Asian Contemporary
Asian Contemporary Catering in London
The Asian Contemporary direction at Vlamber brings a curated selection of the most refined and event-ready dishes from across Asia — Japanese sushi and sashimi, Nikkei-influenced tuna tartare, Korean contemporary plates, Cantonese dim sum, Vietnamese-inspired fresh salads and Southeast Asian aromatic bowls. Not an attempt to represent all of Asia in one menu — but a carefully selected, high-quality range of Asian culinary influences that work exceptionally well at catering events in London, executed by chefs with genuine experience in each tradition.
What Is The Asian Contemporany Direction At Vlamber
Asian catering in London is versatile, guest-friendly and beautifully scalable — contemporary Pan-Asian small plates, a mix of Southeast Asian, Japanese and modern Chinese influences, are built for mingling: fast to circulate, colourful to photograph and easy to tune to dietary needs. Premium sushi stations turn heads at product launches, and contemporary Asian vegan menus keep everyone happy without feeling like a compromise. Arabica London
At Vlamber, the Asian Contemporary direction is a curated selection — not an attempt to serve everything Asian at once. We focus on the traditions we execute with genuine skill and the formats that work most effectively at London catering events:
- Japanese — sushi, sashimi, nigiri, tempura, yakitori, miso-based dishes
- Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) — tuna tartare, tiradito, ceviche with Japanese technique, yuzu-dressed dishes
- Korean Contemporary — bulgogi, ssam, gochujang glazed proteins, kimchi-inspired preparations
- Cantonese / Dim Sum — handmade dumplings, har gow, siu mai, bao buns, spring rolls
- Vietnamese-inspired — fresh rice paper rolls, pho-style broths, lemongrass and lime preparations
- Southeast Asian — Thai-inspired aromatic curries and salads, satay, pad-style dishes
The selection is chosen for one reason above all others: quality of execution at a professional catering event in London. Every dish in the Asian Contemporary direction is chosen because it can be made well, held correctly and served with precision in an event environment.
Why Asian Contemporary Works At London Events
London’s event catering audience is one of the most international in the world. Asian culinary traditions — and particularly the contemporary interpretations of Japanese, Korean and Pan-Asian cooking — are deeply familiar to London’s corporate and private guest lists.
The visual appeal is immediate and powerful
Asian contemporary catering is among the most photogenic food available at London events. The colours of sashimi against rice, the sculptural precision of nigiri, the jewel-bright tones of a Vietnamese fresh salad, the steam rising from a bamboo basket of dim sum — all of it creates strong visual content and an immediate impression of quality.
It suits standing events and receptions perfectly
Japanese and Pan-Asian small plates are designed to be eaten in one or two bites, without cutlery, at a standing event. The format is native to the tradition — izakaya culture, dim sum yum cha, Korean banchan — and translates directly into canapé and bowl food catering in London.
It is genuinely inclusive
Vegetarian and vegan guests are comprehensively catered for — vegetable dim sum, tofu preparations, fresh rolls, miso-based dishes, vegan bowls
Gluten-free guests can eat across much of the sushi, sashimi and rice-based menu
Guests who prefer lighter food find the Asian Contemporary direction the most satisfying catering option at London events
It creates theatre
The Sushi & Sashimi Bar — a specialist chef working at a bar, preparing nigiri and sashimi to order — is one of the strongest live catering stations available at London events. The precision, the colour and the pace of the preparation draw guests in and keep them engaged.
It signals modernity and quality
At brand events, product launches and corporate hospitality events in London, a well-executed Asian contemporary catering programme communicates a contemporary, sophisticated standard that resonates with the city's international professional audience.
