He struggles. Then struggles some more. After the final attempt of trying to speak in English, Minoru Muramatsu, Sushi Head Chef at En restaurant that’s launched its new menu, darts into the kitchen, and returns five minutes later holding one of his signature dishes—Buta Kakuni, pork belly that’s been braised for 28 hours. He gestures us to try it once. Gauging our response, he gives us a closed-lipped smile. Neither of us say a word after the first bite finds place in our mouth. The flawless craftsmanship of his creation erupting with a variety of flavours on our palate does all the communicating. The rest of the evening is spent in understanding and appreciation of the work Muramatsu brings out to table.
Inspired by celebrated Japanese master chef Jiro Ono, his new menu reflects a good part of Ono’s style of perfectionism. “Traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi and modernised version of Kaiseki (multi-course Japanese dinner) find place in the offering,” he says, with the help of a translator who arrives later. Besides Buta Kakuni, the chef insists that his Qutub Roll (made with Japanese style kakiage vegetable with sweet potato, and teriyaki sauce) is a must-have. If you’re up for trying out more of his special items, you can go for Ebi Tornado (Japanese style crispy prawns wrapped with sweet potato) and assorted tempuras.
The dishes in the new menu include garlic in substantial proportions because that’s one thing he’s found Indians to enjoy. “Indian garlic is hardy, bulbous and has a strong flavour. We love using it. Besides that, our kitchen stocks imported ingredients bountifully.
We get Japanese rice, all kinds of sea food, oba leaf, cooking sake and many more ingredients without which we can never replicate the taste of authenticity,” says Muramatsu as he urges us to try Prawn Sushi, another dish he spent several weeks perfecting.
“In Japan, they teach sushi-making for five years. With that kind of rigorous training, I’ve mastered the technique, but even then, it takes effort and precision to execute it. The discerning will understand what I mean and respect the art that looks beautiful and tastes divine,” he says.
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Address H 5/1, Ambawatta One, Kalkadas Marg, Mehrauli
Meal for two Rs 3,500