Lovers of good cuisine know that excellent Japanese fare is hard to come by in India. Fortunately, those who live in the capital city of Delhi, can enjoy it at MEGU at the Leela Palace hotel. Ever since it opened in 2011, this restaurant has continued to delight its patrons by providing the most delicious and innovative Japanese offerings of the highest quality. With the introduction of their new menu, they have further cemented their reputation of being the best Japanese restaurant in town.
“Our new menu redefines luxury dining with a reimagined culinary journey through Japan. Since our inception in 2011, MEGU has been a hallmark of modern Japanese cuisine. With our newly refreshed menu, we are excited to offer an elevated and unforgettable dining experience. Under the guidance of Chef Shubham Thakur, Master Chef of Japanese cuisine at the hotel, the menu highlights a perfect blend of locally sourced seasonal ingredients, complemented by the finest offerings from Japan,” shares Anupam Dasgupta, Area Vice President (North India) at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and General Manager at The Leela Palace New Delhi.
To complement the gourmet cuisine, MEGU also recently launched an innovative cocktail menu featuring handcrafted cocktails such as the Shinrin Highball, Toki-O, and the Kansei, which have been specifically designed to complement the myriad flavours of the new menu. Those who prefer not to drink alcohol can enjoy zero-proof cocktails for a sophisticated yet sober drinking experience.
“Set to redefine the landscape of luxury dining, the innovative new menu at MEGU transcends traditional boundaries and offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience to all its patrons,” says Dasgupta, further adding, “MEGU’s commitment to authenticity and sustainability shines through in every facet of our new menu. We offer a harmonious fusion of locally sourced seasonal and diverse ingredients and meticulously selected international imports to create a culinary tapestry that not only delights the palate but also supports local farmers.”
The new menu has been spearheaded by Chef Thakur and his team. His vision in creating this new menu looked past the simple offering of new food to ensure that guests experienced a memorable culinary and cultural journey on every visit here.
On offer is an array of a la carte dishes spanning mains, appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts. These include specialties like Ichiban Soup, Shojin Dobinmushi, mélange of Mushroom, Lamb Loin, Garlic Sauce, Miso Eggplant, Yuzu Salmon, Avocado Tartar, Yellowtail Carpaccio, MEGU’S Shrimpop, Sichimi Tofu and more.
Dasgupta explains, “MEGU has always been synonymous with unparalleled quality and exceptional flavors. I am thrilled to invite our patrons on this all new culinary journey, that takes MEGU’s rich legacy to new heights, while continuing to offer a modern take on authentic Japanese delicacies. For those seeking the epitome of personalized luxury, the Omakase experience for an exclusive gathering of eight offers a bespoke culinary symphony tailored to each guest’s palate. It’s a rare opportunity to witness culinary mastery up close, as seasonal ingredients are transformed into edible works of art.”
“MEGU’s new menu launch heralds a new era in dining, setting an unprecedented standard for gastronomic excellence in New Delhi. We invite guests to embark on a journey of discovery, where each visit promises a unique and unforgettable experience. For guests seeking the refined elegance of fine dining, MEGU offers a truly immersive experience that engages all the senses and a world of flavour waiting to be explored,” he says with a smile.
I decided to visit the restaurant on a leisurely Sunday afternoon recently and received a warm welcome, beginning with a table being demarcated with my name in Japanese printed on it. My memorable meal began with a serving of Shira Ae, an amuse bouche to titillate the taste buds. For appetisers, I was served a delicate Yellowtail Carpaccio, a luscious Salmon Tartare and a rich Tuna Tataki.
From there I enjoyed an interesting confluence of flavours in the Baked Eel with Avocado, followed by MEGU’s Shrimpop – a serving of rock shrimp tempura slathered in different sauces. A Sushi Moriawase or platter came next with a variety of delectable sushi and sashimi laden on it. The main course consisted of a flavourful Sea Bass in Ginger Pepper Soy sauce. Sake, champagne and a delicious and beautifully crafted dessert rounded off our meal. Yet my visit would have been incomplete without washing the life-size glass Buddha placed in the centre of the restaurant, for good wishes!
Patrons looking for authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of the capital city would do well to visit MEGU at the Leela Palace hotel in Chanakyapuri. I surely can’t wait to visit again.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.