Ramen bowls, sushi, gyoza and tempura–has the mere sound of these dishes made you salivate? You’re not alone. We’re in the mood to dig into Japanese cuisine this week. And if you’re on board too, we’ve sorted your dinner for you. Say arigato to us later; for now, take your pick from these six restaurants bringing you umami flavours of Japan.
1. Izumi, Bandra West (Mumbai)
Offering an authentic experience, Izumi is a hot favourite in the city. While most people head there for sushi, there’s so much more on their menu. Pick from their crowd favourites such as ramen and katsu curry. And if you’re keen on trying more, opt for Salmon Nanban, Sashimi Don (a rice bowl with salmon and tuna, salmon tartare, ikura (roe), tamago (egg) and avocado), and of course, the matcha ice cream.
Price: INR 2500 approx. (for two)
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2. Seefah, Bandra West (Mumbai)
Looking for a place with cosy interiors and comfort food that speaks to your soul? Seefah nails the brief. From sashimis to ramen bowls and Japanese curries, the flavourful dishes here pack a punch for your palate. Bonus points go for also serving wholesome Thai meals.
Price: INR 2000 (for two)
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3. Harajuku, Tokyo Cafe, Select City Walk (New Delhi)
True that the savoury side of Japanese cuisine is flavourful enough, but have you tried Japanese sweets? This Japanese bakery brings the country’s gastronomic delights to the streets of Saket. Take your pick from their Fluffy Japanese pancakes and cheesecakes, Japanese breads; street food like takoyaki, chicken karaage and the twelve-inch-long Japanese fries; fun desserts like Taiyaki (ice cream in a fish-shaped cone!), and the signature Harajuku crepes. What’s more? You feel as though you’re in Japan while sitting in their colourful cafe featuring fun elements like a claw machine, Manga comics, a Japanese street mural, and Instagram-worthy art installations.
Price: INR 1000 (for two)
4. Kiko-Ba, Vasant Vihar (New Delhi)
One of the offerings of the Pan-Asian restaurant is the majestic Robata Grill–a Japanese method of fireside cooking. The ingenious technique prepares droolworthy dishes such as Flame Grilled Lobster with Shiso Butter, a melt-in-the-mouth Miso Black Cod with miso wasabi sauce, a smoky Nasu Dengaku (a grilled eggplant preparation), among others. Get in our belly, already!
Price: INR 2500 + taxes without alcohol (for two)
Flame Grilled Lobster with Shiso Butter
5. Naru Noodle Bar (Bengaluru)
Fancy authentic ramen? Bookmark Chef Kavan Kuttappa’s Naru Noodle Bar–a noodle project grown out of his love for ramen and Japan. What makes this cloud kitchen unique is that there are new flavour pairings to try out every week. With interesting bowls to choose from such as Kimchi Ramen, Lamb Birria Ramen, Truffle Tori Paitan, among others, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Price: On request
Pre-orders start at 6 pm on Thursday; Deliveries take place only on Sunday from 11:30 am-1 pm
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6. Oyama (Chennai)
The fine-dining restaurant has an exciting menu that offers more than just sushi. Take your pick from Nasu Dengaku (a classic Japanese side dish made with eggplant sliced in half, scored and brushed with a sweet and savoury miso glaze); Daikon Salad with sweet plum dressing (a healthy salad that’s full of distinctive Japanese flavour giving crunchiness from the daikon radish and tanginess from the sweet plum); a Japanese classic Teriyaki Chicken and Chicken Katsu; and of course, their specials–The Chirashi Sushi Rice Bowl made with an assortment of the freshest seafood, served on sushi rice and accompanied by a bowl of refreshing miso soup. Don’t forget to try their Japanese confectionary–Mochi ice cream made from Japanese mochi (pounded sticky rice) with a delicious ice cream filling.
Contact: 9841113001
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