Kuuraku, the Japanese restaurant located on Golf Course Road, has recently unveiled its “Real Vegan Ramen ” menu across its outlets in India. This decision results from the company’s commitment to showcasing its diverse culinary offerings and presenting customers with innovative cuisine choices, catering to vegan enthusiasts and aficionados of vegetarian fare.
Executive Chef Yoshitaka Tagawa expressed enthusiasm about the new addition to the menu, stating, “Given the growing popularity of vegan diets, this food offering will help us cater to this audience as well. Additionally, it dispels the misconception that Japanese cuisine lacks vegetarian options. Our Vegan Ramen is prepared using a special vegetable broth and plant-based milk like soy milk, spiced oil, and a variety of vegetables on top, he said with passion.The authentic Japanese cuisine traditionally has few vegan or vegetarian options. Thus, following research and development, including numerous trials, the Kuuraku team introduced their latest culinary innovation the vegan menu.
As we settled into the cosy seating arrangement on the restaurant’s first floor, immersing ourselves in a Japanese cultural environment, the ambience and décor harmonised perfectly with the theme, reminiscent of traditional tea room gatherings that embody Japanese ethos. Amidst conversations with the chef, the flavours from the Land of the Samurai were brought to life, and the soup was elegantly served on our table. While the appearance of the soup might have misled Indian diners, the seemingly plain broth with ladyfinger and eggplant proved to be a delightful surprise – flavourful and perfectly cooked, with neither vegetable becoming overly soft or sticky.
The star of the show, the main Ramen dish, featured fresh noodles produced using machines imported from Japan. It presented a wholesome bowl with almond and soya cream and a medley of vegetables. A drizzle of chilli oil and a touch of vinegar and soya sauce did wonders to elevate its flavour, catering to my Indian palate. Another vegan delight was the Yakitori – the restaurant’s signature dish, intended to be savoured with an array of condiments. Yakitori refers to skewered food, an ideal accompaniment to casual drinks, typically describing meat grilled over charcoal. To round off the culinary experience, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of authentic Japanese dishes such as Ramen, Sushi, Tempura, Gyoza, Japanese curry, and Izakaya tapas that pair perfectly with beer or whisky.
The Evolving Japanese Culinary Landscape in Gurgaon
The restaurant management has noticed a significant shift in their clientele in Gurgaon post-pandemic. Previously, around five to ten per cent of visitors were Indian, but now, there is a 50-50 ratio between Japanese and Indian patrons visiting the restaurant in Gurgaon. It also signifies the curiously changing food taste of Indians who are ready to experiment outside their comfort food.
Kuuraku, a combination of “KUU”, meaning “eating”, and “RAKU”, signifying “enjoyment” in Japanese, embodies the essence of making mealtime pleasurable and delightful. For Indian patrons, the dining experience at Kuuraku offers a distinct ambience from the beginning – from seating and service to the food itself. The restaurant might not be your top choice if you seek a tranquil dining environment. The restaurant has a tradition of announcing orders loudly when serving, and guests are welcomed with exuberant cheers and bid goodbyes with a promise to meet again. The low bench seating might pose some discomfort for traditional Indian families accustomed to more spacious and comfortable dining arrangements. However, if you are fond of Japanese gastronomy, I encourage you to try the restaurant.
Kuuraku is rapidly expanding its presence across India. Apart from Gurgaon, it has branches in Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Manesar and is soon to open in Saket, New Delhi, among other locations.