Japanese-Peruvian cuisine is having its moment in Delhi, with several new restaurants specialising in it. Hikki, located in Eldeco Centre, is the newest entrant in this space, having launched in March of this year. Despite only being a couple of weeks old by the time I visited the restaurant for lunch, I was surprised to see it brimming with diners. Credit for that not only goes to the exceptional menu curated by Chef Vaibhav Bhargava that deftly balances the delicate yet bold Nikkei flavours, but also to the intimate but expansive interior. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking of checking out this new Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Malviya Nagar.
The Star Dish
Unlike the purely delicate flavours of Japanese cuisine, Nikkei cuisine packs a punch. The use of ingredients native to Peru and its marriage with the modern Japanese culinary techniques is what the menu is all about, and for me, its best expression was in the appetiser: beetroot carpaccio.
The dish featured thinly and precisely sliced yellow and red beetroot, pickled in takuan (a Japanese and Korean pickle prepared using daikon radish) and umeboshi, topped with a drizzle of yuzu goma dressing, and garnished with rice crackers. Even though, as a passionate non-vegetarian, I like my carpaccio in its original form—with meat—the beetroot version at Hikki boasted big flavours.
The pickled beetroot slices were perfectly tart, underscored by a hint of sweetness from the umeboshi. Since the acidic flavour can be overpowering, we were recommended to ensure that each bite had enough of the yuzu goma dressing (a Japanese or Korean version of vinaigrette using yuzu juice) as well.
What’s More?
The beetroot carpaccio is simple and a result of a few ingredients paired well together. But if you’re in the mood to try dishes that are bolder and have a kick, then Hikki’s extensive list provides quite a range. It has a notable number of dishes neatly divided into sushi, robata, mains, small plates, donburi, rice, gyoza and tempura. Beneath each, there’s a decent mix of classics and unique combinations that you can choose from depending on whether you want to try something new or stick to the usuals. I decided to turn my meal into a balancing act, choosing to try lamb tsukune, duck and hoisin potstickers, pork ribs, bacon tobanjan carbonara, and miso coconut fish curry.
The lamb tsukune features lamb meatballs with a sweet and sticky teriyaki glaze and a slight sprinkle of togarashi. Unlike meatballs at most places, this one was perfectly juicy without being too overwhelming. The meat-to-fat ratio was nailed down to the tee. However, if you’re ordering this, skip the pork ribs or vice versa, as the glaze tastes very similar. Independently, though, each makes for a delicious appetiser. Another great option that is classic but was done extremely well is the duck and hoisin potstickers. The meat was delicately spiced and wrapped in a thin casing that was perfectly crispy around the base.
For mains, the bacon tobanjan carbonara caught my eye. The dish featured silky udon noodles laced in creamy sauce, spiced with gochujang and garnished with bacon bits. The dish had a spicy kick that is otherwise missing in carbonara, making it a hit if you’re into fusion pastas and spice. For me, the miso coconut fish curry served with rice proved to be a better choice.
Drinks Menu
While the food at Hikki is the star, the bar menu is not a side character by any stretch. What I especially loved about it was the number of tequila-based options that it had—a true Peruvian touch, I’ll say. A constant though is the use of Japanese ingredients, such as yuzu, cherry blossom, wasabi, and matcha. In a bid to stay true to the Nikkei flavours, I tried the Pisco Perla, which combined lemon, limoncello, and dulce de leche. The result, surprisingly, was a cocktail that was just rightly balanced and not overwhelmingly sweet.
Vibe Check
While Hikki’s food philosophy is all about nailing the classics, the restaurant’s interior is a long jump from that approach. The space is huge and is decked with plants, fitted with high ceilings, and dim, soft lighting. As you enter, the massive bar that stretches from one end to another instantly catches your eye. The spacious floor plan also ensures that you enjoy your privacy. Your experience is only made better by the incredibly kind staff who are generous with recommendations and are just as excited to see you enjoy the food.
