The image of cherry blossoms in spring brings one particular country to our minds – Japan. Known for their simplicity, minimalism and accent on balance in every aspect of life, the Japanese have carried over the same sensibilities to food which Guppy by ai has attempted to transfer to the dusty, warm environs and diverse palates of our capital city.
The Lodhi Colony Sushi specialty restaurant is celebrating the blossoming of the cherry flowers and cherry blossom viewing festival of Hanami with a thoughtfully crafted spring-summer menu embodying the four essential elements of cooking: harmony, tradition, wisdom and balance. The menu has been curated in such a way that despite sitting miles away from the origin, one still gets to experience the colours, flavours and ambience of the festival.
Pumpkin soup sounds ordinary enough. But smoking it with cherry wood chips lends such depth and character that the taste of every sip of Sakura Wood Smoked Pumpkin Soup lingers on long after. Tofu and Water Chestnut Motoyaki shall delight the vegetarians with its silken tofu and crunchy nuts bathed in umami rich sauce.
The Vegetable Tempura is a tasty finger food with coconut tempura adding the exotic quotient while the Paper Baked Grouper Fish with its subtle tastes may be a bit bland for robust palates.
Cold Smoked Kampachi Sashimi is a beautifully piece of art with the silvery white yellow tail smoked with sakura wood chips and flavoured with soy and fermented yuzu paste. Again, the smokey flavour added multiple dimensions to its exuberance.
Salmon Tartare marinated with diced avocado was buttery smooth with the house flying fish roe and bonito mayo lending bursts of textures and flavours. The seafood Nigiri with crunchy vegetables is more than a mouthful of excellence. The individual piece however is a little too big to chew on comfortably at one go.
Tofu and Exotic Vegetable Curry Rice strikes a chord reminding one of the comforting taste of Maggi curry. It is sure to delight the local palate. Eel Yanagawafu, with the fish braised in a faintly sweet sauce served with egg on a bed of burdock root, is appealing. The strong flavour of the oily fish is balanced with the egg and the healing buckroot making it a true delicacy.
Hiyashi Chukka Chilled Ramen Noodle topped with prawn, crabstick and seaweed served with sesame flavoured soy broth is a popular summer dish in Japan and a meal by itself. The dish with colourful toppings is a feast to the eyes too.
Zaru Soba Cold Noodles are served with tanuki, scallion, wasabi, ginger and cold bonito soy sauce. Tanuki means a raccoon dog in Japanese but rest assured that what is served here is no canine meat but a refreshing, healthy, tasty noodle dish with warm notes of wasabi and ginger.
Macha Pudding, a green tea pudding drizzled with house made toffee sauce and Japanese Steamed Buns stuffed with sweet red bean paste and covered with berry compote are perfect rounding off dishes to a light yet filling meal.
The festival presents a melting pot of all things Japanese. It is indeed the perfect time to visit Guppy by ai and savour its many moods which include Japanese art, Sushi making classes and a pop up shop by Anime Pop Mall.
Small issues took away from the wholesomeness of the experience though. Service was lax – reason given was that there was a private event happening outside as a result of which, the restaurant was understaffed. The restaurant was full as was the decibel level with the bare décor unable to muffle the noise emanating from the animated guests. Our tea orders were mixed up. Despite all this the place was vibrant and happy with food and conversation flowing with gusto. Perhaps the food speaks more than the guests at Guppy by ai.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 4.0 | Service: 3.0 | Ambience: 3.0* (*too much noise) | Overall: 3.5
Address: Guppy by Ai, 28, Main Market, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi | Tel: 01124690005 / 6, +919650185005
Timings: 12.00 noon-3.30 pm and 7.00 pm-1.00 am | Lunch for two without alcohol: 1300/++; with alcohol 1800/++ | Dinner for two without alcohol: 1800 ++; with alcohol 2800 ++ | Category: Japanese Specialty Restaurant
Disclosure: This review was done at the invitation of the restaurant. Readers’ discretion is recommended even though due diligence has been observed in keeping the review as objective as possible.
