Japanese restaurants in Delhi NCR cross 200 mark as Anime and culinary craze fuel demand

New Delhi, India – The culinary landscape of Delhi NCR has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with the number of Japanese restaurants in the region surpassing the 200 mark. This surge is attributed not only to the presence of Japanese expatriate community but also to an increasing local appetite for Japanese cuisine.

The rising popularity of Japanese culture, especially anime series like ‘One Piece’ and ‘Demon Slayer’, has significantly influenced this trend, introducing a broader audience to Japan’s rich culinary traditions.

In 2023, the number of Japanese restaurants in Delhi NCR had reached 191, a 1.5-fold increase from 131 in the previous survey. This upward trajectory reflects a burgeoning interest in Japanese gastronomy among locals. The global recognition of Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage a decade ago has further amplified its appeal worldwide.

“As the popularity of Japanese food continues to rise globally, the number of restaurants serving Japanese cuisine in India is also increasing yearly. In fact, the number of Japanese restaurants in Delhi NCR in 2023 (191 restaurants) has increased by 1.5 times from the previous survey (131 restaurants),” said ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India and Bhutan during an event at the Japan embassy in New Delhi recently.

Some of the new restaurants opened in Delhi NCR in last couple of years:

• SHIN’YA at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon
• KOGAI at Global Foyer on Golf Course Road in Gurugram
• UMAI NOCHE Japanese Fine Dining in Sector 65
• NAGOMI Fine Dining at DLF Star Mall, Gurugram
• KAMPAI’s new restaurant ‘Arigato’
• Kofuku’s new eatery on Golf Course Extension Road, Gurugram

The occasion was the “Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony” on 24th February two Indian chefs – Ms. Nooresha Kably, Owner and chef of the Japanese restaurant Izumi, and Mr. Brehadeesh Kumar, owner and chef of the Japanese restaurant Ginkgo, were formally appointed as Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassadors.

Ambassador noted, “The export value of agricultural, forestry and fishery products from Japan to India in 2023 also increased by about 40% compared to the previous year.”

The surge in Japanese restaurants in Delhi NCR in India is part of a broader global trend.

According to a survey conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in the year 2023, the number of Japanese restaurants outside Japan had more than tripled over the past decade, reaching approximately 187,000 in 2023.

“This marks a 20% increase from the previous survey in 2021, with officials attributing some of this growth to increased interest from anime fans in regions such as Central and South America,” Ambassador ONO said.

The global demand for Japanese food has also led to a substantial increase in exports. In 2024, Japan’s export value of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products exceeded 1.5 trillion yen for the first time. Specifically, exports to India saw a remarkable 40% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, underscoring India’s growing appetite for authentic Japanese ingredients and products.

The Delhi NCR region now boasts a diverse array of Japanese dining establishments, ranging from traditional eateries to contemporary fusion restaurants. Notable venues include Megu at The Leela Palace in Chanakyapuri, celebrated for its elegant ambiance and authentic flavors, EBISU in Gurugram and Saket in New Delhi for its traditional Japanese seating and extensive menu, RAIFU at DIA PARK Premier Hotel, and others. These establishments, among others, have played a pivotal role in familiarizing the local populace with Japanese culinary arts.

Some of the new additions during 2023-2024 include Shin’ya at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, KOGAI at Global Foyer on Golf Course Road in Gurugram, UMAI NOCHE Japanese Fine Dining in Sector 65, Gurugram, NAGOMI Fine Dining at DLF Star Mall, Gurugram, KAMPAI opened a new restaurant ‘Arigato’ and Kofuku too in Gurugram on Golf Course Extension Road.

Additionally, December 2024 marked another milestone for Japanese gastronomy, as the traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold were registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition further underscores the global appreciation of Japan’s rich food culture.

The surge in Japanese restaurants is complemented by an increase in cultural events and festivals celebrating Japanese traditions, further fostering cross-cultural appreciation and exchange. As Delhi NCR’s culinary scene continues to evolve, the deepening appreciation for Japanese cuisine signifies a broader trend of global culinary integration and cultural curiosity.