TL Tastings: New Delhi's INJA Restaurant Brings The Best Of Japan And India To Your Plate

Combining the vibrant colours and bold spices of Indian cuisine with the refined techniques and raw essence of Japanese cuisine, INJA brings the IN from India and JA from Japan. Located at the iconic The Manor in the national capital, this new restaurant is sure to delight even the most discerning of palates. 

TL Tastings
A Review of INJA

Cuisine 

INJA offers a unique fusion that incorporates the essence of Japanese dishes with a blend of distinct flavours from various regions of India. 

We Recommend 

Appetiser 

The appetiser menu at INJA is a feast for the senses. The Shiso Leaf “Tuna & Pomelo Chaat” (INR 1800) is a creative dish that combines the crispiness of shiso leaf tempura with the refreshing taste of tuna and pomelo chaat, elevated with a tangy flavour of tamarind ponzu and the nuttiness of jhakiya seeds. The Alaskan King Crab “Raj Káchori” (4850) is a seafood lover’s delight, featuring succulent Alaskan king crab and ikura. For those who prefer a lighter option, the Papad & Achar “Okinamasu” (1150) offers a unique take on seabass tartare, infused with the rich and tangy flavours of a seven-days fermented mango pickle, served with crispy mushroom rice paapad topped with caviar. The Kushiyaki chicken wings (850) are marinated in a delicious blend of tamarind and jaggery teriyaki sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavours that will leave you wanting more. 

Main Course 

For the main course, I try the Lobster Rasam “Chawanmushi”(INR 3180), a silky smooth egg custard infused with a delicious butter-poached lobster tail, immersed in a rich rasam masala broth, and topped with savory drumstick marrow. The Udon “Khasi Curry” (950) is a delightful combination of thick udon noodles and a flavorful Khasi black sesame curry, with a crunchy texture added by the crisp zucchini and carrot. Who would have thought black sesame could be used in a noodle dish! The Shorshe Maach “Donabe Pot” (INR 1850) — a perfectly grilled robatayaki seabass infused with the bold flavours of bhaja masala, aloo jhur jhuri, and a spicy shorshe curry — is the ideal way to end the mains. 

Dessert 

Next, I try a unique dessert experience called Nikuman Halwa. This Japanese-inspired dessert features steamed buns that are stuffed with rich and flavourful black gajar halwa, a traditional Indian sweet made from grated carrots and milk. The combination of the soft, fluffy buns with the sweet, aromatic filling makes for a truly delightful treat.

Drinks 

As I peruse the drinks menu, the Ume Highball catches my attention. The combination of umeshu, fresh homemade soda, and the unique flavours of gondhoraj sacaram and Indian pomelo is a delightful surprise. The vodka-based Lychee Gondhoraaj Martini — with its perfect blend of lychee and mangosteen juice, Japanese chili, and gondhoraj peel and leaf  — is another delicious option. For those looking for a non-alcoholic beverage, the refreshing Butterfly Pea Tea Spritzer is a must-try. 

Our Takeaway 

The concept of INJA was conceived by Chef Adwait Anantwar. With a deep-rooted admiration for Japanese cuisine, he delved into the vast range of ingredients from all over India to curate distinctive dishes, incorporating Japanese ingredient-based techniques to add a new dimension to the flavours. Located at The Manor, INJA caters to adventurous foodies who enjoy sampling exceptional cuisine and experimenting with their taste buds. 

Quick Notes 

Price for two: INR 4,000
Address: The Manor Hotel, 77, Mathura Rd, Friends Colony West, New Friends Colony, New Delhi
Timings: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (for the restaurant);  7:00 pm to 1:00 am (for the bar)
For reservations: Call +91 8130805333

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