Christmas dinner traditions receive a dramatic Japanese makeover this year as YO! Sushi unveils its festive menu, transforming classic British dishes into innovative culinary creations that challenge conventional expectations.
A Christmas Roll Like No Other
The standout dish causing considerable buzz is the Xmas Tempura Wrap, priced at £6.95. This revolutionary creation essentially packages an entire Christmas dinner within a sushi roll, though it bears little resemblance to traditional sushi. Served hot and encased in crispy tempura batter, the wrap contains cranberry teriyaki charsu chicken, a whole pig in blanket, pickled red onion, sautéed garlic Brussels sprouts, and mayo-dressed red cabbage.
Journalist Ellen Jenne, who sampled the menu ahead of its public launch, described the experience as unlike any Christmas dinner or sushi she had previously encountered. The dish comes accompanied by an entire bowl of gravy for dipping, creating an unexpectedly harmonious fusion of British and Japanese flavours.
Japanese Christmas Traditions Meet British Classics
Another highlight is The JFC at £13.95, YO!'s interpretation of the Japanese Christmas tradition of eating KFC. The festive bucket contains crispy chicken tenders, corn ribs, chips, pigs in blankets, and Christmas slaw, served with either gravy or katsu sauce. The chicken tenders proved particularly impressive – crunchy externally while remaining remarkably juicy inside.
The menu also features Miso Corn Ribs (£3.95), where charred corn ribs receive a generous drizzle of miso mayo and chilli powder. This innovative vegetable dish has grown increasingly popular in recent years and provides a satisfying alternative to traditional Christmas vegetables.
Sweet Finale and Full Menu Details
For dessert, the Mince Pie Cream Puff (£5.50) offers a Japanese twist on the British classic. The choux bun contains white chocolate cream and mincemeat custard, finished with cinnamon icing – delivering a cream-filled experience that avoids excessive sweetness.
The complete YO! Christmas menu includes seven items: Xmas Tempura Wrap (£6.95), The JFC (£13.95), Mince Pie Cream Puff (£5.50), Miso Corn Ribs (£3.95), Pigs in Blankets (£7.95) glazed in cranberry teriyaki sauce, Boba Bellini (£6.95) cocktail, and a Christmas Tree Platter (£24.95) containing assorted sushi.
The YO! Christmas menu officially launches on Tuesday, November 11 in restaurants nationwide, offering Brits an opportunity to experience festive flavours through an entirely different culinary lens.
