Guppy by Ai is the version 2.0 of Ai, the restaurant from Olive group that had opened at the Select Citywalk Mall at Saket. The latest version at Lodi Colony is significantly smaller with enhanced spunk. Getting an invite from the restaurant to taste their Set Lunch menu is a cause for excitement because Japanese cuisine is one of my all time favourites.
As I am seated, I am joined by the many behind the restaurant –Executive Chef Vikram Khatri, who started his working life at Sakura restaurant, and is a veteran at making authentic Japanese dishes. Set Lunch is a concept started by the restaurant to reach out to office goers on the lookout for a quick and light lunch. I choose the Grilled Jumbo Prawn Set (Rs 1050). While I wait for the salad course I chomp on the quintessential Japanese time-pass snack, edamame with sea salt (Rs 250) which is a much fresher version of our peanuts.
The set lunch starts with the house green salad with wafu (vinaigrette style) dressing topped with toasted sesame beans. The greens are daisy fresh, making the salad most enjoyable. Soon to follow is the miso soup. A great sushi platter is up next and what stands out is the piece of sushi made with wild rice which is remarkable both in taste and texture. The main course has my chosen garlic fried rice and grilled jumbo prawns. I have never been fond of fried rice, but the Japanese version of this staple is something I would love to eat every day. The prawns are plated in a dramatic manner, with the massive prawn shells adorning the plate along with the prawn meat. Of course how can one go wrong with the naturally sweet prawn meat stir fried just right? I enjoy each morsel of the mains. For dessert, there is a petit four, or four sweet morsels. The best one is the fruits lightly stewed in a Japanese dressing.
Will I choose to come back here for lunch? My answer would be a resounding yes!
Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0
Meal for two: Rs 2300| Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Timings: 12 noon to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 1AM | Address: 28, Main Market, Lodi Colony New Delhi | Telephone: 011 24690005, +91 9650185005
