Desai Restaurant in Tokyo offers an authentic taste of Maharashtrian cuisine with a homely touch. Their bhakri, made from jowar or bajra, has a crispy exterior with a soft interior, pairing well with pithla or spicy sabzis. While its earthy taste is satisfying, it can feel dry unless eaten with curry or ghee. The chapatis and rotis are freshly made, light, and soft, perfectly complementing dals and vegetables. Each piece is served warm with a touch of ghee, enhancing the flavors.
The besan-based dishes at Desai are a highlight. The pithla, a smooth and flavorful gram flour curry, is well-balanced with spices and mustard tempering, making it an excellent match for bhakri. The kothimbir vadi, a crispy coriander-flavored besan snack, has a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, aromatic interior, though it can sometimes be a bit oily. Another must-try is the puran poli, a sweet lentil-stuffed flatbread filled with mildly spiced chana dal and cardamom. It is served warm with a drizzle of ghee, making it a delightful end to the meal. However, it is available in limited quantities.
For snack lovers, the til chakli is an excellent choice. These crispy, spiral-shaped rice flour snacks, flavored with sesame seeds and mild spices, have the perfect crunch and seasoning. They are ideal for a light bite, though not a full meal option. To complement the meal, Desai serves chaas, a refreshing buttermilk drink with hints of cumin and coriander. It is tangy, mildly salty, and served chilled, making it a great digestive after a rich meal, though the portion size is small.
Overall, Desai Restaurant offers a genuine taste of Maharashtra with well-executed flavors and traditional preparation methods. The food is fresh and satisfying, with a balance of textures and spices that reflect true Maharashtrian cooking. Some dishes, especially sweets and snacks, are limited in availability, so it’s advisable to check in advance. The restaurant successfully brings the essence of Marathi cuisine to Tokyo, making it a must-visit for those craving...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Tokyo, Desai Foods is a culinary treasure that brings the rich, diverse flavors of Maharashtra to life with remarkable authenticity and heart. Far more than just a restaurant, it’s an immersive experience — a tribute to traditional Maharashtrian cooking, steeped in culture, warmth, and soul. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality and the comforting aromas of home-style cooking. The menu is a thoughtfully curated journey through Maharashtra’s vibrant food heritage.
What truly sets Desai Foods apart is its' unwavering commitment to authenticity. The spices are bold yet balanced, the flavors layered, nuanced, and deeply rooted in tradition. Every bite tells a story — of family recipes, regional customs, and the essence of Maharashtrian home cooking, artfully shared with both local and international audiences.
Whether you're a longtime lover of Maharashtrian food or discovering Maharashtrian cuisine for the first time, Desai Foods is an unforgettable dining experience that both comforts and excites the palate.
𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝! 😄
Suggestions: Seating Arrangements, Ambience & lighting could be...
Read moreFood is extremely delicious but...
Food is authentic and very delicious, but there are some issues with their service.
They should at least arrange a bell or a ring for every table since the tables are on the second floor and it is very difficult to call them when we need something. I called them twice, but my voice didn't reach them and nobody responded, I literally had to go down to first floor during the meal to order other items. They should at least come to second floor frequently to check whether their customers need anything.
They didn't follom my delivery note on Uber app. I had asked them not to add sweet chutney to Vada pav, but they added it. Moreover, I ordered two vada pavs, but there was only one green chilli. (there should have been two...
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