Japanese Curry Bun Hatch Opens on Islington Green
A Neighbourhood Gem Worth Finding
If you’ve been wandering past Unit 3 on Islington Green and spotted queues forming outside a small hatch, you’ve found Kanazawa – and you’re in for a treat. This intimate takeaway spot, nestled just off Camden Passage in the heart of our neighbourhood, has quickly become a destination for locals seeking authentic Japanese street food that goes beyond the usual high street offerings.
The space itself is modest but intentional. The two friends who founded Kanazawa knew exactly what they wanted to create: a no-frills, quality-focused counter where every item is prepared fresh to order. This wasn’t an overnight success story. The duo spent time building their reputation through their weekend pop-up van at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross before committing to their first permanent home here in Islington. For our community, that’s significant – it shows genuine dedication to their craft and to serving local customers properly.
What makes Kanazawa special isn’t just the food; it’s the philosophy behind it. Everything you order has been thoughtfully made that day. The hand-kneaded dough, the slow-simmered curry filling, the perfectly crispy panko coating – these aren’t shortcuts. For residents who’ve grown tired of mass-produced alternatives, this represents something increasingly rare: a local business genuinely invested in quality over volume.
The Menu: Beyond Basic Curry Buns
The signature curry bun is where Kanazawa’s reputation was built, and rightly so. The original beef version – with its tender, aromatic slow-cooked filling wrapped in fluffy dough and finished with a golden panko crust – remains essential eating. But the team hasn’t stopped there. They’ve thoughtfully expanded their range to suit different dietary preferences and tastes, offering vegetarian, vegan, cheese and sausage versions of their core product.
Beyond the curry buns, the menu reveals adventurous thinking. The melon pan deserves particular attention – a beautifully balanced sweet bun topped with a light, scone-like biscuit crust that somehow feels both indulgent and delicate. The nama doughnuts, filled with either Earl Grey diplomat cream or matcha cream, bring a sophisticated Japanese pastry tradition to our neighbourhood. There’s also shokupan (Japanese milk loaf) available to take home in different sizes, perfect for those seeking something beyond the usual bakery section offerings.
Drink options complement the food well: matcha affogato and coffee affogato for serious food enthusiasts, plus an iced mango matcha latte for something lighter. Weekend visitors should check Instagram for the chicken teriyaki sando – served with egg mayo at just £4.50 for a half portion – though opening times can vary between their Islington location and their ongoing Kings Cross market presence.
What Local Residents Should Know
For those of us in Islington, Whitton, Hounslow and neighbouring areas exploring independent food businesses, Kanazawa is worth knowing about. Located at Unit 3, 34 Islington Green, it’s become part of our local food ecosystem – the kind of independent spot that gives a neighbourhood character and attracts people who care about what they eat.
There’s an important practical detail: opening hours aren’t always consistent with what Google Maps shows. The team recommends following their Instagram account to check whether they’re open and what specials are available that day. This matters because nothing’s worse than making the trip and finding them closed. Weekend service (Saturday and Sunday) often includes items not available during the week, so planning ahead pays off.
Think about what Kanazawa represents for our community. They’ve chosen to invest locally, creating a small business that’s genuinely part of Islington rather than a chain outlet. They’re employing local people and sourcing thoughtfully. When you visit, you’re directly supporting that commitment. For those of us who believe in strengthening our neighbourhood through conscious consumer choices – whether it’s supporting independent food businesses or considering local services like professional Hounslow bookkeeping for small enterprises – places like this matter. Visit www.japanesecurrybreadkanazawa.com to learn more about their full menu and ordering options.
Source: Curry Buns, Nama Donuts And Melon Pan From A Tiny Hatch
