Inside Mumbai’s Wildest New Japanese Playground: Harajuku Tokyo Cafe & Bakehouse at Jio World Drive

Mumbai’s newest culinary import isn’t just a place to eat, it’s an experience. With the launch of Harajuku Tokyo Cafe and Bakehouse at Jio World Drive, one of India’s most Instagrammed café brands has officially levelled up, transforming from a sugar-fuelled dessert stop into a full-blown Japanese restaurant and bar inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant youth districts.

Curated in collaboration with celebrated Japanese chefs Asami Indo and Higuchi Nariaki, the new outpost marks a bold chapter for founder Gaurav Kanwar. His vision, sparked by his time in the UK and influenced by Tokyo’s Harajuku district, brings a colourful, chaotic slice of contemporary Japan to Mumbai. Think conveyor-belt sushi, game centre vibes, and jiggly pancakes.

Two Worlds, One Wonderland
Spread across 84 seats, the space is divided into two distinct identities. The 72-seater Harajuku Tokyo Café & Bar is a neon-lit explosion of colour, manga murals, and kaleidoscopic signage inspired by Tokyo’s nightlife and arcade culture. By day, it doubles as a Kaiten Zushi spot, where sushi plates glide past on a conveyor belt and guests are encouraged to grab their favourites before they vanish. Between 12 pm and 4 pm, this energy ramps up into a spirited “Kaitan Clash,” turning lunch into a playful competition.

Another activation, “Kyatchi Them All,” adds a quirky twist with colour-coded plates priced between ₹150 and ₹450 (blue, pink, green, red). The fun lies in stacking your plates and discovering how much your sushi indulgence really costs.

By night, the café transforms into a high-octane izakaya bar where sake bombs, gyoza platters, inventive cocktails, and interactive drinking rituals steal the show. And just when you think it can’t get wilder, a robot DJ appears, spinning beats from a manga-clad deck. This is not all, for all the Karaoke lovers will find this place to be their favorite spot every Friday at 8 pm for Karaoke Nights.  

Steps away, the Harajuku Bakehouse offers a softer contrast; a pastel-pink fantasy designed for all-day indulgence. Picture pink-tiled interiors, live baking, curated bread walls, and a glowing neon sign that cheekily declares: “Feed Me Cake & Tell Me I’m Pretty.” And the best part? They have a pet-friendly menu for your furry best friends. 

What’s on the Menu?
The food is just as experiential as the setting, rooted in Japanese cooking techniques yet unapologetically global in its approach.

• Asparagus Tempura Sushi – A crunchy yet delicate vegetarian start that sets the tone for the meal.
• Tuna Tataki – Lightly seared in ponzu dressing and topped with crispy quinoa, ginger, garlic, miso, and pickled onions; a textural standout.
• Fresh Tuna Sashimi – Classic, simple, and buttery, letting the quality of the fish shine.
• Yasai Veg Sushi – Creamy avocado layered with kabayaki glaze, making plant-based dining feel indulgent.
• Lamb Chops – Glazed with gochujang and smoked to a sticky, flavour-packed finish. A dream for meat lovers.
• Chicken Katsu Curry – Comfort on a plate, with crispy battered chicken in a rich, aromatic sauce that’s impossible to resist.
• Chicken Popcorn – Bite-sized, crispy, and dusted with Harajuku’s addictive spice blend; an instant crowd favourite.

And, of course, no experience here is complete without the iconic Jiggly Nutella Pancakes. Their airy, cloud-like, impossibly soft texture with Nutella was a dessert from heaven. They arrive at the table like a dream, evoking the magic of those famous Japanese pancakes you’ve probably never had quite like this before.

Final Thoughts
Mumbai’s most entertaining dining experience has arrived, and it tastes like Tokyo with a cheeky wink. Harajuku Tokyo Cafe & Bakehouse succeeds not just in serving a well-executed Japanese-inspired cuisine, but in creating a fully immersive world where food meets performance, nostalgia meets technology, and dinner turns into a game you never want to stop playing.

In a city crowded with safe, templated dining, Harajuku delivers something rare- a restaurant where you don’t just eat, you feel, play, pose, and participate. Whether you’re hunting sushi, sipping sake, clashing plates, or simply watching your pancakes jiggle, one thing’s for sure- you’ll leave with a happy heart, a buzzing phone camera, and cravings to come back.