Last Day, Last Show: Guppy’s Hanami Festival Menu Brings Japan’s Spring to Delhi
Delhi – As temperatures rise and spring bids farewell, one of the capital’s most celebrated Japanese restaurants, Guppy, is marking the last day of its Hanami Festival Menu—a culinary tribute to Japan’s cherry blossom season. Located in the vibrant Lodhi Colony Main Market, Guppy transformed into a floral haven this month, mirroring the cherry-blossom-laden lanes of Tokyo, complete with shrub cocktails, refreshing plates, and aesthetically pleasing dishes that brought spring alive on the table.
But it all ends today.
A Japanese Spring in Delhi
“Spring in Delhi begins heating up quite early in the season,” explains Chef Saurabh Sharan, Guppy's Head Chef, while describing how the Hanami menu was designed to be light, floral, and refreshing, matching both Japanese tradition and Delhi’s humid climate.
From floral cocktails infused with cherry blossom gin to cold ramen bowls and sushi, the specially curated Hanami menu was a hit among regulars and first-timers alike.
“We planned the Hanami menu to be lighter and suited to Delhi’s climate, while still honouring the aesthetics of Japan,” Chef Sharan said.
What to Try on the Last Day
For those making a last-minute plan, here’s what stood out on the menu:
Mocktail to Start: The Fuzzy Panda
A non-alcoholic blend of pomegranate and lime, this drink was a perfect start—cooling, slightly tangy, and beautifully balanced.
Summer Greens, Avocado & Palm Heart Salad
Dressed in a delicate ume dressing, this salad offered fresh plum, avocado, and heart of palm—though the red lollorosa lettuce added an unexpected bitter note. Skip that and the salad shines.
Edamame & Exotic Mushroom Sumai Open
A small plate with steamed dumplings filled with edamame paste, mascarpone cheese, and assorted mushrooms, this was a crowd favorite and a textural delight.
Exotic Fish Volcano Roll
A standout dish—braised eel and cucumber sushi, topped with salmon, tuna, avocado, and spicy kabayaki mayo. Rich, umami-packed, and deeply satisfying.
Kama Negi Bowl (Duck Bowl)
Though flavourful, this dish raised eyebrows due to its high price tag (₹1,700) and limited duck portion. Only two pieces of duck accompanied by a generous serving of rice and vegetables. Chef Sharan defended the pricing, citing the imported duck and premium protein content of 230–240 grams per bowl.
Chef’s Recommendations
Looking to order the best from the Hanami menu before it ends? Here’s what Chef Sharan suggests:
- Vegetarian: Sakura Cold Soba – Served chilled with a soy-based dipping sauce, ideal for Delhi’s rising heat.
- Fish lovers: Salmon Carpaccio with Yuzu Dressing – Light, citrusy, and elegant.
- Meat lovers: Grilled Lamb Chop – For those with a stronger appetite, though it's not for the faint-hearted in summer.
Shrub Cocktails That Bloom
The Hanami cocktails are as much about visual storytelling as they are about taste. Using spirits like sake, soju, pisco, and umeshu (Japanese plum wine), these drinks are enhanced with homemade fruity shrubs, cherry blossom infusions, and seasonal floral garnishes.
“We kept in mind colour, variety, and occasion—using ingredients that reflect the spirit of Hanami,” said Chef Sharan.
Signature drinks include cherry blossom-infused gin creations and umeshu cocktails garnished with dried flower petals and fresh blooms, elevating both flavour and visual appeal.
Final Call for a Cherry Blossom Experience in Delhi
If you haven't yet experienced the Hanami Festival Menu, today is your last chance. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast, a mocktail lover, or simply someone who enjoys seasonal Japanese cuisine, Guppy’s farewell to spring is worth one final visit.
Location: Guppy, 28, Main Market, Lodhi Colony, Delhi
Timings: Lunch: 12 PM–4 PM | Dinner: 6 PM–12 AM
Price for Two: ₹3,000 (without alcohol) | ₹4,500 (with alcohol)
Reservations: 011-24690005 / 6 | +91 9650185005
Why It Matters
As global culinary experiences increasingly intersect with political sentiments, Guppy’s Hanami menu stands out as an apolitical celebration of culture, food, and seasonal beauty. With Indo-Turkish tensions and changing travel preferences post-COVID, local international cuisine events like this one offer immersive experiences without needing a visa.
Don’t miss your flight to spring—it departs tonight from Lodhi Colony.