Keep ’em coming
Arrive hungry at this Tokyo-inspired café, where a kaiten (conveyor belt) keeps a steady stream of sushi rolling throughout the day. Watch for favourites like the Spicy Salmon Roll, Prawn Tempura Roll, and vibrant Rainbow Roll. Don’t forget to mind your Japanese dining etiquette.
AT Harajuku Tokyo Café, Jio World Drive,
Bandra Kurla Complex.
CALL 9818937832
COST Rs 1495 per person
Pearly blacks
PIC COURTESY/SOZO
A go-to for sushi and sashimi in the Western suburbs, this izakaya offers the Black Pearl (below). Togarashi, tanuki (tempura flakes), and truffle are wrapped in charcoal rice for a kick of flavour. This one might just change your mind about vegetarian sushi.
AT Sozo Izakaya, Aram Nagar 2, Versova; New Link Road, Malad; Shimpoli, Borivli.
CALL 9867986481
COST R695
Sushi blues
PIC COURTESY/Mizuki
Don’t be surprised by the blue pea colour; this one is meant to stand out. Blue Pea Kani (below) gets its vivid blue shade from butterfly pea flower tea, while the filling stays familiar with kani, creamy avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo for a fun, easy bite.
AT Mizuki, Le Meridien, MIDC Road, Turbhe.
CALL 7304454133
COST Rs 750
Nippon’s favourite
PIC COURTESY/Mayouchi
You don’t have to make the trip to Japan to tuck into the prized Hamachi (Japanese Yellowtail) fish that is auctioned in the island nation’s fish markets every morning. This Hamachi Yuzu Truffle Roll (above) is infused with yuzu citrus notes and truffle. It’s buttery, citrusy, and umami all at once.
AT Mayouchi, Saki Vihar Road, Powai.
CALL 7001492713
COST Rs 875 onwards
Crunch is king
If the tender, chewy texture of traditional sushi isn’t quite your thing, the Flaming Hot Crunchy Sushi should be your pick. Built on a base of rice, nori, fresh vegetables and creamy avocado, it gets its crunch from Flaming Hot Cheetos (above), finished with a generous drizzle of Thousand Island mayo.
AT Houdini, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel.
COST Rs 470 onwards (four pieces)
CALL 9594311454
Real deal
If all the experimentation leaves you craving for some simple, authentic sushi, head straight to this Bandra fave, and order the Salmon Belly. Tender, buttery salmon belly cut, placed on vinegared rice, finished with a special soy sauce.
AT Mizu Izakaya, 14th Road, Khar West.
CALL 9372023641
COST Rs 854
Flame game
PIC COURTESY/GAIJIN
The Salmon Aburi (below) features flame-seared salmon nigiri topped with bone marrow brûlée, pickled jalapeño, and orange tobiko. This combination brings together rich, smoky flavours with a touch of heat.
AT Gaijin, Linking Road, Bandra West.
CALL 8591615552
COST Rs 690
For your eyes only
PIC COURTESY/OJU
Sushi purists, head to this Colaba haunt for its nigiri options. Our pick is the Hotate, a scallop nigiri with a clean finish. Get there early for a spot at the live sushi counter.
AT OJU, near Regal Cinema, Colaba.
CALL 8450934143
COST Rs 1175 onwards
Eat like the Japanese
In Japan, how you eat matters just as much as what’s on the plate. On a recent trip, this writer picked up a few lessons and hacks
Representation pic/Istock
1 Never leave chopsticks standing upright in a bowl. When you’re done, rest them neatly across the bowl or on a chopstick rest.
2 When dipping sushi, go in with the topping first, rather than soaking the rice in soy sauce.
3 If you’re unsure about sake, ask your server for guidance. A good pairing can elevate the meal, while the wrong one can flatten it.
4 Save your cheers for later, and begin with “Itadakimasu” as you bow down to the food. It is an expression of gratitude for everyone involved in bringing the meal to the table.