Japanese - Sushi, Sashimi & Small Plates
Nigiri (hand-pressed sushi rice with a single topping):
- Salmon nigiri — Atlantic salmon, sashimi grade
- Tuna nigiri — yellowfin or bluefin, sashimi grade
- Seared salmon nigiri with yuzu miso glaze
- Prawn nigiri with kewpie mayonnaise and chive
- Sea bass nigiri with lemon ponzu
- Seared tuna tataki nigiri with sesame and ponzu
- Vegetable nigiri — avocado, pickled cucumber or sweet potato (vegetarian)
- Wagyu beef tataki nigiri with truffle oil and micro herbs (premium)
Sashimi (raw fish, no rice):
- Salmon sashimi — Atlantic salmon, sashimi grade
- Tuna sashimi — yellowfin or bluefin
- Yellowtail sashimi with ponzu and yuzu
- Sea bass sashimi with lemon ponzu and olive oil
- Salmon carpaccio with jalapeño, citrus ponzu and micro herbs
Maki and uramaki rolls:
- Salmon and avocado maki
- California inside-out roll — prawn, avocado and tobiko
- Spicy tuna roll with dill and cucumber
- Seared salmon and yuzu miso roll
- Dragon roll — prawn tempura inside, avocado outside, eel sauce
- Vegetarian: cucumber and avocado sesame inside-out
- Vegan: inari tofu pocket sushi
Signature Japanese small plates:
- Edamame — salted or chilli garlic (a reliable, universally loved reception opener)
- Gyoza — pan-fried pork and cabbage or prawn dumplings with ponzu dipping sauce
- Chicken karaage — Japanese fried chicken with kewpie mayonnaise and lemon
- Tempura prawns with dipping sauce
- Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers with tare glaze; or teriyaki salmon skewer
- Agedashi tofu — crispy fried tofu in a light dashi broth with grated daikon and ginger (vegetarian)
- Miso soup with tofu and wakame (for plated or bowl formats)
- Crispy soft-shell crab with spicy mayo and shiso (premium canapé)
The Nikkei direction — the fusion of Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients — is one of the most sophisticated and event-ready culinary influences in the Asian Contemporary repertoire. London's event audience understands and responds to it strongly.
Nikkei canapés and small plates:
- Tuna tartare with avocado, yuzu aioli, micro herbs and sesame crisp — the signature Nikkei canapé at Vlamber London catering events
- Salmon tiradito — sashimi-grade salmon in leche de tigre with aji amarillo, coriander and sesame (served in individual spoons or small glasses)
- Tuna tostada — thin fried corn tostada with tuna tartare, avocado cream, jalapeño and micro cress
- Ceviche with ponzu and yuzu — sea bass ceviche with citrus-based leche de tigre, red onion, chilli and coriander — a Nikkei interpretation that bridges Peruvian and Japanese flavour
- Yellowtail carpaccio — sashimi-grade yellowtail with jalapeño, citrus ponzu and micro herbs
- Prawn and avocado causa — Peruvian potato causa with prawn, avocado and a spicy mayo
- Duck breast tataki — seared duck breast with ponzu, spring onion and sesame
Korean cuisine is one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing culinary directions in London's restaurant and event market. At Vlamber, we offer a curated contemporary Korean selection designed for event service.
Korean canapés and small plates:
- Bulgogi beef skewer — marinated soy, sesame, garlic and ginger beef, grilled and served with gochujang dipping sauce
- Chicken ssam — lettuce wrap with grilled gochujang-glazed chicken, shredded carrot and sesame
- Kimchi arancini — risotto ball with kimchi and mozzarella, crispy fried; a contemporary fusion bite that works brilliantly at London catering receptions
- Korean fried chicken bite — double-fried crispy chicken with sweet and spicy gochujang glaze, sesame and spring onion (one of the most crowd-pleasing canapés at any London event)
- Japchae noodle portion — glass noodles with sesame, soy, mixed vegetables and optional beef (vegetarian or meat) (bowl format)
- Bibimbap bowl — mixed rice bowl with seasoned vegetables, a choice of protein and gochujang sauce (working lunch and bowl food format)
- Pajeon — Korean spring onion and seafood pancake, sliced into portions (vegetarian option with no seafood)
Korean bowl food:
- Bulgogi beef bowl — marinated grilled beef over steamed rice with pickled cucumber, sesame and gochujang
- Spicy tofu bowl — silken tofu in a spiced gochujang broth with mushrooms, spring onion and sesame (vegan)
- Kimchi fried rice — kimchi-fried rice with egg, spring onion and sesame (vegetarian)
Dim sum is one of the most naturally event-friendly culinary formats in the world — small, perfectly formed, designed for sharing and capable of being made in vast variety. At Vlamber, all dim sum is handmade by specialist chefs.
