Natural Natural

If you’re keen to have a go at cooking Japanese food at home (or are already a dab hand), you still might find it hard to get hold of everything you need in the supermarket. Step into Natural Natural, though, and you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice; there’s everything you need to start creating authentic feasts at home. If you’re not sure what you need, just ask – staff will be more than happy to help. There’s a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, including lotus root and daikon radish, fresh fish (perfect for sushi and sashimi), a range of tofu, as well as snacks and sweets. If you’ve been thinking about making dishes using dashi, the ubiquitous Japanese stock, then beginners can pick up powdered dashi while those ready to give the real thing a go can stock up on kombu seaweed and katsuobushi bonito flakes, or dried shiitake for veggies and vegans. Both stores also feature a delicatessen with eat-in space at the Ealing branch – where you can pick up a bento lunchbox, kara-age fried chicken for less than a pound, croquettes, or katsu curry or ramen noodles if you’re after something more substantial. Japanese learners or Japanese film fans can make use of the rental video service too; with over 1000 titles to choose from, pick up a classic or a recent blockbuster and something more interesting than popcorn to snack on while you watch.