Tokyo Diner, based in the heart of London and serving authentic Japanese food since 1992, is this month launching a new chapter of its story and its first venture following the shutdown of the hospitality industry this summer, Fakey Cakey. Fakey Cakey is a new type of cake created for those who prefer savoury flavours, but still want a celebration cake that brings the wow factor.

All hand-crafted with layers of shari (Japanese seasoned rice) and fresh vegetables, Fakey Cakey will initially be launching with 11 fantastic flavours – including a cooked meat, fish & seafood range, a sashimi range, and a vegetarian & vegan range. Each one is hand-finished with beautiful decorations to make it look as good as it tastes.

What's more, Fakey Cakey is healthy and filling; a cake you can really make a meal out of. Fakey Cakey is the perfect centrepiece for any occasion from a dinner party with friends to a birthday party spread or even for when you just want to treat yourself – a Fakey Cakey will add a touch of something special to even the most ordinary of get-togethers.  The 11 creations will include:

• Katsu Fakey Cakey (available with pork, chicken, beef, vegetarian mince, and tofu)
• Seared Salmon Fakey Cakey
• Sashimi Colosseum Fakey Cakey
• Asparagus Garden Fakey Cakey (vg)
• Mixed Vegetable Tempura Fakey Cakey (v)

Fakey Cakeys will be available to order from the 21st September 2020 from: https://fakeycakey.com/, and can be delivered to most London postcodes. Alternatively, they can be collected from Tokyo Diner, Soho, RRP from £59.00 up (excluding delivery). 

Instagram:@FakeyCakeyLondon
Facebook: /Fakey-Cakey-London

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Background Information:

How Fakey Cakey came to be…

Fakey Cakey was the brainchild of long-standing Tokyo Diner chef Gayan-san, who was born in Kalutara and educated in Tokyo, which is where he fell in love with Japanese cuisine as well as his (now) wife. They moved to London 10 years ago and Gayan-san been working at Tokyo Diner since 2011.  

Gayan-san came up with the idea several years ago for the 60th birthday of Tokyo Diner's owner, Richard Hills. This is an important milestone in Japanese culture as it represents the beginning of a new cycle of life. Gayan-san knew that Richard isn't a fan of over-sweet things so, in order that they could still celebrate this auspicious occasion in style, he created the first ever Fakey Cakey.

Flash forward to 2020 and Tokyo Diner was forced to shut its doors for the first time in nearly 30 years because of the COVID-19 pandemic; previously, the restaurant had been known for opening 365 days a year (yes, even Christmas day!).

 Despite the hospitality industry being allowed to re-open in early July, the Tokyo Diner team decided to remain shut in order to keep both customers and staff safe. Reflecting on better times, they fondly remembered Gayan-san's mouth-watering Fakey Cakeys and decided that developing them would be a great way to serve Tokyo Diner's wonderfully loyal customers again, keep their brilliant team working together and begin a new and exciting chapter of the Tokyo Diner story.

About Tokyo Diner:

Tokyo Diner was founded by Richard Hills, after he first discovered his love for Japan in 1987 when he started Japanese evening classes (due to an administrative error – he originally signed up to learn German!). Japan soon captivated him with its fascinating culture, its challenging but rewarding language, and its charming, warm, and enthusiastic people.

After studying for two years, Richard went on the trip of a lifetime to Japan where he spent several months exploring the country. On his return, he wanted to bring back a little slice of what he had experienced himself. Although there were Japanese restaurants in London at the time, he found the food didn't really fill you up, the atmosphere often made you feel like you were in a temple not a restaurant, and the bill was always too high. In contrast, in Japan people were positive about enjoying life and appreciating good food as much and as often as they could – and there were always an abundance of eateries which offered delicious, satisfying, 'ordinary' food at sensible prices with a warm and friendly atmosphere and a good dose of fun.

From this, Tokyo Diner was born. In 1992, the launderette below his flat on Newport Place became vacant and Richard jumped at the chance to turn the whole building into what is now Tokyo Diner. From then, until Spring 2020, Tokyo Diner has never been short of customers – serving on average 300 meals a day – and has become a 'home from home' for its Japanese customers, as well as a bit of a London institution, providing affordable, satisfying and, most importantly, fun meals for all who visit.

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Notes to editors:

For further information, images and any other press enquiries, please contact CW Communications:

Chloe Walden : chloe@cwcommunications.org : 07503 173 356

High res images can be found here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/89abicueslsir8e/Seared%20Salmon%20Fakey%20Cakey%20%283%29.jpg?dl=0