Kimikai is a fictional character that kinds the inspiration of the brand new restaurant, Kimikai – Umami Home, at One Horizon Heart. The house is designed as Kimikai’s residence, that includes an inviting alfresco space with lush greens, an indoor eating room, and two devoted bars serving drinks and sushi.

The character itself is intriguing. A human physique with the top of a fox, symbolising crafty and sharp intuition, impressed by merchants of the spice route who dealt not simply in spices but additionally in opium. This narrative is subtly woven into the interiors, with opium seeds and floral motifs seen throughout wallpapers and backdrops.

The storytelling is compelling and makes for a fascinating first impression. It actually has the potential to change into a speaking level. Nevertheless, as at all times, the true check lies within the meals and repair.

I had anticipated the menu to mirror a broader interpretation of the spice route. As a substitute, it leans closely in direction of Japanese delicacies. Whereas one is likely to be tempted to name it Pan Asian, the restaurant positions itself as an “Umami Home.”

I used to be notably wanting ahead to assembly Chef Accomplice Ruhani Singh, previously of Zuma, however she was travelling on the time. My eating companion Sourish Bhattacharya appeared somewhat happy, insisting that the easiest way to evaluate a restaurant is when the top chef is just not current.

We started with a tomato carpaccio that was competitively executed. The ginger dressing was effectively balanced, complemented by the crunch of bubu arare, making for a promising begin alongside a gomae salad.

Alongside the starters, I attempted a cocktail referred to as Black Pelt. Constructed alongside the strains of a highball, it combines whisky with inexperienced apple, pandan, and a touch of ginger. Mild, refreshing, and simple to drink, it really works notably effectively as a daytime summer time cocktail and pairs effortlessly with the meal with out overpowering the flavours.

As a non vegetarian, I used to be notably eager to discover the meat and seafood choices. The meal really picked up from there. The salmon aburi had each of us exchanging approving glances. On condition that this sits in a premium eating vacation spot like One Horizon Heart, the presence of each chutoro and otoro sashimi on the menu was encouraging. Whereas the chutoro was glorious, the otoro cuts sadly had extreme connective tissue, making them barely chewy.

Some dishes stood out to the extent that we discovered ourselves instinctively reaching to scrub each final chew. The black cod was unavailable, having been bought out the earlier night, however the miso sea bass from the robata greater than made up for it. Whereas black cod is normally my high choice, this dish was adequate to make me rethink that hierarchy.

The hen nanban burger deserves a particular point out. Served with a fried patty, creamy cheese sauce, and offered on a scorching tray the place you assemble it your self, it’s each interactive and indulgent. It’s the sort of dish that can attraction to youngsters simply as a lot as adults, although one must be cautious with the new plate.

Among the many different dishes we tried, the kimchi rice, New Zealand lamb chops, mushroom carbonara, and hen katsu curry had been all effectively executed.

The one misstep was the miso honey toast, the place the bread itself fell in need of expectations.

Because the restaurant has solely lately opened, some teething points are comprehensible. Whereas the meals largely delivers, the sequencing of service wants consideration. Our robata dish arrived earlier than the sushi and sashimi, which disrupted the pure movement of the meal. To their credit score, the workforce was receptive to the suggestions, and one hopes this will probably be addressed quickly.

Regardless of these gaps, there’s sufficient right here to warrant a revisit. The ocean bass, lamb chops, and katsu curry alone make a robust case for returning.

Scores
Meals: 4.0/5 | Service: 2.5/5 | Atmosphere: 3.5/5 | General: 3.5/5

Deal with: Kimikai – Umami Home, First Flooring, One Horizon Heart, Gurgaon
Telephone: 8076205663
Meal for Two: INR 2500
Timings: 12 pm to 12 am

pawansoni

Meals Critic and a Advertising Wizz who had a excessive profile profession with main MNC’s like HSBC, GE Capital and many others, Pawan Soni comes throughout as a quintessential company worker. He left behind his profitable profession because the Vice President of an MNC… all for his love for meals. He a WSET Degree II wine connoisseur and a foodie who likes to eat something beneath the solar. In addition to being a meals and journey author for numerous meals boards and magazines, he’s the Founder and CEO of Indian Meals Freak. As one of many preliminary bloggers who began his weblog over a decade in the past, his web site www.indianfoodfreak.com is presently one of many greatest meals and journey blogs within the nation. Pawan additionally conducts extremely profitable restaurant awards and lately concluded the ninth version of The Huge F restaurant awards. He has additionally received one of the best influencer awards in India by BBC Meals Meals Awards in 2018