"Wasabi" can refer to two distinct UK-based companies: Wasabi Sushi & Bento, a popular restaurant chain known for fresh, fast Japanese food like sushi, hot bento, and noodles with locations across the UK and a focus on modern Asian flavours, and The Wasabi Company, a family-run farm and supplier specializing in growing and providing high-quality, authentic Japanese ingredients, including their own UK-grown fresh wasabi, Japanese citrus, and other specialty produce for chefs and home cooks.
Wasabi Sushi & Bento (The Restaurant Chain)
- Focus: Fresh, convenient, grab-and-go Japanese and pan-Asian meals.
- Products: Sushi, sashimi, hot bento boxes, noodle soups, rice bowls, and sides like gyoza.
- History: Founded in London in 2003, aiming to offer healthy, authentic alternatives to sandwiches.
- Operations: Operates in high-volume locations (stations, city centres) and offers delivery/takeaway.
- Focus: Cultivating and supplying authentic Japanese ingredients, being the first in Europe to grow fresh wasabi.
- Products: Fresh wasabi, wasabi condiments, citrus trees, shiso, ponzu, Japanese spirits, and more.
- History: A family business with farms in Dorset and Hampshire, supplying top chefs and retailers.
- Ethos: Committed to sustainable growing practices and high-quality Japanese produce.