Zen Restaurants Ltd, through Zen to Go, has recently launched a Japanese Street Food concept in the parking area at Pama, Mosta, via a dedicated food truck. The first of its kind on the island, the new concept by Zen has generated interest among local foodies.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, a spokesperson for Japanese Street Food by Zen to Go said that the team behind the new venture has been working to make the concept as authentic as possible for the past six months. 

“The concept is all based on Japanese influence, which is why the recipes were formed by a Japanese chef,” she explains.  

Additionally, the spokesperson states that the company has been testing the menu and training chefs for the past six months. “We wanted to make sure that we launch properly,” she adds.

Asked about what inspired the street food concept, she says that Zen has many outlets but the interest for the new concept was sparked from the Zen Japanese Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki in Portomaso, an upmarket restaurant that offers a Japanese dining experience. Apart from the restaurant in Portomaso, it is also responsible for the Zen Sushi brand, including Zen to Go and Zen to Go Express.

Despite offering different concepts, such as Zen to Go Express, this is a new concept for the company and the change in scenery comes with some challenges. “When you have a smaller space – like the trailer – it restricts the menu options. Additionally, the concept is based on street food so one has to be fast, even if there are some restrictions,” she remarks.

Despite so, she notes that while prep work “makes miracles”, having Zen to Go opposite the trailer is also beneficial to them. 

Its worth noting that Japanese cuisine emphasises on the importance of seasonality and the respect for ingredients. While the street food concept also shares the same values of freshly made dishes, for the time being, it will not offer specials or seasonal dishes.

“At the moment, until we settle, we will be offering solely what’s in the current menu. Nonetheless, eventually we will offer special dishes and use seasonal ingredients. Until then we will give the chefs some space to settle,” the spokesperson says.

Currently the street food trailer offers different dishes such as chicken karaage, beef and truffle siu mai, gyozas, the famous Japanese dish omurice and okonomiyaki – a savour pancake.