Looking For Authentic Japanese Fare? Head Straight to Kampai in Aerocity Delhi.

In this blog post, I cover Kampai, a modern, authentic Japanese restaurant located in Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi.

Did you know that last year Tokyo (Japan) was named the city with the most Michelin star restaurants? According to the 2019 Michelin Guide, Tokyo had a whopping 308 Michelin stars distributed on 230 restaurants. Japan’s capital holds the rare distinction of being the most Michelin-starred city in the world, a crown it has held for 13 consecutive years.

My fascination with authentic Japanese food and drinks started in 2007, with a maiden trip to Tokyo. Since then, I must have reviewed over a dozen Japanese restaurants back home. And even though I don’t consider myself an expert in Japanese cuisine, I certainly know a LOT more now!

Last month I reviewed a new authentic Japanese restaurant in Delhi called Kampai. The brainchild of restaurateur and entrepreneur Avantika Sinha Bahl, Kampai is a quaint lil 70-seater restaurant and bar in Worldmark 1, Aerocity, spread over 2,400 square feet.

Kampai

Kampai

In a short time, Kampai has become quite the rage. According to the executive chef, Nitin Bhardwaj, 80% of the guests who visit Kampai are Japanese.

Food

Kampai takes a contemporary twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. The menu is elaborate, consisting of Japanese specialities like Sushi, Sashimi, Ramen, Tempura, Yakitori, Udon, Katsu, Teppanyaki, and so on!

Avocado and Salmon Tartare 

Chicken and Cheese Dimsums

Crystal Veg Dumplings

Tori Katsu Curry

Aburi Salmon Sushi 

Combining fresh ingredients with a creative interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine, Chef Nitin brings you a carefully curated selection, employing East-meets-West culinary techniques.

If you’re someone like me who appreciates finer flavors of modern Japanese cuisine, the Kampai experience is for you! Expect a wide variety of regional-influenced fare, starting from mouthwatering salads to fried and grilled treasures from the sea, from freshest sashimis to irresistible nigiri and rolls.

Hiyashi Ramen Salad

Casting a spin on classic Japanese dishes with creative and artfully curated food, Chef Nitin introduces you to innovative signature dishes like the Black Cod Miso, Tantan Men Ramen, Maguro Katsu Maki Roll, Brie Cheese Tempura with Miso Fig dressing, Pork Belly marinated in Honey Soy Jam, Salmon and Avocado Tartare, Lamb Chops in Miso Butter, Ome-Rice (Fried Rice wrapped in cooked Egg Omelet), and Edamame, amongst others.

Tantan Men Ramen

Seafood lovers should make sure to try the Aburi Salmon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, or Soft Shell Crab Roll (a.k.a. Spider Roll).

Drinks

Pair your favorite food with some incredible cocktails made with indigenous ingredients like Sansho, Japanese pepper, and Yuzu, a Japanese citrus lemon.

Japanese Slippers

Chief Mixologist Niladri Sarkar is at the helm of affairs behind Kampai’s fully-equipped 18-foot bar, offering a wide range of Japanese sakes, champagnes, whiskey, cocktails, beers, and carefully-selected wines from different regions of the world.

Food-Drinks Pairing at Kampai

Food-Drinks Pairing at Kampai

Food-Drinks Pairing at Kampai

The bar, with its unique projection mapping in the background, is unlike any other I’ve seen in recent times. With projections of Tokyo skyline and other beautiful elements from Japan, there is never a dull moment here.

I loved the Yuzu Sour, a new interpretation of the evergreen Whisky Sour, made from Yuzu, Sansho, and Sphere Ice Mold. Other winners were the Wasabi Martini, Kyoto Dreams, Ginza Mist, and so on!

Cocktail at Kampai

You can request Niladri to create a custom cocktail based on your unique flavor profile and choice of ingredients such as Sake, Shochu, Wasabi, and Pickled Ginger.

Decor

In addition to the food and drinks, the understated yet sophisticated ambiance of Kampai is quite a fresh respite from the ordinary.

Kampai's Decor

Kampai's Decor

Particular emphasis is given to the interiors to complement the delectable cuisine. The restaurant is segregated into sections, each depicting a different season in Japan. From Japan’s freezing winters to colorful springs when cherry blossoms dot the landscape, the depiction has been beautifully executed via the colors of the walls, the difference in the ceilings, unique laser cut panels, and projections.

Kampai's Decor

Kampai's Decor

Kampai, with its subtle colors and ambiance, is truly a relaxing and rejuvenating space that transports you to modern-day Tokyo!

Before joining Kampai, Chef Nitin was an integral part of the kitchen team at Hello Guppy (Mumbai), another popular Japanese restaurant. While the food at Kampai was good, it wasn’t particularly great. I wouldn’t lie, I was hoping to be wowed. Few dishes smacked of an absolute lack of consistency, and I would like to see this addressed in my subsequent visits to the restaurant.

Assorted Sushi Boat

Chicken Karaage

Cucumber Wrapped Ebu Tempura Sushi

Mini Tuna Tartare on Crispy Rice Crackers

Miso Marinated Shitake Mushrooms

Prawn Hargao

Shitake Mushroom and Truffle Oil Dumplings

Matcha Tiramisu

The service at Kampai is top-notch, and all the servers are young and qualified. The drinks are out of the world, and I could easily see myself visiting Kampai for the drinks alone.



Overall, Kampai has the scope of becoming one of the most revered authentic Japanese restaurants in Delhi.⠀

[Address: G-02 Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi-110037
Contact: 011-41404177, kampai@kampai.in sales@kampai.in
Operating Hours: Open 7 days a week 
Pricing: Meal for two without Alcohol: INR 2200, Meal for two with Alcohol: INR 3200]