After creating much buzz in Mumbai with its authentic Japanese and Oriental spreads, Kofuku has found its way to the capital’s iconic Ansal Plaza, and is already wooing everyone with delicious ramen bowls, tempura, dim sums, noodle rolls, and the much celebrated sushi. By Sushmita Srivastav
Stroll through the recently renewed Ansal Plaza—one of the earliest malls in Delhi, and you’ll find yourself amidst a flood of resto-bars and clubs pulsating with boisterous music. Step inside Kofuku, and you will instantly be transported to a different world altogether. Think screened-off elevated areas perfect for private dinners, caricatures of martial artists on the walls, low dining set-ups with comfy cushions to sit on, subtle music of East Asian origin playing in the background, and bamboo lantern lights softly illuminating the setting—the new restaurant should be on top of your list if you’re looking for uninterrupted conversations over an intimate Japanese dinner.
There is a regular seating area too, but we suggest, do it the traditional Japanese way when here—take your shoes off, climb up the elevated section, pick yourself a cozy cushion, and get ready to dig your chopsticks into authentic foods coming your way!
No matter what season it is, get yourself a bowl of Miso Shiru Soup—the warm broth with tofu or chicken, wakame, and green onion brings along a comforting start to your meal. Pick Horenso salad next. The delicious preparation of blanched spinach bathed in the savoury nutty sesame sauce of goma dressing, and plated as a tower, is a pleasant surprise both for your eyes and palate.
The super crispy Rock Corn Tempura, and Creamy Shrimp Tempura are served with spicy mayonnaise and buttery wasabi dips, and are great choices for quick bites with a glass of Kofuku’s interesting cocktails. Do try their heady mixes of spicy-tangy Ginger Wasabi, and classic Sakura with cherry blossoms and gin.
While the Broccoli and Water Chestnut Dumplings are fresh, juicy, and totally worth the shot, the grilled chicken and Tokyo leeks dipped in yakitori sauce are a little too stiff and chewy for our liking, and could be given a miss. We’re totally bowled over the Balinese Curry—vegetables (so fresh you could literally feel the crunch!) cooked in a mildly spicy yellow coconut curry, and served with sticky Gohan rice. However, the giant bowl of Miso Ramen loaded with noodles, eggs, chicken, and green onions in a miso dashi broth was not bad either.
But then, there is Mochi Ice Cream—soft-pounded sticky rice cake with sweet adzuki beans and flavourful filling of ice creams of your choice—as colourful desserts to cheer you up. So, it can be safely said that Kofuku, which means ‘happiness’ in Japanese, takes its name really seriously, and plates just the same for you.
Meal for two: INR 1,800 (plus taxes)
Timings: 12.00 PM to 11.30 PM
Address: BG-09, Block B, Ground Floor, Ansal Plaza Mall, Khel Gaon Marg, New Delhi
Reservations: +91 80101 74174
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