Guppy, the contemporary Japanese kitchen & bar by the Olive Group of restaurants, has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a bang. The restaurant, which has been serving authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine since 2013, has revamped its look and menu to mark this occasion. I had the chance to visit Guppy and experience its new offerings, and I must say, I was impressed by the quality and variety of the food and drinks, as well as the ambience and service. Guppy is not just a restaurant, it is a destination for anyone who loves Japanese culture and flavours.
The restaurant is located at Lodhi Colony, Delhi, and has a spacious and colourful interior. The design director, Sabina Singh, has given the restaurant a fresh and playful makeover, with pastel hues, creative colour blocking, and printed floors. The restaurant also has pop culture images and origami-inspired prints on the walls and upholstery, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. The restaurant can accommodate 100 guests and has a huge bar and a luxury shisha lounge.
The menu, curated by Chef Saurabh Sharan, showcases the best of Japanese cuisine, with a fusion of regional Indian flavours. The menu features some of the classics, as well as some of the innovations that Guppy has introduced to the Indian culinary space, such as the Poke Bar, the Ramen Burgers, and the Black Rice Sushi. The menu also has a wide range of vegetarian options, breaking the myth that Japanese food is only for non-vegetarians.
I tried some of the dishes from the 10th-anniversary menu, which is available for this month. I started with the Beetroot and Plump Avocado Tartare, which was a refreshing and creamy salad with a hint of wasabi. I also had the Signature Pan-fried Calamari, which was crispy and tender, with a tangy and spicy sauce. For the main course, I had the Guppy Signature Pork Belly, which was melt-in-the-mouth and glazed with a sweet and savoury sauce. I also had the Guppy Signature Black Cod, which was a succulent and flaky fish, marinated with miso and sake. I paired these dishes with some of the sushi rolls, such as the Black Rice California Roll, which had crab, avocado, and cucumber, and the Spicy Salmon Roll, which had salmon, cream cheese, and spicy mayo. The sushi rolls were fresh and flavorful, and the black rice added a nice texture and contrast.
For the desserts, I had Matcha ice cream - a popular Japanese dessert made using a finely ground matcha tea powder. It was a perfect way to end my meal with a sweet and bitter note. I also tried some of the cocktails on the menu. I had the Love Lolita, which was a sweet and fruity drink with vodka, cranberry juice, lychee, and rose petals; and the Kyoto Sour, which was a sour and refreshing drink with whiskey, yuzu, lemon, and egg white. The cocktails were well-mixed and had a nice presentation.
The service was impeccable, and the staff was courteous and attentive. The restaurant manager came to our table and explained the dishes and the ingredients. He also told us about the history and significance of the restaurant and the menu. The ambience was vibrant and energetic, with upbeat music.
Guppy is a restaurant that has stood the test of time and has evolved with the changing tastes and preferences of the customers. I would highly recommend Guppy to anyone who is looking for an exciting Japanese restaurant in Delhi.