You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough

We had the pleasure of dining at Azukii Bistro, an authentic Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Richmond Town, Bengaluru. The bistro was bustling with activity, a testament to its popularity, and there were several people waiting eagerly for tables. Luckily, we had made a prior reservation and were promptly seated in the cozy inside seating area.

The ambiance at Azukii Bistro is nothing short of captivating. The interior is adorned with beautiful artifacts, paintings, and art that transport you straight to Japan. An open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary magic as it unfolds, and the sushi bar, complemented by a fine selection of Japanese wines, adds an air of sophistication to the setting.

We had high expectations for our meal, and I can confidently say that Azukii Bistro surpassed them all. From the moment we were seated, we knew we were in for a treat. The flavors and overall experience were so exceptional that we would return in a heartbeat.

The menu was well-organized, and the staff were incredibly helpful in answering our questions and making recommendations. We started with sushi, ordering a portion of fresh salmon maki and red tuna maki. The importance of using the right ingredients cannot be overstated; the freshness of the fish, the quality of the seaweed, and the chef’s skill all play crucial roles in creating the best sushi. Both the salmon and tuna maki were exquisite, with the fresh fish practically melting in our mouths. Those 16 pieces vanished within minutes, leaving us craving more.

Next, we indulged in Tamagoyaki, a customary dish on our Japanese food list. This delightful Japanese omelette was light, fluffy, and perfectly prepared. Tamagoyaki requires precision and expertise to achieve its delicate texture and balanced flavor, and Azukii Bistro nailed it.

For the main course, Sharmain opted for Paitan Ramen with tofu and mushrooms in chicken broth. Paitan Ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish, made by simmering chicken bones to create a rich, creamy broth. The tofu and mushrooms added a lovely texture and depth to the dish, making it both hearty and satisfying.

I chose the Maguro Avocado Don, a vibrant bowl of marinated tuna, avocado, and tomato atop a bed of sushi rice. The marinated tuna was incredibly fresh, and the combination of flavors from the avocado and tomatoes was simply divine. The dish was beautifully balanced, with the lkura adding a burst of flavor that elevated the meal. Though it was a large portion, I savored every bite down to the last grain of rice.

To conclude our meal, we ordered Warabi Mochi for dessert. This traditional Japanese sweet is made from bracken starch and coated in kinako (roasted soybean flour). The Warabi Mochi was the perfect finisher to our authentic Japanese dining experience—soft, slightly chewy, and delicately sweet.

Azukii Bistro offers so much more to explore, with an extensive selection of appetizers, mains, ramen, tempura, rice bowls, and sushi. Our visit was an unforgettable culinary journey, and we are eager to return and discover more of their exquisite dishes.