Mega Treat

Japanese cuisine in the Capital has a new player,one with international credentials.

It is one of the most acclaimed Japanese fine dining restaurant chains,known for its haute cuisine as well as stunning décor in branches across the world,from New York to Switzerland,Moscow and Doha. Now,Megu has opened in Delhi,with an outpost at the Leela Palace,where greeting guests at the entrance is a kimono-clad hostess,who guides them to their preferred seat either the sushi bar or the main dining hall. Those looking for a more intimate meal can opt for the private dining area.

On entering,what caught our attention were the pre-dominant shades on the walls,which range from vivid red,to gold and black. Each section manages to retain a certain individuality. If the sushi bar has marble and wooden seating and walls decorated with origami,the main dining area comprises tables arranged around a large crystal Buddha seated under a gargantuan prayer bell,replete with intricate engravings. We are told that everything is custom-made,from the bric-a-brac to the crockery and cutlery. The service is,in a word,exquisite.

Apart from the trappings,the menu at Megu is another crowd puller. Despite contemporary influences and degustations,its essence still lies in traditional Japanese fare,comprising dishes perfected over the centuries,finished with a distinctly modern touch.

The menu is quite extensive,divided into contemporary European sections (soups,starters,entrees). Their signature asparagus rolled in spiced rice crackers,flash fried and sprinkled with salt and a squeeze of Japanese lemon is a revelation (specially to a confirmed carnivore like myself). Then of course there is a surfeit of exotic seafood,with a few chicken and lamb dishes,which seem to be an afterthought,really. There is beef too. The Wagyu (literally Japanese cow) beef,incidentally considered the finest in the world. It is prepared in numerous ways,but nothing compares with the carpaccio (raw paper-thin slices) of beef.

The desserts at Megu are also a class of their own. The wasabi cheesecake is surreal,the amount of wasabi miniscule,providing an ideal (read subtle) backdrop for the dessert. The Yuzu (Japanese lemon) Crème Brule accompanied by strawberries flambéed in sake and green tea ice cream is sublime,each ingredient complementing the other in the most unexpected but welcome way.

The above dining experience will require one to pay through the nose,but this will be one of those rare occasions where every penny will be well spent.

Meal for two: Rs 7,000 to 8,000 Address: Megu,Leela Palace,Chanakyapuri Contact: 011-39331234

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram