Launching 27th July, guests can enjoy two small plates and a glass of wine for £14.50 at the Jewellery Quarter restaurant
Following a culinary exchange in Barcelona between Pete Dovaston, Head Chef and Owner of Maneki Ramen and Mike Davies, Head Chef at Umami Plant Based, Maneki is launching a new summer small plates menu inspired by the flavours, techniques and cultures of Japan and Spain.
Launching on 27th July, guests can enjoy two small plates and a glass of wine for just £14.50, bringing the spirit of Spanish social dining and Japanese flavour innovation to Birmingham. Alternatively, guests can enjoy two small plates and a cocktail for £16.50, or three small plates and a bottle of wine for £40.50.
Pete travelled to Barcelona in April to collaborate with Mike Davies, sharing culinary expertise, cooking techniques and perspectives shaped by their respective food cultures. Together, they hosted an exclusive supper club, bringing to life a unique fusion of culture, experience and cuisine.
Inspired by the experience, the new Tokyo Tapas menu at Maneki celebrates the precision and umami-led approach of Japanese cooking alongside Spain’s vibrant small plates culture, encouraging guests to explore, share and discover new flavour combinations.
Summer Small Plates Menu:
Chashu Pork & Chicken Croquettes
Inspired by Barcelona’s iconic bomba croquettes – chashu pork and chicken with Ma-yu citrus mayo.
Kimchi Fried Rice Croquettes
Pineapple & pear kimchi, crispy chilli mayo.
Gochugaru Rice Crackers
Crisp rice crackers with whipped tofu ponzu, balearic seaweed salt with a hint of spice
Korean Double Fried Tofu
House tofu, gochujang sweet & spicy sauce, furikake and scallions
Karaage Chicken
Japanese triple fried chicken, wild garlic & crispy chilli ‘kewpie’ mayo, furikake
Sichuan Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smashed cucumber, black vinegar, garlic, ginger & Sichuan chilli, furikake
Pineapple & Pear Kimchi
Spicy fermented pineapple & pear, scallions
Commenting on the collaboration, Pete Dovaston said:
“Wherever I travel, I take inspiration from the food culture around me, not just the dishes themselves, but the people behind them, the techniques they use and the stories they tell through food. Collaborating with Mike Davies in Barcelona was an incredible opportunity to learn from each other, exchange ideas and celebrate what makes both Japanese cuisine and Spanish culture so special. Bringing those experiences back to Maneki and sharing them with our guests is something I’m really passionate about.”
He added:
“The response to our supper club in Barcelona showed us how exciting these cross-cultural dining experiences can be. The small plates menu is just the start of what will be an ongoing creative partnership between Maneki and Umami, with much more to come.”
The Maneki small plates summer menu launches at the Jewellery Quarter restaurant on 27th of July, with guests invited to enjoy any two small plates with a glass of wine for £14.50, two small plates and a cocktail for £16.50 or three small plates and a bottle of wine for £40.50. This marks the first chapter of an ongoing collaboration between Maneki x Umami, with further events and culinary projects planned soon.