Steamed:
- Har gow — traditional prawn dumpling in a translucent rice flour wrapper; the benchmark Cantonese dim sum
- Siu mai — open-topped pork and prawn dumpling with ginger, sesame and a prawn or tobiko garnish
- Xiao long bao — Shanghai soup dumpling; pork filling with a richly flavoured pork broth sealed inside (requires careful management in event service)
- Crystal vegetable dumpling — seasonal vegetables in a translucent wrapper (vegetarian / vegan)
- Truffle and prawn dumpling — prawn and truffle filling (premium)
Pan-fried and crispy:
- Gyoza — pan-fried pork and cabbage or prawn dumpling, crispy on one side; served with ponzu (Japanese-adjacent)
- Spring rolls — vegetable and glass noodle filling, crispy fried (vegetarian / vegan)
- Crispy prawn cheung fun — rice noodle roll with prawn, sesame and soy
- Turnip cake (lo bak go) — pan-fried daikon cake with soy and chilli (vegetarian)
Bao buns:
- Char siu bao — steamed bun with BBQ pork filling (the iconic Cantonese classic)
- Crispy duck bao — soft steamed bun with crispy duck, hoisin, cucumber and spring onion
- Tofu and mushroom bao — steamed bun with soy-glazed tofu and mushroom (vegan)
- Wagyu beef bao — premium option with slow-braised wagyu and pickled daikon
Vietnamese-inspired:
- Fresh rice paper rolls (gỏi cuốn) — translucent rice paper with vermicelli, herbs, prawn or tofu and a hoisin or nuoc cham dipping sauce (one of the lightest and most elegant canapé options at London catering events)
- Lemongrass chicken satay — grilled lemongrass-marinated chicken skewer with Vietnamese dipping sauce
- Vietnamese beef salad — thinly sliced seared beef with vermicelli, fresh herbs, chilli, lime and fish sauce dressing
- Pho-inspired broth bowl — aromatic beef or vegetable broth with rice noodles, herbs and condiments (bowl food format)
- Bánh mì bites — mini baguette with pâté or grilled pork, pickled carrot and daikon, fresh herbs and chilli (canapé format)
Thai-inspired:
- Tom yum shot — individual glasses of hot and sour prawn soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime and chilli (canapé format)
- Thai beef salad — seared beef with lime, fish sauce, chilli, shallots and fresh herbs
- Green curry with jasmine rice — aromatic coconut and herb curry with free-range chicken or tofu (bowl food)
- Satay chicken — peanut-marinated chicken skewer with a classic satay dipping sauce; mild enough for all audiences at London catering events
- Pad Thai noodle bowl — stir-fried rice noodles with egg, beansprouts, peanuts and lime (vegetarian or with chicken/prawn)
- Mango and prawn salad — fresh mango, king prawn, chilli, lime and coriander with a light dressing
Starters:
- Tuna tartare with avocado, yuzu aioli and sesame crisp (Nikkei)
- Salmon tiradito with leche de tigre, aji amarillo and micro herbs (Nikkei)
- Har gow and siu mai selection with ponzu and soy (dim sum starter)
- Miso soup with soft tofu, wakame and spring onion
- Vietnamese fresh rolls with prawn and herbs, nuoc cham dipping sauce
- Yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeño, citrus ponzu and micro herbs
Main courses:
- Miso-glazed black cod — the benchmark Asian contemporary main course; buttery, deeply flavoured and visually striking
- Wagyu beef short rib with gochujang glaze, sesame, spring onion and steamed rice (Korean-Japanese)
- Bulgogi beef with stone pot rice, pickled vegetables and gochujang
- Thai green curry with jasmine rice — free-range chicken or tofu (vegan option)
- Pan-seared salmon with miso beurre blanc, edamame and sesame
Desserts:
- Mochi ice cream selection — matcha, yuzu, black sesame, strawberry (Japanese)
- Yuzu tart with lemon cream and raspberry (Japanese-influenced patisserie)
- Matcha panna cotta with black sesame crumble and seasonal fruit
- Black sesame cake with sweet bean cream (Cantonese)
- Fresh tropical fruit platter with lychee, mango and passionfruit (light, clean finish)
- Sesame and honey brittle with dark chocolate (petit fours)
Sushi & Sashimi Bar (see full Sushi & Sashimi Bar page) A specialist sushi chef working at a dedicated bar — preparing nigiri, sashimi, maki and signature rolls to order throughout the event. One of the most visually impressive and universally appealing live stations at London catering events.
