Sushi, nigiri and grill in Arko, japanese restaurant in Barcelona, best price to quality value Enric Granados close to Passeig de Gracia

Japanese cuisine of migration and memory

Nikkei cuisine was born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a result of the migration of Japanese to Peru to work as laborers on sugar plantations, and is characterized by the use of the wide variety of ingredients available in their new host country. In 1980, this type of food began to be recognized, and since then it has been considered a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients. Peruvian influences include some basic ingredients such as rocoto, which gives the spicy flavor, yellow chili pepper or local lemons.

Seafood as the protagonist

One of the most distinctive elements of this cuisine is its focus on fish and seafood, both ingredients are keys in culinary traditions that come from large coastal areas. Ceviche, which combines Japanese techniques such as precise cutting of fish with the fresh, citrus flavors characteristic of Peru, is a good example.

A two-way transfer

On the other hand, the Japanese aspect of fusion can be seen in the introduction of vegetable crops and, above all, rice in Peruvian lands. Not only did they combine products from both cultures, but the Japanese also used Peruvian foods to prepare traditional dishes from their land. An example of this is the use of yuca to prepare mochi, which gave rise to yucamochi or yuca pudding, a classic dish of this fusion.

Nikkei cuisine in Arko

In Arko we believe that nikkei cuisine not only highlights the richness of both worlds, but it also reflects our deep understanding and respect for Japanese and Peruvian traditions, as well as allowing us to cook creatively. Our tuna loin nigiri with yellow chili, black quinoa and coriander, butterfish, anticuchera with spring onion or starters such as salmon carpaccio, mango tiger milk and crispy filos are some examples of the Nikkei cuisine in our menu. To discover it in full, you can make the reservation through this link: we await you at Arko to enjoy one of the best Japanese restaurants in Barcelona.