Delhi is brimming with new eateries, with so many different cuisines and flavours pouring in. And there has been a major shift in the popularity of cuisines. Japanese and more particularly sushi has been an integral part of the cityscape. Kampai, is one of the fines Japanese spaces that have opened in the city. With cherry blossom flowers dominating the decor, tables that can be made into private parlours, a stunning bar and, a traditional low seating, Zashiki.
Mocktails
They don’t have their alcohol license in place yet, but after trying their concoctions at the launch party and such stellar mocktails, I am a fan already. Special shoutout to Yuzu Spark and the Wasabi Martini.
Appetizers
We started with Tori No Karaage, or simply called chicken karaage. One of the most famous dishes, and flavours very similar to home. This Karaage style fried chicken is one of the heartiest and honest dishes. Ebi Tempura – nothing beats the simplicity tempura fried prawns. This preparation especially is made of the finest prawns, battered with tempura and deep fried. Dunk into soy to make it my favourite combination. Potato Korokke – panko coated deep fried potatoes made for the perfect bar bite. But having that said, this was perhaps the most underwhelming dish in the menu.
Sushi
The sushi experience here was one of the finest in the city. Nothing describes it better than a true example of brilliant craftsmanship by experienced sushi chefs. Loved the Aburi Salmon roll – this smoked salmon sushi was the bomb. Also tried the much simpler one, Oshinko Maki with Japanese pickles. Also tried the Sushi Sandwich, rice, nori, avocado and salmon. Even though the preparation was quite novel, it didn’t quite balance out well.
Dumplings
Three Mushroom Gyoza – meaty mushroom in a finely crafted gyoza with the perfect crunchy base. Chicken, cheese and coriander sui mai – thin skinned, succulent minced chicken with cheese and a perfectly steamed sui mai. The freshness of the sui mai ensured they were absolutely stunning.
Mains
Itame Kinoko – it is the hands down choice for if you, like me are a sucker for mushrooms. Assorted mushrooms tossed with truffle butter. A delicious combination button mushrooms, shiitake & oyster Mushrooms along with Enoki. Paired with Yakisoba – Japanese style tempura fried noodles. Katsu Curry introduced to the Japanese by the British over 100 years ago and has since then become one of the country’s favourite dishes to make at home. Thick and flavourful, with the flavors of chicken in the curry itself is essential to a Katsu curry. Along comes, a crispy breaded chicken breast served on a bed of rice with a little-pickled radish.
Dessert
We rounded up our meal with Baked Yuzu Cheesecake and Green Tea Panna Cotta with sesame Crumb. Needless to say, favoured the lemony cheesecake more.
Kampai has some excellent sushi, dumplings and authentic Japanese fare. You simply cannot miss out on their Aburi salmon roll, mushroom gyoza, ebi tempura, and assorted mushrooms.
Where? Kampai, Aerocity
Cost for two – INR 2500 approx
Cuisine – Japanese