Historical version 18 of Poppy Hana, SE16 4RT (view current version)
- 020 7237 9416
- 168 Jamaica Road, SE16 4RT (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- poppyhana.com
- noon-11pm Mon-Sat (last orders 10pm; they'll close earlier than 11pm if there's no customers left); closed Sun
Poppy Hana opened on Jamaica Road around September 2006, replacing the previous (English) version of the business, and describing itself as the Japanese restaurant with fusion.
Kake has visited several times, and sent Bob and doop to fetch takeaway sushi several more: the prices are reasonable, the range is good, and the quality is acceptable. They have natto! The nigiri menu includes salmon roe, flying fish roe, amaebi, octopus, and scallop; prices range from £2 for two tamago nigiri through £3 for two tuna nigiri up to £3.75 for two sea urchin nigiri. However, the nigiri in our July 2008 order were enormous, with a rice portion out of all proportion to the fish, and sometimes requiring three bites for Kake to finish one (nigiri should ideally be edible in a single mouthful).
When it comes to the starters, the takoyaki (battered octopus balls, £2.95) is notable for the bonito flakes on top; when they bring it to your table the dried bonito flutters around in the heat, almost looking like something alive! See this video (with sound, from elsewhere). Sadly, this feature doesn't survive the takeaway process. The yakitori (£3 for four skewers) may be best avoided; two orders in September and October 2007 had several pieces which were inedibly hard, though this wasn't the case in our July 2008 order.
The service has occasionally been patchy, but any mistakes have always been promptly apologised for. It's difficult to say whether this place is worth a special trip; while there are certainly places that do better sushi (generally at higher prices), there aren't many convenient to Bermondsey that offer this range and quality at this price (although there's always Feng Sushi at London Bridge, if that's your thing; different atmosphere, though). One big plus point is its location a mere minute's walk from Bermondsey tube station (turn right on exit from the station, it's a little further along on your right).
They offer a takeaway service, too, and they deliver within 2 miles' radius for orders over £20. You can order online from Hungry House.
See also
- Photos (not ours)