Kuuraku Bandra West Mumbai — Restaurant in Mumbai

About the Ambiance : They have proper Japanese Style Sitting areas with variations for grounded seating, private tables and seat by the kitchen area. As for music, Japanese and Anime Main Themes are constantly played across the whole venue at a volume, wherein you can enjoy both, the music and the conversations. Since we didn't have a reservation we sat across the kitchen on the counter.

Menu : The menu spans across variety of categories with limited options to choose from.

What we had :

Starters : SPECIAL KUSHI COURSE ( Skewers set ) : It gave an overview of the grilled items of Kuuraku.Each variant is prepped differently. • Kuuraku Yaki (Chicken Thigh covered in Skin) : 3 Bite size pieces. Out of all this really was good. • Negima (Chicken and Spring Onion) : 3 alternating pieces of chicken and spring onion. We Didn't find anything unique or flavourful about this. • Bonjiri (Chicken Tail) : 4 pieces. Again apart from it being chicken tail so a slightly tougher meat piece the flavor was missing. • Tsukune (Chicken Meat balls): 3 small globes. This one is definitely something worth trying. • Butabara (Oroshi : Porkbelly with Radish) : 3 squares. Loved this.

Aburi Chashu (Fried Porkbelly) : 5 Thin slices of Porkbelly, over a bed of cabbage, served with a spicy wasabi paste. The Porkbelly did have a smoked flavor, however it was super mild. The star of the dish was only the wasabi.

Age Gyoza (Deep Fried Chicken Dumplings) : Crispy outer layer filled with minced chicken and served with a sweet spicy sauce. The crunch, the flavors of the dumpling filling and the sauce blend in well together to give a impactful taste. It was one of the better dishes we tasted.

Tori-no-Kaarage (Deep Fried Soy Marinated Chicken) : Soy Marinated Chicken coated with a breading embeded with some spices, cooked till rare.Each Kaarage was a beautifully marinated pieces of chicken, served hot and steaming, with a unique dip. The chicken was juicy while still being crispy on the outside.

Beverages:

Beer Cocktails : We tried the Apple, Mango and Lichee Beer : Each beer had a well balanced blend of the fruit to the alcohol. Mango beer had a slight extra mango content compared to the whole blend and that made it a good match to the starters.

Mains : These were definitely disappointing. •Pork Katsu-Don :The Cutlet (Katsu) had lost its crunch and binding by the time it was served, resulting in a mix of soggy breadding and bland pork cuts. The Omlet on the rice had also soaked up a decent amount of sauce making it a little extra soft. The rice and onions in the base tasted extra sweet due to the sauce blend.

•Kuuraku Ramen : We also ordered the spicy version of the ramen, to balance out the extra sweet Katsu-Don taste. The broth was not flavourful. All one could taste is the chili added as we requested it to be spicy. Noodles were not handmade, let alone freshly made or even properly cooked. To top it all, apart from the broth and noodles the ramen had just one half of an egg, one thin sliver of porkbelly and a couple of tablespoons of spring onions.This was the least appetizing dish of the course.

Overall : A decent ambience, and a good place for trying out relatively authentic japanese cusine. The skewers and drinks are on a better standard than the mains, and you may not get the...

Kuuraku - A Memorable Journey to Japanese Culinary Heritage

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kuuraku, a charming little Japanese restaurant that left me with an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a quiet corner of the city, Kuuraku's ambiance was truly captivating, boasting a cute and cozy traditional setting that instantly transported me to Japan.

As I stepped inside Kuuraku, I was greeted by the warm and friendly Japanese staff, who followed the traditional Japanese way of welcoming guests with a bow. Their genuine smiles and respectful demeanor made me feel like an honored guest throughout my entire visit.

The seating arrangement at Kuuraku was uniquely Japanese, with tatami mats and low tables, allowing patrons to experience the traditional way of sitting, enhancing the authenticity of the dining experience. From my spot, I had a clear view of the live kitchen, where skilled chefs showcased their culinary prowess with artistic flair.

