From Tokyo to Mumbai: How Japanese cuisine is winning Indian hearts

Time of India

04-05-2025

On the dense Mumbai streets, carrying aromas of spices and hot street foods hanging in the air, is an unspoken revolution at dinner time. Sushi rolls replace samosas at breakfast, bowls of ramen on drizzly rainy evenings to bring comfort to the soul, and miso seepingly creeps into the kitchens and into shifting food life in Mumbai. What was previously the reserve of select fine-dining restaurants is now a popular addition to the city's rich gastronomic scene. From laid-back cafes to elegant restaurants, Japanese food is making a mark in a city that is famous for its hot, spicy food and it's not here today, gone tomorrow. The people of Mumbai are head over heels about Japanese cuisine and it's only going to get bigger.
So, what's driving this shift from spice-laden comfort food to the clean, umami-rich dishes of Japan?
Curiosity Sparked by Culture
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The Japanese food wave wasn't a fluke. Pop culture did all the groundwork. Anime, Japanese films, vlogs, travel videos, and Kawaii have been a thrall for Indian audiences for long. From listening to characters slurp ramen on cartoon shows to viewing Bento boxes on Pinterest, Indian shoppers became interested in Japanese food. That fascination turned into experimentation, and one taste was all it took. What was once new became impossible to resist.
Comfort Meets Simplicity
Japanese food's popularity in India is not about novelty, it's about comfort. Ramen on a rainy afternoon? Yes, please. Sushi rolls at a weekend party? Absolutely. There's something innately comforting about Japanese food: warm broths, sticky rice, tender meat, and careful, subtle seasoning. Consider gyoza dumplings—there's not much difference between them and Indian momos. Katsu curry? Picture a panko-breaded cutlet accompanied by mild, aromatic curry comfort food, rebooted. Japanese food doesn't battle the Indian palate; it glides into it.
Wellness in Every Bite
Sushi and Japanese food present a wonderful discovery of tastes that extend beyond the conventional heavy food. With its focus on fresh foods such as tuna, salmon, and vegetables, Japanese food is an ideal match for India's emerging wellness-conscious culture. Light, and not greasy, and with many dishes based around lean proteins, fermented foods, and health-promoting broths such as miso soup, it fits health-focused lifestyles. The blending of fresh flavors of foods such as seaweed salad and grilled fish makes you full, but not heavy. Japanese food shows us that healthy food does not have to be dull. Healthy food is straightforward, has great flavor, and feels good.
Fusion, But Make It Thoughtful
What's also driving this trend is the innovative reimagining of Japanese classics infused with Indian sensibilities. Consider: spicy mayo sushi rolls, paneer teriyaki, or ramen bowls that incorporate the warmth of Indian masalas. This sort of fusion isn't about watering down the cuisine, it's about making it more accessible without disrespecting its authenticity. It encourages more people to experience Japanese dishes without feeling overwhelmed.
At its heart, the rise of Japanese food in India shows how food can connect worlds. As Japanese food grows in popularity, more and more are experimenting with sushi or udon at home because of the ease of access to ingredients. Meanwhile, now restaurants and cafes also provide an easy outlet for those craving expertly cooked meals, and so this dining experience is one that is accessible to everyone.
In a country where food is deeply emotional, Japanese cuisine offers not just a new flavor, but a new feeling. It's thoughtful, rooted in tradition, and yet open to interpretation. This isn't just a food trend, it's a beautiful cross-cultural exchange that's here to stay.
Contributed by: Prashant Issar, Managing Director, Bellona Hospitality
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
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