Outsider’s Ode to Japan – Dining at Gaijin, Mumbai

We were recently invited to experience Gaijin, the bold new entrant in Khar West, Mumbai, and from the moment we stepped in, it was clear—this wasn’t just a dinner, it was a reimagining. Gaijin doesn’t aim to replicate Tokyo; instead, it refracts it through the lens of an outsider. It’s not fusion—it’s creative defiance. At its heart is an Indian chef who approaches Japanese cuisine with deep respect, sharp wit, and just the right amount of rebellion. The result? A dining experience that feels familiar yet entirely new, grounded in tradition but unafraid to break the mold.

First Impressions
The interiors blew us away. Equal parts elegance and chaos—in the best possible way. Think sleek, moody lighting paired with gritty textures that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden izakaya down a Tokyo alleyway. A vinyl station sets the evening vibe with deep, pulsing beats that evolve into what can only be described as a Tokyo afterparty. There’s even an alleyway tucked behind the main space that feels like you’ve stepped out of Mumbai and into Shibuya.

Upstairs, there’s a smaller, more intimate room that seats 20—ideal for private dinners or when you're entertaining someone you really want to impress.

The Concept: A Love Letter to Japan—with Scribbles in the Margins
The word Gaijin means “outsider” in Japanese—and that identity is worn with pride here. The food doesn’t pretend to be traditionally Japanese. Instead, it’s a reinterpretation, led by Chef Anand Morwani, who, along with Rohan Mangalorkar and Karan Gaba, has crafted something that feels fresh, bold, and deeply personal.

The menu encourages freeform grazing—cold plates, small plates, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. And here’s the best part: the vegetarian selection is unexpectedly vast. It’s rare to walk into a Japanese restaurant and feel spoiled for vegetarian choices, but Gaijin nails it.

What We Ate (and Loved)
Tuna Akami vs Chutoro Temaki
A flavor face-off between two premium cuts of tuna, nestled in a crisp seaweed shell. The textures played beautifully—silky and rich with just the right hit of heat and creaminess. A fun and refined bite that sets the tone for the night.

Spinach Cream Cheese Gyoza
These delicate dumplings were a warm hug of comfort—soft, creamy, and full of umami. Balanced with a light, tangy sauce and a touch of smoky depth, this dish was surprisingly satisfying and one we’d gladly return for.

White & Green Asparagus
A standout among the vegetarian options. The dish brought together earthy and smoky notes with a luxurious, velvety finish. The balance of freshness and indulgence made this plate both elegant and bold.

Smoked Salmon & Wasabi Cream Cheese Maki
A roll that ticked all the boxes—smoky, creamy, crunchy, and citrusy. Every bite had a contrast of textures and a burst of flavor that lingered beautifully. Classic with a twist, and absolutely delicious.

Lamb Ribs
These ribs fell apart at the touch, glazed in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce with a whisper of spice. Garnished for crunch and heat, they were decadent without being overdone—comfort food with a sophisticated edge.

Chicken Gyoza
A crowd-pleaser elevated. These gyozas were plump and juicy, set against a spicy, buttery backdrop with pops of crispy texture. A dish that bridges Eastern technique with Western richness, effortlessly.

Desserts to Remember

The Banoffee
This wasn’t your average banoffee. It was a multi-layered masterpiece with deep coffee notes, zesty brightness, caramelized banana, and a touch of miso, adding a savory edge. Paired with a creamy ice cream, it was indulgent, complex, and beautifully balanced.

Cocktails with a Beat
At Gaijin, cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re crafted performances. Each one arrives with visual flair, aromatic intrigue, and a flavor story that unfolds sip by sip. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill pours; they’re experiences designed to surprise and delight, perfectly paired with the mood of a vinyl spinning in the background.

Kombu Breeze
Bright, refreshing, and layered with subtle complexity, this cocktail opens with cool notes of spearmint before giving way to a whisper of smokiness from the mezcal. The effervescent citrus lift makes it feel like a breeze on a Tokyo rooftop—light, herbal, and playfully unexpected.

Mt. Fuji
A cocktail that drinks like poetry. Floral, clean, and slightly bittersweet, it showcases delicate chrysanthemum and dry vermouth with a restrained elegance. Served with stunning presentation, it’s the kind of drink you order once for the aesthetics—and again for the flavor.

Final Verdict
Gaijin is not just a restaurant—it’s a cultural remix. It’s for the curious, for the adventurous, for those who find joy in contrasts. The team behind Gaijin has taken Japanese tradition, kissed it with irreverence, and plated it with artful precision.

Whether you're here for the bold dishes, the intimate upstairs hideaway, the vinyl grooves, or the conceptual cocktails, Gaijin promises an experience that’s far from ordinary. We walked out feeling like we’d just visited Japan—only through a mirror, slightly cracked, and infinitely more interesting.

Welcome to the other side of tradition. Welcome to Gaijin.