Kuuraku was adorned with amazing lights that created a soothing and intimate atmosphere, perfectly complementing the overall traditional ambiance. The combination of soft lighting and the aroma of delicious food filled the air, making the dining experience even more enchanting.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food at Kuuraku. The menu was an absolute delight, offering a wide variety of authentic Japanese dishes that catered to both traditional and adventurous palates. The staff at Kuuraku was more than helpful in describing each dish, offering valuable insights and recommendations that truly enhanced my culinary journey.

To start, I savored a refreshing and crisp Japanese beer at Kuuraku, perfectly setting the mood for the meal. The radish sauce and wasabi accompanying the sushi were an explosion of flavors, enhancing the taste of every bite.

The fried chicken, or karaage, at Kuuraku was a crispy and succulent delight, showcasing the finesse of the kitchen staff in preparing classic Japanese comfort food. The traditional recommended ramen at Kuuraku was a revelation - rich broth, tender noodles, and a perfect balance of flavors that transported me to the bustling streets of Tokyo.

The juicy skewers, known as yakitori, at Kuuraku were grilled to perfection, boasting a delightful smoky aroma that was hard to resist. Accompanied by a side of rice cake, or mochi, these skewers were truly a highlight of the meal.

Finally, for dessert at Kuuraku, I indulged in a luscious serving of vanilla ice cream that provided a satisfying conclusion to my culinary adventure.

Admittedly, the dining experience at Kuuraku was on the pricier side, but the quality and authenticity of the food, the cozy ambiance, and the exceptional service made it entirely worth it. The crowd at Kuuraku seemed to be on the affluent side, which added an air of sophistication to the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, Kuuraku offered a delightful journey through Japanese culinary heritage. From the traditional ambiance, live kitchen, and Japanese staff to the amazing menu and authentic food, every aspect of the experience at Kuuraku was memorable. If you're looking to embark on a gastronomic journey to Japan, Kuuraku should undoubtedly be at the top...

Kuuraku Bandra is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Mumbai, offering a truly authentic Japanese dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to Japan through its exquisitely designed interior. The fusion of traditional and modern elements creates an ambiance that is both inviting and soothing.

The highlight of Kuuraku Bandra is undoubtedly their unique meal preparation room, where skilled chefs showcase their artistry in crafting delectable Japanese dishes. The fact that all customers can witness the food being prepared adds a sense of transparency and trust to the dining experience. It's mesmerizing to see the precision and dedication that goes into each dish, creating a connection between the chefs and the diners.

One of the standout features of Kuuraku Bandra is the innovative inclusion of a shoe store facility.This thoughtful gesture not only enhances the authenticity of the restaurant but also ensures the comfort and hygiene of patrons.

The menu at Kuuraku Bandra is an array of delights that cater to every palate. The Kuuraku ramen is a bowl of comfort, with its rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles that warm your soul. The spicy salmon sushi is a symphony of flavors, combining the freshness of the fish with the kick of spiciness. For those who crave grilled perfection, the chicken yakitori is a must-try. Each skewer is tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.

As for the drinks, the matcha tea cocktail deserves special mention. Its unique blend of traditional matcha with a modern twist offers a refreshing and delightful experience. However, it is true that the cocktail's price seems a bit on the higher side, considering the quantity provided. Nevertheless, the quality and taste of the cocktail are unparalleled.

The staff at Kuuraku Bandra is the epitome of Japanese hospitality - humble, polite, and attentive. From the traditional Japanese greeting upon arrival to their sincere care throughout the meal, the staff ensures that every guest feels valued and well-taken care of. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to assist with recommendations further enhances the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, Kuuraku Bandra is a culinary haven for those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience. The restaurant's impressive design, open kitchen concept, shoe store facility, and Japanese-style greetings all contribute to a memorable and immersive visit. With its delightful menu and exceptional staff, Kuuraku Bandra is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for Japanese food...