How can we introduce the phenomenon that’s Izumi? It is well-known as one in all Bandra’s buzziest hotspots, one in all Mumbai’s most sought-after reservations and one in all India’s main Japanese eating places. But is the engaging halo created by such descriptions simply smoke and mirrors? We are completely satisfied to report it is extra of a lightweight that exudes heat by way of merely scrumptious meals. We had the possibility to dine at Izumi Bandra on its reopening night time following a three-month hiatus. It was our first go to to this well-known spot and we acquired to attempt the revamped menu.
Photo Credit: Izumi
After the restaurant closed its doorways, Chef Nooresha Kably travelled together with a group of 12 lovers to 3 cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. The new dishes are impressed by their discoveries in the course of the journey. Izumi’s menu as a complete doesn’t attempt to inform a narrative – however among the particular person dishes are narratives in themselves. Chef Nooresha remembers, “After our practice journey with views of the Sea of Japan to Otaru, we visited Sankaku Market, the place we sampled among the freshest seafood that Japan has to supply, like king crab, uni (sea urchin), scallops, and the sweetest shrimp. In Otaru, we have been launched to Kaisen-Don by a neighborhood fisherman. Those stunning seaside flavours stayed with us, and we could not wait to convey them again to India.”
Photo Credit: Izumi
We began our meal with Ohitashi Tomato and Crispy Tofu Salad, a vibrant mixture that additionally included lotus root, cucumber and white onion. Drizzled with a lightweight yuzu dressing, it set the stage for the extra indulgent treats to come back. We additionally appreciated the refreshing Avocado Tartare enhanced with habanero oil. The smoothness of corn cream, the crispiness of the candy potato strands and the chew of the tartare got here collectively fairly nicely. From the new non-veg small plates part, we tasted the Kushi Katsu ( a deep-fried cutlet-like dish on a skewer). We selected the Cinnamon Pork Korokke with balsamic and honey discount, which had delicious layers of sweetness, warmth and (a touch of) spice. This was adopted by Izumi’s basic Pork Gyoza and we fought amongst ourselves for the final chew of it! The meat with almond chilli oil was encased in completely tender wrappers like little pockets of heaven.
Photo Credit: Izumi
Izumi’s drinks menu has 18 new cocktails, lots of that are impressed by Chef Nooresha’s final journey the place she visited completely different bars throughout Japan. Highlights embody The Zen & Zest (rum/gin, yuzu, honey, ginger, contemporary basil), Uji Twilight (Sencha-infused Japanese whisky, peanut butter bourbon, Amaretto, candy vermouth, Amaro) and Tokyo Bloom (sake, gin, cherry blossom, kaffir lime). A particular point out additionally for the mocktails right here – we totally relished Yuzual Suspect (a bubbly concoction with yuzu puree and kaffir lime) and Sinner Man (orange juice spiked with cinnamon syrup).
Photo Credit: Izumi
Izumi’s sushi alternatives have remained the identical, apart from the addition of the Open Rolls. Chef explains that these rolls are designed to be individually consumed: “If you will need to, you might chew into one finish of the open roll and share it with somebody.” The fillings have been stacked inside a semi-folded sheet of crisp seaweed with a layer of rice on the backside and reminded us of tacos in a approach. We extremely advocate each the veg Shimeji with Crispy Almond (with lettuce, carrot and ginger cream) and the non-veg Shime Saba (marinated mackerel and miso cream). We loved the subtly sharp style of the pickled fish – derived from the vinegar it is marinated in. There are additionally cool new choices for the Robata grill. While meat might seem to be an apparent selection, do not overlook the vegetarian potentialities. Case in level: the gloriously juicy and smoky Dashi Red Bell Pepper with Maple Butter.
Photo Credit: Izumi
Izumi’s ramen boasts legions of passionate followers, so we weren’t precisely shocked by how good it was. However, we managed to find new dimensions of appreciation as we tasted the Tokyo Chicken Chintan Ramen. The wholesomely gentle broth with flavours of shoyu and thyme, the slurp-worthy noodles and the double chew delight of hen charsu and hen liver pate dumplings… it was a one-bowl-meal that felt inexplicably therapeutic.
Photo Credit: Izumi
We ended our night with two of the brand new desserts: the fuss-free Monaka (wafer biscuit with espresso ice cream) and the indulgent Orange & Berry Parfait. The latter reminded us of Gadbad ice cream (a loaded dessert popularly present in some components of Goa and Karnataka). It was a enjoyable mixture of orange blossom ice cream, berry compote, raspberry jelly, ice cream, contemporary fruits and crumble. Despite the variety of elements, the extent of sweetness was managed very nicely and we liked the burst of freshness that accompanied every chew.
Photo Credit: Izumi
It could be protected to easily declare that “Izumi Bandra lives as much as the hype.” But our expertise was about a lot extra. It launched us to new favourites and happy cravings we weren’t even conscious of. Now that is what makes a meal really memorable!
Address: Ground Floor, Sunrise Cooperative Society, Road Number 24, Khar West, Mumbai.
Photo Credit: Izumi
