For my father-in-law’s birthday we decided to try something different. Fugu is a Japanese restaurant that has recently opened in central Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated next to All Bar One on Midsummer Boulevard.  I had never eaten Japanese food before and I was rather apprehensive whether I would like the food on offer.

When we entered the restaurant the staff were welcoming and asked where would we like to sit; either at a table for the a-la-carte menu or at the Teppan Yaki. You ask…“What is a Teppan Yaki?” well quite simply it is a cooking table to entertain the customer. 

It is strange to sit at a table with people that you have never met before but once you have had a couple of drinks and relax a little, the strangers are no longer strange. 

Décor                                                                                                                                                                                        The décor was very stylish and simple. The restaurant has varied seating available which also includes a table where you have to sit on cushions on the floor - that will be one for next time.

Service                                                                                                                                                                                       We decided to sit at the Teppan Yaki table. The staff were helpful in explaining how this would work. We were tempted to try the al-a-carte menu but on reflection, the Teppan Yaki experience is something you must try at least once. The waiters are always at your service, without being intrusive.

Food                                                                                                                                                                                          We decided to miss the starters and went straight for our mains.  I ordered Fried Noodles with Chicken and my partner ordered Udon Noodles with Prawns.  We ordered Mixed Vegetables and Sirloin Steak to share. My parents-in-law ordered Garlic rice, Tiger Prawns, Scallops, and Mixed Vegetables to share whilst my two brothers-in-law ordered Garlic Rice, Chicken, Monkfish and Mixed Vegetables to share.

The Chef visited our table and began to prepare the hot plate.  He introduced himself with a few tricks, flicking his spatulas in the air.  I should point out that if you prefer to have your party’s food served at the same time you’ll be a little disappointed. The dishes are cooked in front of you and they can only cook so much at once. Despite this, the entertainment helps and it is somewhat enjoyable watching your food prepared. The Chef cooks the rice first and serves it, flipping the bowls a couple of times and then the noodles.  Once the noodles have been served they ask if you would like some tuna on top.  If you are old enough to remember those red mood fish that you used to get in crackers, the tuna moves in this sort of fashion, almost like it is alive.  Next up was the main meats followed by the mixed vegetables.

My steak was tasty. I prefer my steak cooked well done which can sometimes make it tough, but this simply melted in my mouth.  My parents-in-law were very impressed with the size of their prawns and commented that they were cooked to perfection whilst the boys thoroughly enjoyed their chicken and monkfish. The monk fish is steamed and fried at the same time.

The mixed vegetables were a disappointment. I bean sprouts but there were just too many of them and a little more variety with more peppers and onions would have helped.

Atmosphere                                                                                                                                                                              Fugu has a pleasant vibe to it. With background music, random people chatting and the Chef’s tricks with the food, it is difficult not to enjoy the occasion. The Chef even performed a few additional tricks for the birthday boy and yes, he was embarrassed.  If you’re looking for an entertaining night with a difference, then try Fugu. I have not had as much fun at dinner for along time. The prices are also reasonable.