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Japan is a country of innovation and the world has seen its technological prowess time and again. But beyond that, the country has won us over with its sheer beauty, culture and cuisine. The traditional Japanese cooking, or washoku, emphasises on a balance and variety that is achieved through five colours - black, white, red, yellow, and green, five cooking techniques - raw food, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying, and five flavors - sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter. Each Japanese dish follows these principles and perhaps this makes the cuisine unique. The use of fresh seasonal ingredients, put together and presented in an aesthetic manner, makes it a beloved cuisine for the world.
Its popularity in India and other countries has only risen over the years for the very same reason. While the deep knowledge of the cuisine might not be as common, but food lovers in metro cities of India sure know their sushi and katsu curry. Thanks to the many popular restaurants in the capital city of Delhi itself, Delhiites have a variety of places to sample everything from sashimi to tempura or soba noodles. Here are six of my top picks:
1. Pa Pa Ya
The swanky eatery which celebrates the richness of Asian culture is one of my first options when I am thinking of Japanese food in Delhi. California Crab rolls to Sake, Pa Pa Ya never disappoints when it comes to authentic Japanese in town.
2. Yum Yum Cha
With several outlets across the city, Yum Yum Cha is emerging to be a clear favourite for all things Asian. The delish options including the Dynamite Sushi are clear favourites here.
3. Fujiya
Almost four decades-old, Fujiya tucked in the calms of Chanakyapuri is famous for its traditional Japanese food. This place has been serving Japanese food since when the masses didn’t even know much about it. And it has definitely stood the test of time. The Yaki Gyoza and Teriyaki Roll are quite popular here.
4. Guppy
A contemporary Japanese bar and kitchen nestled in the Lodhi Colony Market, Guppy offers a vast range of Japanese delicacies including some of the best sushi in the city. The place belongs to the Olive group and is renowned for its quality. One cannot resist their Spicy Salmon Sushi and Exotic Mushroom Gyoza. They have a separate dinner menu and now that the winters are coming, their exciting new menu would be worth trying.
5. Kofuku
Ansal Plaza was one of Delhi's most hep places to be 15 years ago until newer and swankier malls took away most of Ansal's loyal visitors but restaurants like Kofuku are reviving it again. And well, it is worth planning a visit. Kofuku’s Japanese fare is the one that you would keep going back to. If you are lucky enough to get one of their private booths, you can enjoy the best of sushis, salmon carpaccio, decadent okonomiyaki (Japanese pan cake), or rock corn tempura, while sitting comfortably on the floor.
6. Harajuku Tokyo Cafe
Another gem of a place in Delhi, Harajuku brings the authentic flavors straight from the streets of Tokyo to Delhi at this vibrant café in Saket. With an ambiance that celebrates Japan's pop-culture, Harajuku Tokyo Café is perhaps one of the most Insta-worthy cafes we have in the city right now. The menu makes it even more appealing as it dishes out gastronomical delights such as katsu chicken curry, hand-pulled noodles in chilli oil, teriyaki chicken bao and salmon sushi.
So which one are you going to try next?
