Chennai’s bustling food scene has, over the years, made room for cuisines around the world. This includes Japanese food that has enthralled us with its unique flavours and offerings. For sushi and ramen lovers, Chennai restaurants that celebrate these flavours are nothing short of a slice of heaven. Here are Chennai's top 10 Japanese restaurants.
We are digging in!
Itadakimasu.
Not only Bamboo decor and yellow lights, Kuuraku in Vadapalani even comes with an attached bar! Some say that you can even take in the essence of a quaint Japanese town in here with a beer in hand. They have interesting cocktails with green tea and litchi as well. Don't forget to try their traditional Japanese beer. Along with it, you could order up some barbeque skewers, teriyaki wings, yakitori or sushi. You could even go for a meal. One of the most interesting things we found is that they have games where you can win your drinks! This restaurant is open from 6 PM to 11 PM.
This cheery restaurant serves up what we (and the rest of the world) love most about Japanese cuisine. The menu stars Hata (black grouper) Sashimi and Ika (cuttlefish) Sashimi. There’s also Ebi (prawn) Tempura and Fish Katsu. Their Donburi offerings are worth a try too. Sushi In A Box is open from 11 AM to 11 PM.
One of the most-loved Japanese restaurants, Fuji is one of the best culinary establishments in Nandanam. If you want to indulge in deep-fried awesomeness, then, pick the Tonkatsu (crumb-fried pork cutlets) or the Ebi Mayo (fried prawns paired with Aurora sauce). Prefer something light? Then, pick from their sushi rolls (tuna, salmon, or sweet boiled shitake mushroom) or their sashimi offerings. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 3 PM and reopens for dinner at 6 PM to 10 PM.
When you want a Japanese meal cushioned in luxury, then, this restaurant at ITC Grand Chola will check all the boxes. As the name suggests, the spiffy hotel specialises in pan Asian cuisines but they do have a robust selection of Japanese dishes. Start off with sashimi or nigiri sushi that features a variety of ingredients including octopus, yellowtail, fried bean curd and grilled eel. You can also chomp on Cha-Soba (chilled, green tea noodles) and udon noodles. Pan Asian is open only for dinner from 7 PM to 11.30 PM.
Located at The Park, A2’s menu includes many Asian delicacies including Japanese. They are known for their top-notch sushi platters. We recommend the A2 Nigri Special that comes with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, red snapper and others. Their Spider Maki (made with soft shell crabs) and Tuna Tataki with truffle miso and ponzu jelly are worth sinking your teeth into. This restaurant at the park is open from 12 PM to 3 PM and from 7 PM to 11 PM.
A well-known name in town, Mamagoto has made its name in and out of the city. We love their colourful indie Japanese graffiti but more than that, we love the way the dishes are served. Apart from sushi and sashimi, you could go for ramen, udon noodles and fried rice. We love the crisps you get with every meal! They have special wasabi plates that will spice up your taste buds. Mamagoto is open from 12 PM to 11.30 PM.
Hokkaido in Alwarpet is just all things aesthetically pleasing. With their minimal wooden entrance and their clean finish black cutlery, we can tell you the food is just as satisfying and pretty looking. Apart from that, they have a menu written in both English and Japanese where you can go for different types of seafood salads, natto, soups, sashimi, nigiri, sushi, maki roll, yakitori and even traditional steaks. If you are looking to try octopus, you could probably give this place a hit. Hokkaido is open from 12 PM to 3 PM and reopens again from 6 PM till 11.30 PM.
They may be known for their Korean delicacies, but New Seoul Hotels in Alwarpet also has a range of Japanese treats that you just can't miss out on. In their 48 pages menu, you will find all the varieties of maki, sushi, sashimi, nigiri donburi, onigiri and ramen! Not only do they serve fish, prawns and chicken, but they have eels and crabs along with tons of vegetarian options. You could go for saucy BBQ or creamy nato curry or even crispy karage. New Seoul Hotel is open from 12 PM to 3 PM and from 6 PM to 10 PM.
Click here for the best Korean restaurants.
When you want your Japanese meal to be served with a side of drama, then, book a table at this Alwarpet restaurant. While we can’t bet on the authenticity of the food, you won’t be disappointed with what’s served on your plate at the live station, where you can watch the chef do his thing. At Teppan, you can choose between their set menus that include sushi, miso soups, and grilled meats. Or you can go for their a-la-carte offerings. The restaurant is open from 12 PM to 3 PM for lunch and 7 PM to 11 PM for dinner.
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