Kuuraku Neemrana — Restaurant in Rajasthan

Kuuraku - a Japanese International brand with multiple restaurants in four countries - 21 in Japan, 3 in Canada, 2 in India and 1 in Indonesia. Last evening, I had the honour to be served by the 'Japanese' at Kaaruku (Global Foyer). The other Kuuraku is located in Neemrana (Rajasthan). The brand franchise has its four directors - Mr Seijiro Hirohama Mr Yuichi Fukuhara, Mr Kojiro Honda and Mr Vishal Jhunjhunwala.

My Experience at Kuuraku

I visited Kuuraku Japanese Restaurant last evening at 8 pm (Friday) and needless to say, this was an all together different experience for me. Japanese food in India has yet to be explored by many. I have experienced Japanese food couple of times and have always found their food to be delicious and delectable. I was always given a dirty stare by some Japanese– every time I raised my DSLR to take a picture. You know, Japanese people are by far, amazing people. Well, imagine my plight when 99% people at Kuuraku were Japanese (to include Chefs, serving staff and others) and I was a single Gurgaon foodie, wanting to know more about their food, culture etc. It was quite tough as the Menu which was handed over to me only had Japanese words. Despite everything, I just loved this experience. Another problem which I faced was the ‘communication’ as they were no translators. While all this was tough for me but not at all bugging or irritating. It only conveyed to me that if I were to visit Japan sometimes, I would face the same situation.

Ambience, Décor & Seating Arrangements

Kuuraku is located quite secluded from the world, a hidden gem on the ground floor of Global Foyer. Their customers are mostly Japanese expats. Last evening was a Friday Evening and I was later told by the Japanese Restaurant Manager (who spoke little bit of broken English) that the Japanese staying in India (the working class), B-R-E-A-K out on Friday evenings as its their weekend party time. The ambience of the place from inside is majestic and for a moment, it seems you are NOT in India anymore. Believe me this as I found Japanese all over the place. The entire complex breaks-up into 2-compartments – the lower seating area (to include an open grill-kitchen) and annex (upper portion) which is for family dining. To my delight, you got to remove your foot-wear before you enter the annex chambers. The entire place has a beautiful ambience and awesome décor. I loved the overall get-up.

Japanese Food & Beverages

I started with the starters – SUNAGIMO (Grilled Chicken). The preparation of this grilled chicken based delicacy involves skewering the meat with ‘kushi’ (a type of skewer typically made of steel or bamboo). After the initial skewering, the meat is then grilled over a charcoal fire. All through, the meat is seasoned with ‘tare sauce’ which is a Japanese sauce. I found the chicken to be bit raw but that’s the way Japanese love...

The food is ok. Have has better Japanese food in restaurants within Gurgaon. Service is sub optimal. We were 2, asked for water, waitress brought 1 glass, for beer again got 1 glass and had to ask for another. Had to ask for napkins and cutlery as neither cutlery or chopsticks were served with the meal. Had to ask for clearance between courses n then the table was left unclean. Given there was only 1 other table occupied couldnt undestand the reason for such lackadisical service. Food came in quickly though. Ordered chicken wings which were nice n flavorful, Charsu n Ramen were ok have had better. Gyoza was good, Matcha cheesecake was dense. All in all an...

One of the few Japanese restaurants in Neemrana, Kuuraku offers a wide variety of Japanese cuisine. I had have no prior experience of Japanese food but I definitely liked the food here and have already been here around 15 times or more. The staff is very polite and service is top notch. You definitely can visit Kuuraku if you like Japanese food or are looking forward to experience Japanese cuisine. The restaurant provides its regular customers with a food card. It has 5 cells for stamps. When all 5 stamps are collected, one free dish can be availed during the next visit and the...