Wasabi By Morimoto

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4.5 / 5
• Service: 4 / 5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

I dine here as often as I can afford to and end up with my palate singing (and wallet stinging). Once again, excuse me for pontificating, but I have to put this on record... the history of Oriental restaurants in Mumbai will divide itself neatly into two periods: "Before Wasabi" and "After Wasabi". Mumbai's first and truly international, contemporary Japanese Wasabi by Morimoto opened its doors six years ago. The award-winning Wasabi by Morimoto in The Taj, has a cheery, red staircase, a glass-and-steel lift which zooms you up from the Harbour Bar into this small "magic box". Here, there is contemporary chic, vibrant red, an installation of drifting cherry blossoms and wooden traditional Japanese joinery walls. A handsome and more comfy Tatami Room too. The sushi counter and teppanyaki counter continue to serve as focal points of activity. I've had superlative meals in Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto's New York restaurant and am delighted to report that his standards of excellence are maintained here as well. He flies in authentic Japanese ingredients, uses Japanese techniques, but draws inspiration from China, France, Korea and more. Go for the delicate and subtle Chilean Sea Bass, the firm yet yielding Black Cod in Miso with its sweet whisper, Oyster Foie Gras, full-bodiedly flavoured Lobster Epice and Rock Shrimp Tempura. Superlative White Fish Carpaccio and Yellow Tail Carpaccio, raw sliced Fish Sashimi and exquisite Maki and Nigiri Sushi. There are 28 varieties of fish. There is an outstanding and dedicated veggie menu. Chef Hemant Oberoi excels. Japanese Pizza (don't get put off by the name), Veg Spice, Spinach Tempura, Veg Sushi (a No-Nori Veg Sushi ), Newspaper Vegetable Purse and Edamame too. And you must end with the Wasabi Creme Brulee. It bites back.rnrnP.S. Feeling celebratory? Leave yourself in the chef's care, let him surprise you with course after course, ask for the Omakase Menu (set menu) - Rs. 5,000-10,000 and above.