When it comes to eating out, a menu and the choices it offers is what draws people to any restaurant. But The Yakitori Bar at Sunny Side Up in Chandigarh is changing all that. As India's first restaurant offering an Omakase experience, The Yakitori Bar is already creating ripples in the tricity.
Omakase, which translates to “respectfully leaving another to decide what is best” in Japanese, refers to a meticulously crafted dinner curated by a chef. This superior dining experience has become a huge hit right after its launch. Chef Manjot Singh, Corporate Chef at Sunny Side Up, and the brain behind The Yakitori Bar, says, "Omakase is a unique dining experience. It literally translates to 'leave the food to us'. Which is why there is no menu. Though of course your food preference will be followed, obviously. And in the 7-course meal, we aim to give our guests a multi-sensory experience wherein they can taste, see, smell, feel the raw ingredients before we cook them right in front of their eyes."
The chef also went on to add that the kitchen is sourcing unique ingredients from their place of origin. "We are getting raw horseradish to make our own wasabi. Additionally, we are getting a large variety of mushrooms, never heard of in the region such as Lion's Mane, Pink Oyster etc. The truffles come from Italy. We are also making our own togarashi spice using the togarashi pepper we source from Japan," he said.
Speaking at the launch, Rajan Sidhu, partner at Sunny Side Up said, "We have always been really strict in terms of the quality of the food we serve to our discerning guests. This is a big reason why Sunny Side Up in Jalandhar has received so much love over the years. We hope to get the same love from the discerning food lovers of the tricity as well! The team works hard to get the most authentic flavours, fresh ingredients to rustle up our culinary masterpieces. We will be adhering to the same standards in Chandigarh too."
Most people misinterpret Japanese feed to be about sushi and ramen only. The Yakitori Bar plans to change all that, as frequently as every month. This is because the 'non-menu' menu will be changed every month! Elaborating on the food culture of Japan, Chef Manjot says, " When it comes to the Japanese culinary experience, things are no different. There is the 'Power of 5' when it comes to Japanese cuisine. The focus should be on the Five Senses, Colours, Taste, Ways and Attitudes. Food is intended to be enjoyed with others. We get much less of this because of our hectic lifestyles. We all desire to be a part of small intimate gatherings, this is where Omakase comes in." The Yakitori Bar at Sunny Side Up Chandigarh has a by-reservation only dinner service that lasts two hours. Bookings need to be made 24 hours prior.
