All foodies on social media and offline raved about Japanese food and izakayas. There was an izakaya or a Japanese food place opening every week in 2024. What are izakayas? Izakayas are Japanese restaurants and pubs that masterfully combine flavours and offer an informal atmosphere for socialising.
Here’s a look at the popularity of authentic Japanese cuisine in India in 2024.
All about the vibe
The vibrant interiors, casual dining ambiance accompanied with fresh food is what made the izakayas and other outlets serving Japanese food popular in 2024.
Meher Kohli, Founder-Tokyo Matcha Bar says, “Japanese izakayas are all about the vibe —our cosy interiors make you feel welcome and comfortable. Having a boutique cafe allows us to provide prompt service and always serve a quality product. For regulars, the team is likely to remember exactly how you like your drink, making the experience more enjoyable. Our casual environment means you don’t have to fuss about your attire — don’t be surprised if you see the table next to you remove their shoes to get comfortable in their seats.”
Appealing to Indian palate
While sushis and sashimis are the most popular Japanese dishes, there are other options that have been tweaked by a some to suit the Indian palate. Raw fish might not go well with some. But introduction of vegetarian sushis using avocado, asparagus etc. have helped the popularity.
Yazu, another popular Japanese hangout, is the go-to choice for after-work dinner parties for its light, healthy meals with fresh ingredients like fish and vegetables. Chef Vadim Shin sheds light on how the Japanese food culture suits the Indian palate. “Japanese food is simple, fresh, and balanced, focusing on seasonal ingredients like fish, rice, and vegetables. It suits the Indian palate because it shares a love for rice and seafood and uses similar fermented ingredients like miso. While Japanese flavours are subtler than Indian spices, the clean, healthy dishes and the option to add bold flavours, like spicy sushi rolls, make it appealing to the Indian palate.”
Ankit Tamang, Director-Global Fusion, points out the special offerings at Global Fusion. “Among our vegetarian offerings, the Avocado Cream Cheese Roll, Truffle Edamame Roll, Blue Rice Cottage Cheese Roll, and Veg California Roll have earned a loyal following. These dishes not only showcase the richness of fresh ingredients but also introduce unique twists that elevate the sushi experience. Each roll is a harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese flavours with contemporary influences, making them a must-try for sushi enthusiasts who crave authenticity and innovation in every bite,” he insists.
Quality cuisine
Most Japanese restaurants use quality ingredients imported from Japan or other south-east Asian countries. This makes the food authentic and quality oriented.
Sesame, housed at Hyatt Centric Juhu, gives a genuine taste of Japan, carefully crafted with the finest ingredients with a focus on authenticity. Shlipi Khanna, General Manager, Hyatt Centric, elaborates on this. “We prioritise high-quality ingredients imported directly from Japan. We use premium, sustainably sourced fish paired with traditional techniques that bring out true Japanese flavours. Our menu balances classic dishes with contemporary twists, offering an immersive experience.”
Cocktails and more
In an izakaya, food is not the only thing that one looks for. Drinks are equally important. Japanese alcohol has busted the market in a big way in 2024. Quite a few cocktails are made in many restaurants, other than Japanese too, using Japanese whisky and gin. Yuzu, ume are being used regularly by bartenders across the country to create new cocktails. “Our cocktails reflect the vibrant, bold flavours of Japan while adding a unique twist. Our mixologists create drinks using fresh, seasonal ingredients like yuzu, ume (Japanese plum), and matcha, delivering an unforgettable, punchy flavour experience. Each cocktail is designed to complement our food menu, enhancing the overall dining experience and creating a perfect balance of flavour and creativity,” says Khanna.
Ankit agrees that stand-out cocktails using Japanese ingredients have worked miracles this year. “Arigato, a house-special cocktail blending seaweed, almond syrup, gin, and sake, brings together umami richness and a balanced sweetness, evoking the essence of Japanese cuisine in every sip,” Ankit shares.
While traditional izakayas focus on affordability, quite a few Japanese restaurants in India elevate the experience by delivering an izakaya-inspired experience with a premium twist. “Our menu blends traditional Japanese flavours with creative presentations, making every bite a feast for the senses,” Khanna informs.
Japanese cuisine is surely not slowing down in India, we would say…
