Food review: Jacqueline Fernandez tries Wasabi By Morimoto

For those who love Japanese cuisine, they are aware how difficult it is to find an authentic Japanese restaurant in India. However, those true Japanese food buffs are also well aware of what Wasabi means for them. I myself am a huge fan of Japanese delicacies. I strongly feel that Wasabi in aamchi Mumbai is a haven for sushi lovers. And it’s just not the amazing and wide range of food you get there, but also the service and class of the food that bowls you over.

I recently visited Wasabi. Well, let me tell you that I simply need an excuse to visit the place, just to indulge in the yummy delicacies they serve here. I think it is easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in India. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this place is a part of the many specialty food joints in the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.

Being a nomad all my life and sharing a passion for light and non-greasy cuisine, Japanese food has always topped my list of food preference and hence having tried it in almost every part of the world, to find as authentic and  delicious Japanese fare just had me the first time I visited Wasabi. And since then, I have been a huge fan of the food here and  recommended it to everyone I know.

As you enter the restaurant, the ambience reminds you of the traditional Japanese setting, which is not over the top. The sushi counters near the teppanyaki kitchen are located at such a point that they become the core part of the restaurant. The fare is authentic, as I mentioned earlier, and I started by ordering a plate of spicy salmon sashimi, which is just so tasty. The highlight obviously was the mouth-watering wasabi — the accompaniment which was as creamy as it was authentically spicy. The chef then created a special dish, which was delicately done with pine nuts and walnuts. I then moved on to dig into other stuff such as Japanese Pizza (yes this exists), Veg Epice, Spinach Tempura, Capriccios and Edamame.

The salads are very lightly seasoned and you can savour the taste of each ingredient. Among their famed sushi dishes are also the Spicy Tuna, one made with curd and veggie delights, which when combined with the traditional Japanese drink, gives you a taste of Japan. One must also try the chef’s special Black Cod Miso as it is simply outstanding.
For me, this truly is one place that will forever top my list of favourite restaurants.

Wasabi By Morimoto
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Colaba  

Meal for two: Rs4,000 (exclusive of drinks)
Call: 022-66653366
Rating: ****

Jacqueline Fernandez is an actor and a foodie.