Japanese cuisine is becoming popular in Kolkata considering the many new Japanese outlets that have come up in the city. There is also a lot more inclusion of Japanese cuisine in pan-Asian restaurants. Here are the top three restaurants in Kolkata that go beyond sushi and serve a variety of Japanese specialties such as teppanyaki, tonkatsu ramen, Japanese salads and soups. You can enjoy a wholesome and affordable Japanese meal to your heart’s content.
Try the teppanyaki sets at Aajisai
At Aajisai, you can choose from a range of sushi, sashimi, yakitori (grilled chicken), ramen, noodles, and soups. The appetizers are worth a mention too. Try the lightly salted blanched green soybean pods or edamame. Also on offer is the hourensou goma-ae, a preparation of boiled spinach mixed with sesame paste and soy sauce, hiya-yakko, which comprises cubed soy bean curd topped with spring onion and grated ginger, and Japanese style egg omlette or atsu yaki tamago. For salad, try the dried seaweed salad, garnished with sesame and soy sauce. The teppanyaki sets are highly recommended. Teppanyaki is a Japanese style of cooking in which the meat is grilled on an iron plate. The chicken teppanyaki spicy teriyaki sauce and Belgian pork tenderloin teppanyaki are mildly spicy and delicious.
Address: Syed Amir Ali Ave, 5th Floor, Quest Mall, Kolkata-17.
Price for two: Rs 4,000
The Sushi Oke takes maki sushi to a whole new level
The Sushi Oke is a small outlet that serves chicken teriyaki roll, fish teriyaki roll, Nigiri sushi in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, a variety of Japanese sticky rice options, udon noodles, soba noodles, miso soup, tempura and yakitori. But the winner is the maki sushi, in which sushi ingredients such as rice, tuna, salmon, and vegetables are wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet. The California veg roll--containing cucumber, avocado, and carrot--is the clear favourite followed by the nori maki roll filled with shitake mushrooms, carrot and cucumber mixed veg and mayo, and mushroom roll.
Address: Ground Floor, Plot no 146, 19/7 Block J, New Alipur, Kolkata-53.
Price for two Rs. Rs 1000
Can’t miss the tonkatsu ramen at Wasabee
A pan-Asian restaurant, Wasabee has a Japanese section with options in sushi, such as nigiri sushi roll and salmon sushi roll, salads like tofu salad and soba salad, and teriyaki paneer and non-vegetarian gyoza. The tonkatsu or pork ramen is the most popular. The dish comprises noodles, pork belly and soft-boiled egg in a delicious pork broth.
Address: Beside Union Bank, 30, Arya Vidyalaya Rd, Baidyapara, Sahid Nagar, Garfa, Kolkata.
Price for two: Rs 1000
