A FAMILY-run restaurant cooking Japanese and Asian food is set to open in Taunton after spotting “a gap in the market”.

Chopsticks Asian Restaurant will open next week on Tuesday, May 2 on East Reach.

The restaurant’s owners - husband and wife Wilson and Milky Chan - used to run a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong, and their new business in Taunton will have a particular emphasis on Japanese cuisine, curries, and sushi.

Their menu will also include Chinese food and vegetarian options.

The owners said there was a gap in the market and that is why they decided to build their menu on that specific cuisine.

They said: “Back in Hong Kong we had a Japanese restaurant. When we came to Taunton two years ago, we found the town was very short of Japanese and Asian culture and cuisine.

“We looked at the market and decided to make Japanese food and curries. It’s a very good opportunity and hopefully, the business will do well.

“We are quite excited to bring Asian food to the people of Taunton.”

Chopsticks will be based on 132 East Reach seven days a week excluding bank holidays.

Customers will be able to dine in or order takeaways, but the restaurant will not have a delivery service.