SEEMITA DAS

I discovered Japanese cuisine primarily from the books I read. From Banana Yoshimoto and Haruki Murakami, Hiromi Kawakami and Asako Yuzuki, comes stories that keep food as a central character, and elevate interactions around its delicious texture. Sushi to Maki rolls, Ramen to Udon, Tempura to Karaage, Yakitori to Miso Soup – I have sampled them, and have favorites among them.

So, when Donmai debuted in Worli (Mumbai), my interest was piqued.

I am no connoisseur of Japanese food but I sense a good bowl of ramen because it fills both my tummy and heart.

And here, I wasn’t disappointed.

As I had a little window for an extended lunch on a weekday, I reached Donmai to explore its spread. And when Tori Paitan (Chicken Chasu, Mushroom, Menma/ Bamboo Shoot, Fermented Chilli and Ajitama/ Ramen Egg in Chicken Broth and Shoyu tare/ Soy sauce) was placed on my table, my senses jumped to work. Comfort food, sumptuous meal, flavorful bowl – call it by any name but the ramen was a delight! Well cooked, with each ingredient holding its own despite a neighbourhood on a bowl. I relished without looking at my phone even once.

If I wasn’t too obsessed with the Idea of ‘Sakura’ (Cherry Blossom), I would have given its namesake drink, a pass. I, however, couldn’t push the temptation away. So, Sakuraaaaa was ordered and it brought all the pink hues with it. Sparkling wine, gin, cranberry, cherry, gold dust. Love, in other words.

And because chocolates will be my nemesis some day, I ordered the Nama Chocolate. Cognac, Hazelnut and loads of happy buzz.

The ambience is a nourishing plus; it brings the native land’s minimalistic decors so that you might be deceived into thinking your time to be being spent at a Tokyo’s Izakaya or Osaka’s diner.

Well, you don’t want to pass by Worli without visiting Donmai for your little detour to Japan.

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Meal for 2: INR 2500 – 3000
Drinks for 2: INR 2500 – 3000