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An Evening of Indo-Japanese Fusion Food at Tangerine

Friday, December 09, 2016Me! In words

This article first appeared in Indulge and can be read here

The true meaning of hospitality is to adapt oneself to the needs of your guests. When Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites began catering to a largely Japanese clientele, the need for a touch of home arose. With the help of long term guests at the hotel, the chefs created a Japanese menu that was much appreciated by all those who visited or stayed at the hotel.

Taking things a notch higher, Executive Chef Kapil Sahi has now decided to add on a few dishes that are a marriage of Japanese and Indian classics. Fusion food is not to pull off, especially when attempt to par the diversity and complexity of Indian food with the simplicity of Japanese cuisine.


The base of a traditional Japanese meal is usually soup, rice and pickles and the innovations in the menu take all these into account. Pickles and chutneys are a part of the Indian table as well. Choose from an interesting mix of Tsukemono (Japanese for pickles) - olives of two variations, the classic gari (pickled ginger), wasabi mayo that packs a strong punch and blanched beans and cucumbers with a strong dash of grated jaggery. 


The base of a traditional Japanese meal is usually soup, rice and pickles and the innovations in the menu take all these into account. Pickles and chutneys are a part of the Indian table as well. Choose from an interesting mix of Tsukemono (Japanese for pickles) - olives of two variations, the classic gari (pickled ginger), wasabi mayo that packs a strong punch and blanched beans and cucumbers with a strong dash of grated jaggery. 


Begin your meal with the Tokyo Chaat – that takes the basic Japanese cucumber salad Sunomono and places it atop papdi for that Indian touch. Finely julienned cucumbers, a drizzle of mayo and touch of tamarind complete this dish, which is served with a sweetened tamarind chutney smear inspired by Delhi chaats. A crunchy mouthful that sets the base well.



How does one bring sushi and tandoori together? You create a Tandoori Prawn Sushi for the meat eaters and a Tandoori Butta Sushi (Below) for the vegetarians, that’s how! The Maki Rolls are tight, well packed with rice and the filling. But what really stands out is the improvised soy dip that comes with the vegetarian sushi. Chef Kapil has created a delightful reduction from tamarind juice, jaggery and a touch of soy. The result a delightfully subtle dip that certainly trumped the usual soy.





To bring in a touch of the soup, which is usually Miso, you have the Mutton Shorba which mimics its counterpart in terms of lightness, while being packed with intense flavor, just like a good miso does.


A perfect start to your main course which can be a Lamb Katsu or a Subzi Katsu Curry. The Katsu is a crisp Japanese cutlet of meat that is breaded and fried. Crunchy on the outside and moist meat on the inside is what makes this a universal favorite. The same concept is applied to the vegetarian option. 



To present this dish, Chef Kapil has created a wholesome meal of sticky rice topped with scallions, a mutton, or vegetable korma to accompany it and the katsu in pork, beef or lamb to tie it all together. Each of these dishes gives you the feel of comfort food – hot gravy, paired with sticky rice and something crunchy to go with it. A combination that always soothes those frayed nerves at the end of the day. 

Dessert is a sweet and spicy treat with the familiar Wasabi Icecream placed in sugar nest and the Indian staple of jalebis that have been dipped in a chasni (sugar syrup) that’s laced with Sake and finished with strands of saffron. Perhaps a slightly strong touch to the sake will help, but it certainly balances out well against the strong wasabi ice cream as it is. 

Currently these dishes are working their way into the menu and so it would be best to put in a word for them at the time of making your reservations. While most of them may easily be created, some of them require the chef to get a heads up! The menu also regularly features an interesting array of Ramens that you can consider too. 

An average meal for two here is Rs 3000 and the loos are clean. 

Address: Davanam Portico Suites, Davanam Plaza, Hosur Road, Next to Total Mall, Madivala, Bangalore- 68
Cuisine: Japanese and Indian
Accepts cards: Yes
Parking: Valet
Location: You can find it here

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