As Japanese cuisine continues to captivate the Indian palate, the time has come to venture beyond sushi, sashimi, and ramen to uncover the artistry and depth of Japan’s most refined culinary tradition—Kaiseki. With its newly launched Kaiseki menu, Kofuku, a celebrated name in Japanese and Oriental cuisine, has brought this exquisite dining experience to its Gurugram and Delhi outlets. I attended the preview tasting that was hosted at Kofuku Gurugram by Ankur Sahni, General Manager Kofuku restaurants.
What is Kaiseki?
Kaiseki is the pinnacle of Japanese haute cuisine. It originated as a multi-course dining ritual inspired by the traditional tea ceremony, evolving over centuries into an art form that balances taste, texture, appearance, and seasonal themes. It is a significant part of Washoku, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Kaiseki is not just a meal, it is a sensorial experience that is deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and hospitality.
Kaiseki is often described as a Japanese version of a French dégustation menu. Its dishes are served in a thoughtfully curated sequence—from appetizers to sashimi, simmered, grilled, and steamed items, ending with rice and dessert.
Kaiseki at Kofuku: A Curated Experience
Kofuku’s new Kaiseki menu offers a sophisticated array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that pay homage to this culinary tradition while incorporating modern flair. Paired with an assortment of sakes from the famed Hakutsuru and Hakushika breweries and wines from prominent Indian winemaker Fratelli, the menu promises to be an exquisite dining experience for lovers of Japanese fine dining.
At our Kaiseki table, I chose to be served the non vegetarian options, though the vegetarian dishes were equally enticing! We also had the special privilege of enjoying an Aussie Sauvignon Blanc, that deserved well its place in the menu.
Kaiseki Preview at Kofuku Gurugram
The culinary extravaganza began with Tsukemono (Japanese pickles), around a glass of Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut, even as the guests settled down.
The first course- Chuka Wakame Salad with crab stick and marinated seaweed was served shortly thereafter, paired with Hakushika Kaon Sake. The combination provided a great umami-umai synergy while keeping the freshness of the dish alive..
Crunchy Chicken Dumplings were next, paired with a palate cleansing Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut– a méthode traditionelle sparkling wine with zero dosage. The palate cleansing wine did a great job with the savoury depth of the dumplings.
Next to follow was a refreshing platter of Volcano Sushi Roll, paired with a slightly sweet Hakushika Awayuki Sparkling sake. As much colourful to the eyes, the combination come alive on the palate with its full range of flavours and a zesty sparkle..
The lunch progressed towards an umami feast with the textured savouriness of Yaki Teba (grilled wings), complemented perfectly by the mouth filling Hakutsuru Junmai. sake. A further step-up came with the rich and powerful Grilled Lamb Chops in Balsamic Onion served alongside its worthy counterpart – Fratelli’s de facto “prestige cuvée” Sette made with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes,
The Kaiseki spread wouldn’t have been complete without rice, hence next on our table was Mixed Salmon Fried Rice. The fragrant rice stir-fried with a mix of vegetables and topped with a tender grilled salmon fillet paired elegantly with Hardy’s Nottage Hill Sauvignon Blanc from Australia.
The finale, a luscious Kuro Gomae (black sesame) ice cream, brought the Kaiseki experience to a smooth and nutty close.
A welcome initiative by Kofuku
While traditional Kaiseki is often paired with sake or green tea, Kofuku’s versatile menu invites creative pairings by incorporating another beverages too. At an approximate price of ₹ 5500, Kofuku Kaiseki menu offers more than just a meal—it delivers a journey through Japanese culinary culture. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Japanese food or an adventurous gourmand, this is a must-try experience in Gurugram and Delhi.
