Maru Bento – a new Japanese-Korean-style café opens in Stone

A conversation with a stranger was the catalyst behind the opening of Maru Bento – a Japanese-Korean-style cafe on Stone’s Radford Street.

Cafe owner Yu Cheung’s journey to Stone began after she immigrated to the UK. Yu believes that Asian food in the UK is often overpriced, and she aims to provide affordable yet delicious Japanese and Korean dishes.

Yu has spoken exclusively to A Little Bit of Stone about what she hopes to do in Stone.

“After working here for two years, I realized that food was too expensive. I hope to provide delicious and affordable lunch and dinner options so that even homemakers can buy meals for their families to enjoy easily at a reasonable price. I also want office workers to be able to fill their stomachs without spending too much. 

Once, when I was on a train from Stoke to Birmingham, an elderly man sitting next to me asked if I had ever been to Stone when the train passed through the town. He said it was a very beautiful city. That’s when I started paying attention to Stone”.

Maru Bento is located at 2B Radford Street, in one-half of the former Cactus Kitchen cafe’s premises. Yu went on to explain:

“I was very fortunate to find this shop space. During the renovation process, many local residents passed by and cheered me on, and I feel that Stone is a place full of warmth and kindness.”

Menu and Offerings:

• Seating: Maru Bento has limited seating, with only 3 or 4 seats available, making it ideal for takeaway.
• Menu Highlights: The café offers coffee, traditional Japanese drinks, sushi, rice balls, and hot meals, including white sauce rice and curry rice, which Yu is particularly proud of.
• Menu Evolution: The menu is regularly updated and improved based on customer feedback to suit local tastes.

Yu invites residents, visitors and local workers to visit Maru Bento, try the food, and provide feedback. She’s especially keen to engage with the community and ensure that the café meets and exceeds your expectations!

Maru Bento is open 6 days a week, closing on Tuesdays, and are open from 11am until 8pm on the week days, and until 4pm on the weekend – unless they sell out of food!