Dim Sum Station A live dim sum steaming station — bamboo baskets arriving continuously with freshly steamed dumplings. The visual of the bamboo basket, the steam and the handmade dumplings creates a strong station moment at any London catering event.
Bao Bun Station Steamed bao buns served fresh and hot from the steamer — guests choose their filling. Char siu pork, crispy duck, tofu and mushroom. Served with hoisin and fresh herbs. One of the most accessible and best-received live stations at corporate catering events in London.
Yakitori Grill A live grill — chicken, salmon and vegetable skewers cooked over a charcoal or high-heat grill, glazed with tare or teriyaki and served immediately. Works well alongside other Asian contemporary elements at London catering events.
Korean Fried Chicken Station Double-fried chicken served with gochujang glaze and sesame — one of the most energetic and crowd-pleasing late-night snack stations available at London catering events. Also works as a main live station at corporate parties and brand events.
Asian Contemporary Across London Event Formats
Event format | Asian Contemporary recommendation |
Canapé reception catering London | Sushi nigiri rounds + dim sum + fresh rolls + tuna tartare |
Working lunch catering London | Sushi platters + bao buns + bibimbap bowls + fresh Vietnamese rolls |
Bowl food catering London | Bulgogi beef bowl + Thai green curry + miso black cod + pad Thai |
Brand event catering London | Live Sushi Bar + Bao Bun Station + Nikkei canapés |
Wedding catering London | Sushi & Sashimi Bar during reception + Asian contemporary bowls or plated dinner |
Corporate hospitality catering London | Wagyu tataki + dim sum + miso black cod as plated dinner direction |
Christmas party catering London | Korean fried chicken station + bao buns + mochi ice cream |
Dietary Management - Asian Contemporary
- Vegetarian — extensive vegetarian selection across all formats: vegetable dim sum, inari sushi, vegetarian bao, kimchi fried rice, tofu dishes, fresh rice paper rolls, mango salads
- Vegan — crystal vegetable dumplings, tofu and mushroom bao, fresh rice paper rolls, mango and herb salads, edamame, vegetable bibimbap, pad Thai (adjusted), green curry with tofu
- Gluten-Free — sashimi, nigiri, most rice dishes, edamame, mango salads; soy sauce replaced with tamaki or gluten-free soy; gyoza wrappers contain gluten (clearly labelled)
- Dairy-Free — almost all Asian contemporary dishes are naturally dairy-free; confirmed at the proposal stage
- Halal-friendly — available on request for specific dishes; confirmed at the proposal stage
- Nut-free — satay contains peanuts and is clearly labelled; all other nut-containing items labelled; nut-free menus available
Asian Contemporary Drink Pairings
Japanese sake:
- Junmai Ginjo sake — light, fruity and aromatic; for sushi and sashimi catering in London
- Nigori sake — cloudy, slightly sweet; for dessert pairings
Wine:
- Champagne Blanc de Blancs — the finest pairing for sushi and sashimi at London catering events
- Grüner Veltliner — mineral and slightly peppery; for Japanese small plates
- Riesling Spätlese — the sweetness balances spice in Korean and Thai-influenced dishes
- Pinot Noir — for Nikkei-direction dishes with beef or duck
Non-alcoholic:
- Cold-pressed yuzu and ginger drink
- Matcha latte or cold matcha
- Jasmine and green tea service
- Sparkling elderflower with lemongrass
- Korean barley tea (boricha) — light, toasty and caffeine-free
Sample Asian Contemporary Menus For London Events
For a 2-hour standing reception catering event in London
On arrival — cold: Edamame with sea salt Tuna tartare with avocado and yuzu on sesame crisp (Nikkei) Salmon nigiri and tuna nigiri (Japanese) Fresh rice paper rolls with prawn and herbs (Vietnamese)
