited to learn on “Good for Lunch” that Tsuru Sushi had opened a branch at 201 Bishopsgate. Bizarrely, despite keeping an eye out for Tsuru while walking on Bishopsgate numerous times, I couldn’t find it.
So here’s my tip for those in search of sushi when near Liverpool Street station: despite the restaurant’s Bishopsgate address, Tsuru’s entrance is actually off Primrose Street, and even from Primrose Street, it’s easy to miss. You’re more likely to see the Pret a Manger next door because for some reason, Tsuru has eschewed proper signage.
salmon-avocado rolls in the foreground (£3.95) and prawn tempura rolls in the background (£4.25)
In any case, Tsuru is worth searching out. The ready-made rolls always taste freshly made. In fact, a couple of times, the prawn tempura in the prawn tempura rolls was still warm and crispy. Yum. Another plus: the rice isn’t stone hard/refrigerated to within an inch of its life. For ready-made stuff, Tsuru’s rolls are good.
pork katsu curry (£6.10)
I should confess I’m not always eating healthy when I drop by Tsuru. Pork katsu curry hits all the buttons – crispy, relatively grease-free, and generous amounts of slightly-sweet curry and rice. You can order it in chicken, too, but given the choice, I’ll take pig every time.
chicken teriyaki (£6.35)
Chicken teriyaki (looking kind of gross in the above picture, I must say) is comprised of thigh meat, which is my fave if I have to eat chicken. It’s not bad, but when I’m ordering a hot lunch, the katsu curries always win me over.
Tsuru’s outdoor seating on a nice day is shady and pleasant, and there’s plenty of indoor seating as well. For a quick, inexpensive and tasty lunch during the work week, Tsuru is a great option. You can even get tap water served in a proper glass.
Tsuru Sushi, 201 Bishopsgate (but accessible only via Primrose Street, look for it next to a Pret a Manger), EC2M 3UG; 0207 377 1166; closest tube station: Liverpool Street Station
I love Tsuru – probably eat at the one near the Tate Modern at least once a week. Have you tried the Katsu curry sandwich? So bad but SO good.
Katst curry sandwich?? o_O Soggy mess?
Gourmet Chick – No, I haven’t noticed the katsu curry sandwich on the menu, but it sounds excellent!
Wild Boar – True, but anything that brings to mind a chicken parm hoagie is worth the risk of another high dry cleaning bill. : )
Just went to the one in Southwark a couple of weeks ago and also really liked it. It’s half price on taste London – great deal and the staff was so friendly. Not used to this really…
I’ve never been to the Southwark location, but good to hear about the half-price deal. Re: your comment “not used to this really” – lol.
Thanks for this tip, I work in the same area too so I’m going to go today for lunch. Check out the katsu.