Kioki doesn’t just serve a meal; it curates a vibe. Humming with the unmistakable buzz of an after-dark hangout, this contemporary izakaya is Chef Vikram Khatri’s tribute to Japanese culinary traditions, reimagined for the modern palate. Picture this: smouldering robata skewers, the clean lines of sashimi so fresh it practically swims off the plate, and late-night sake pours that feel like pure precision. Every design detail, from salvaged timber furniture to handcrafted Kyoto ceramics, tells a story. If izakaya nights are about losing track of time over drinks and bites, Kioki makes sure you do so in style.
The Star Dish
Dive fork-first (or chopstick-first!) into the joy that is Chasu Ramen—a bowl that feels like a warm, delicious hug. Packed with silky wakame, nutty soba noodles, tender menma (bamboo shoots), and topped with a dreamy soy-cured egg, it’s a perfectly orchestrated symphony of flavours. At INR 150 per topping, it’s not a steal, but the indulgence is absolutely worth the slurp. The broth? Pure umami heaven. Visit? Absolutely! This dish is an edible celebration—comforting, outrageously tasty, and totally deserving of its hype.
What’s More?
Beyond the signature razzle-dazzle of the robata grill and its fire-kissed creations, the menu offers a cavalcade of small plates, bold dishes, and thoughtful desserts that flirt beautifully with tradition while keeping one foot firmly in modern culinary territory.
While compact, the menu confidently straddles Japanese staples, sprinkling in playful twists for good measure. Among the small plates, ‘edamame hummus’ is the quiet star—you wouldn’t expect jazzed-up tahini mixed with delicate steamed edamame to enchant the taste buds, but its nori rice crisps and nuanced furikake seasoning add just the right amount of cheeky flair.
Then comes the “okonomiyaki,” a dish that’s practically doing a solo dance on the plate with its Kewpie mayo and unapologetic fish flakes (optional for the timid). Surprisingly, the ‘Scottish salmon steak’ deserved more hype—it’s a no-fuss showstopper with its homemade finesse, while the yakitori grills, like the minced chicken ‘tsukune’, feel like comfort food bottled into skewer form.
If skipping ramen feels like blasphemy, go for the ‘no soup ramen’—this dry version allows the slow-cooked chicken and soy-cured egg to take the spotlight. End on the notes of the ‘Nama chocolate’. Dark, sinful, and perfectly balanced with soy caramel and sake-poached apple, it’s pure edible sophistication.
Drinks Menu
At the bar, the absence of alcohol doesn’t hinder creativity—it fuels it. Though the liquor license is still in limbo, the mocktail roster is anything but an afterthought. Think yuzu-infused highballs, shiso-spiked coolers, and bespoke blends featuring rare Japanese botanicals that evoke Kyoto’s cocktail craftsmanship.
The menu leans heavily into the spirit of an izakaya, fostering a communal vibe with each sip. Don’t skip the matcha mojito—it’s a surprising standout, crisp and herbaceous, with a sophistication that’s almost criminal for a booze-free concoction.
For now, stick to their inventive mocktails; they’ll make you forget you’re waiting for the sake and whisky selection. A connoisseur’s dream. The menu strikes a balance between fine dining flair and izakaya-inspired camaraderie—no pretension, just liquid brilliance. Try their signature yuzu sake-tini: zesty, smooth, and utterly transportive. Skip the classics—these house mixes are where the magic happens. Drink adventurously.
Vibe Check
Nestled in the bustling heart of Gurgaon, Kioki is the ultimate antidote to cookie-cutter dining spaces. The décor is a love letter to Japanese resilience—think reclaimed wood, shipwrecked timber, and bespoke furniture crafted by local artisans like art pieces in their own right.
It’s equal parts edgy and elegant, radiating an urban zen that’s perfect for a creative brainstorm, date night, or even solo unwinding. The vibe shifts effortlessly from tête-à-tête-friendly by day to electric after dark—ideal for after-work unwinding. With its indoor intimacy and a vibe that lingers in the air, Kioki is a go-to for dinner theatrics. Service? Spot-on.
