Restaurant Spotlight: Wakai - Bringing Fun And Upbeat Tokyo Street Vibes To Mumbai

Wakai, located in Fort, Mumbai is truly a gateway to luxury dining when seen through a Japanese lens that you must visit! Nestled in an age-old mansion in the bustling South Bombay area, this 2-storeyed building with the bright neon pink signboard sets the mood, promising its customers a premium, disruptive experience of Japanese cuisine. Using ancient traditional cooking methods and the finest quality ingredients imported all the way from Japan, Wakai serves a variety of gastronomical delights with a strong wave of ethnic flavors like no other Japanese restaurant in town!

Wakai has a very unique ambiance, taking inspiration from hole-in-the-wall ramen shops, a peppy and colorful setup that connects to pop culture. The ceiling is designed in hues of vibrant gold and red with unique artifacts. The lower floor has a restaurant seating with jazz music in the background and Japanese anime characters adorning the walls while the mezzanine floor screams a dance-filled boozy night out. A live Sushi bar on one side and a spirit bar on the other side is perfect to set a mood for dancing, cocktails and good food.

Wasabi to Wakai, the culinary offerings are well-curated by Chef Parvez Khan, formerly from Wasabi by Morimoto, The Taj Mahal Palace piloted the kitchen at Wasabi and enhanced his skills under the very famous Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto. Wakai is dished out in partnership between Chef Parvez Khan and Shardul Bayas Singh, a hospitality entrepreneur who brings the business expertise and passion for creating a dent in the experiential dining space.

Serving some of the most exquisite dishes and cocktails in Mumbai, rest assured to have a great time. Start your meal with a glass or two of their boozy cocktails. If you are a person who enjoys G&T, then definitely opt for Citrus Wasabi (L) which is an excellent mix of Gin, Tonic, Lime, Grapefruit and fresh Wasabi. Or if you are looking for something fruity with Vodka, try out their Blueberry Caiprioska (R).

We highly recommend you to try out the Wasabi Cornettos from the cold appetizer section, a dish that defines Wakai’s food philosophy. They come with a blast of flavors of swirled Wasabi cream and spiced Avocado wrapped in crispy cones.

Going forward, their Sushi master at the live Sushi bar prepares some of the best Sushi and Sashimi with Tuna, Eel, Shrimp and many more but the what stands apart is the Aji Amarillo Avocado Sushi.

Jumping to the Entrée, the traditional dishes on the menu are executed to respect the authenticity of the cuisine like the Grilled Artichoke Miso (L) with sweet miso and fresh cream for vegetarians and Salmon Teriyaki (R) with seasonal veggies for seafood lovers.

And of course, your meal is incomplete if it doesn’t end on a sweet note. You can pick from the Bird’s Eye Chilli Chocolate Brownie (L) with a silky sauce and not to forget about the gold medal ice cream all served in a ramekin or the eggless Homemade 70% Nama Chocolate (R) with Sao Thome chocolate ganache, chocolate soil, seasonal berries and garnished with some edible flowers.

Overall, it’s a perfect place for all occasions whether it’s a weekend brunch or a happening place on Friday night, Wakai won’t disappoint you.

Do not forget to book a table through Eazydiner whenever you are heading out for a meal or drinks and avail the best deals and discounts. And also, an extra discount when you use Payeazy to pay your bill.

Must Haves: Truffle Edamame Gyoza, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Black Cod Miso, Lamb Chop Shichimiyaki and Pomegranate & Grapefruit Whiskey Sour.