‘En’ is a holy word in the Japanese language. It means synchronicity, a blessed relationship, an invisible connection, of fate and destiny. En at Mehrauli is a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine. The first thing that one sees is a bungalow converted to a restaurant at various levels, with a spectacular view of the Qutub Minar.

The vibe of the place is like a club with its outdoor seating, private balconies and smoking area. All in all, this is a place that looks really inviting. I am here at the invitation of the restaurant to sample their food, and am looking forward to it. I am a big fan of traditional Japanese food and am looking forward to trying out some of the iconic dishes.

I start with a cocktail with a punch. Wasabi Mary (Rs 595) is a Bloody Mary with an infusion of wasabi in it, and it works well.

                      Wasabi Mary                                             Sake

The first starter I am served is the simple yet addictive chawanmushi (Rs 300), a steamed egg custard which is both comforting and yet exciting with its various textures. The Japanese bar snack edamame with sea salt (Rs 350) is served next as a nibbler to get the palate ready for more.

                    Chawanmushi                                 Edamame with sea salt

Next I am served my fantasy on a plate – a breath taking sashimi platter (Rs 2200) which has maguro chutoro (fatty Tuna), scallop, kanpachi (yellow tail Tuna), salmon, maguro akami (tuna belly), and squid. If there is heaven on earth, it is on the plate in front of me. The fish tastes of the ocean, with differing, mesmerizing textures. It is so delicious that I want to be buried with this platter.

                                        Sashimi Platter

Assorted sushi platter (Rs 1300) with ebi tempura roll (tempura fried prawn roll), spicy tuna roll, aburi salmon special roll (tomago and salmon roll with salmon baked outside) is next. It is among the best sushi I have had in a long time. It is paired with some warm sake that makes it even better.

                                Assorted Sushi platter

After the high of the sashimi and sushi, the next dish does not give the same high. Buta kakuni (Rs 950) a braised pork belly is a specialty of the house. The dish is nice, though it could do with some more cooking to make it more yielding. Seafood “ramen” noodle (Rs 550) is nice but the broth is not clear as it should be and it is not as delicious as the one available at Daikitchi at Gurgaon or Guppy by Ai in Delhi.  

                    Buta kakuni                                   Seafood Ramen Noodle

For dessert, I am served anmitsu, a traditional Japanese dessert (Rs 350) with addictive textures which is different, low on sweetness and quite enjoyable.

                      Anmitsu                                         Baked Cheesecake

En is recommended for its great view, interiors, and sushi. You could make it your next romantic date venue or a place to celebrate.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 5.0 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 3.5 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.3000 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: H 5/1, Ambawatta One, Kalkadas Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030. Tel: 088262 97103