Though Japanese restaurants are around in country for a very long time but it only got into sizeable number in last couple of years. That is why the food has become more readily available and got a little more affordable. What sets apart Japanese Cuisine from other Asian cuisine is its simplicity. Freshness and health are always set as priority which is now has become a focal point for most of the diners.  With huge increase in number of international travellers from India the familiarisation with the cuisines has also grown immensely which has added up to popularity of cuisine in India.

While some Japanese restaurants may choose to adapt their dishes for the Indian palate, many restaurants preserve the authenticity of Japanese flavours. However, it’s important to note that certain adaptations occur due to the limited availability of ingredients and a knowledge gap about true authentic flavours, especially in larger restaurant chains.

While the popularity and growth of Japanese cuisine in India is undoubtedly positive, it’s crucial to strike a balance that allows for adaptation without losing the originality and authenticity of these dishes. Preserving the essence of Japanese cuisine is key to delivering a true culinary experience.

Japanese cuisine is known for its freshness and subtle acquired flavours. Use of exotic ingredients and aromatic produces give them a unique approach.  In addition, it also a very eye pleasing cuisine. In Japanese cuisine simplicity is the key and most of the classic dishes require only a handful of the ingredients. That why the flavours a very easy to relate to which makes it immensely popular. 

Generally Japanese cuisine is known for its Sushi, sashimi and tempura but there are wide ranges of Dishes that are yet to be explored. One of food that has garnered huge traction in recent times is Ramen.

Indians are more open to trying cuisines from all around the world now than they have ever been before. Indians are also much more well-travelled today and have tried cuisines from across the world. Japanese food is immensely popular worldwide so it’s no surprise that Indians are fond of the cuisine as well.

Japanese cuisine is composed of fresh, seasonal ingredients that create a unique balance of flavours. The presentation also plays a very vital role in the popularity of Japanese food as careful consideration has been given to create the perfect aesthetic for every dish with minimalistic elements.

Several ingredients including lots of seafood is brought in from Japan, once a week or more depending on the requirement. There are also ingredients restaurants get from selected local vendors. Some of our seafood is also flown down from the coastal states of India.

The natural progression of travel & tourism and of more people venturing to the East has created a greater interest in Japanese culture and cuisine. Also, the perception of Japanese cuisine has changed, as it’s becoming so much more than sushi, which automatically opens it up to a wider audience of diners. The cuisine is always consistent, in that the ingredients are clean and must be fresh at all times – a welcome change from a lot of other cuisines. Also, the world has always associated Japan overall with excellence and high quality, a perception that also rightly extends to its cuisine.

A growing exposure to Japan has created a huge amount of interest in the country, for its culture, fashion, and of course its food – not to mention the massive popularity of Japanese anime. In our country, it was the five-star hotels that helped to popularize Japanese food as because of the cost of the ingredients and irregular supply, it was impossible for standalones to offer Japanese cuisine of quality.

Read the full story that first appeared in Zee Zest here:

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