Warm canapés: Har gow steamed prawn dumpling with ponzu (Cantonese) Korean fried chicken bite with gochujang glaze Chicken karaage with kewpie mayonnaise
Live station: Sushi & Sashimi Bar — specialist chef throughout
Sweet close: Mochi ice cream selection — matcha / yuzu / black sesame
For a corporate working lunch catering event in London
Sushi platter — mixed nigiri, maki and California rolls Fresh rice paper rolls — prawn and vegetable with nuoc cham Bulgogi beef bowl with rice, pickled cucumber and sesame (Korean) Thai green curry with jasmine rice (vegetarian and chicken options) Edamame with sea salt Mango and prawn salad with chilli and lime (Thai) Mochi ice cream bites
For a three-course seated catering event in London
Starter: Tuna tartare with avocado, yuzu aioli, micro cress and sesame crisp
Main: Miso-glazed black cod with sesame-dressed bok choy and jasmine rice
Dessert: Yuzu tart with raspberry coulis and matcha cream
For a standing bowl food catering event in London
On arrival — canapés: Edamame — Salmon nigiri — Korean fried chicken bites — Fresh rice paper rolls
Bowls: Bulgogi beef bowl with rice and gochujang (Korean) Thai green curry with jasmine rice and coriander (vegetarian) Miso-glazed salmon with sesame noodles and edamame Pad Thai noodles with tofu, beansprouts and lime (vegan)
Bao Station: (live) Char siu pork bao — Tofu and mushroom bao (vegan)
Sweet close: Mochi ice cream — matcha / yuzu Sesame and honey petit fours
Combining Asian Contemporary With Other Vlamber Cuisines
The most internationally appealing combination at London catering events — Spanish canapés and Jamón Ibérico carving alongside a Sushi & Sashimi Bar and Asian contemporary bowl food. Two of London’s most requested culinary directions in one event.
Light, fresh and universally inclusive — Mediterranean mezze alongside Vietnamese fresh rolls and Asian contemporary bowls. Works particularly well at corporate catering events in London where health-conscious options are the priority.
A genuinely Pan-Asian and Middle Eastern spread — dim sum and Korean bites alongside mezze and charcoal-grilled Levantine dishes. Visually extraordinary and one of the most diverse and inclusive catering programmes available at London events.
Frequently Asked Question
Our Asian Contemporary direction focuses on Japanese (sushi, sashimi, yakitori, tempura), Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian), Korean Contemporary, Cantonese dim sum, Vietnamese-inspired and Thai-inspired selections — the traditions our chefs execute with genuine skill in an event environment.
Yes. A Sushi & Sashimi Bar during the drinks reception, Asian contemporary bowls or a plated dinner with a Japanese or Pan-Asian direction — all available as part of a full wedding catering programme in London.
The Sushi & Sashimi Bar is one element within the Asian Contemporary direction. See the dedicated Sushi & Sashimi Bar page for full detail on that live station experience.
Yes. Our handmade dim sum is available in large quantities for standing receptions and corporate events. The Dim Sum Station is one of our most popular live catering formats at London events.
Black cod is a seasonal and premium ingredient — availability is confirmed at the proposal stage. It is always worth asking; when available, it is one of the finest plated main courses in the entire Asian Contemporary repertoire.
Add Asian Contemporary To Your London Event
The Asian Contemporary direction is available across every Vlamber catering format in London — from a sushi and dim sum canapé reception to a full Asian contemporary plated dinner or bowl food party. It combines beautifully with our other culinary directions for multi-cuisine events.
Tell us your event date, location in London, guest numbers and format and we will build an Asian Contemporary proposal tailored to your event.