Cafes & Eateries

Tokyo Bay - Authentic Japanese Cuisine

The Only Place To Savour That Exquisite Japanese Food Experience In Kochi

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

    To enjoy a very different and serene dining experience in the heart of the city, all one needs to do is to get to Tokyo Bay - the one and only authentic Japanese restaurant in Kochi. Perched atop the seventh floor of the Hotel Presidency near the North Railway Station is this precious eatery waiting to be discovered. Once the lift doors open, one finds oneself transported into a mystic realm of tranquility; the Little Japan that opens its arms, in your welcome, is most pleasing both aesthetically and spiritually. The subdued and neutral colors and geometric order of the uncluttered Japanese decor lends a feeling of openness, simplicity and purity. This is indeed the perfect setting to spoil oneself with a unique experience of Japanese cuisine, which is almost an art form that balances delicate tastes, intricate textures, aesthetic appearance and the vibrant colours of the different foods. Their attention to detail is legendary and presentation is immaculate. The finished dishes make their ceremonial entry into the diner's presence on carefully presented plates beautifully arranged and garnished; it takes heart to dig into that perfection and disturb the harmony. But for the uninitiated, when the first morsel arrives on the palate, it exudes a splurge of hitherto undiscovered gustatory flavours, subtle yet resounding, your senses are at once aroused and ask to savour more of this new piquant appetence.

    It would be pertinent to touch upon the fact, that the Japanese enjoy one of the longest life expectancies and their women have the lowest rates of obesity on the planet; thanks mainly to their unique style of eating which presents fresh seasonal low-calorie filling foods delivered in small portions in pretty little bowls and dishes, which encourages one to have a little taste of everything and 'eat with your eyes' by enjoying the beauty of the food in front of you. Their food has low cholesterol, in the traditional absence of red meats and cow's milk, sugar consumption is also nominal, thereby markedly preventing disease. Their diet is rich in cruciferous vegetables, Shiitake mushrooms, EPA-abundant fish, iodine-intense Kombu & Nori Seaweed and Green Tea; all these enhance the innate healthiness.

    We are indeed fortunate that Tokyo Bay has inspired a legend to journey to our shores, the scholarly Chef Akinori Nishioka's four decade long dedication to the cuisine he so loves from his soul, has transformed this fine art into a science; and he has chosen to share his passion, showcase his culinary expertise and serve his delicacies, at this restaurant.

    The thoughtful Chef has discreetly crafted an informative menu which helps the unfamiliar in making an informed choice; if one needs more help the knowledgeable and courteous waiting staff is ever present with their erudite suggestions. The choices include Zensai (Appetisers), Ippin Ryori (Short-eats), Yakitori/Kushiyaki - Chicken/Pork/Beef/Prawn/Veg (Barbecued skewers), Maki, Hoso Maki & Nigri Sushi, Teppan-Yaki (Grilled Meats), with a selection of Menrui (Noodles), Gohan (Cooked White Rice). There are two options in the set menu - Okosama Teishoku for kids in the age group 2 to 5 and 6 to 10 years old. The adults also have multiple Tyushoku/Teishoku set menu options, with Chicken/Beef/Seafood/Pork main courses, which allows one to sample a selection of soups, pickles, vegetables, rice along with Koutcha or Kouhii (Tea or Coffee). The dessert options were a trifle restricted. The only major disappointment was the lack of Japanese alcoholic beverages like fermented rice Sake, Awamori, Shochu and Japanese Beer brands like Sapporo, Kirin, Asahi, Suntory etc, to go with the food to complete the Japanese experience.

    My dining experience here, meandered through a delectable fare that started with my perennial favourite, Hoso Maki (Slender Sushi rolls) Tekka Maki (12 Nori (Seaweed)-wrapped Raw Tuna Sushi rolls); along with Buta Bara (Barbecued skewers of Pork Ribs) followed by the mains which included a Miso Soup, Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) with the Pork Katsu Don (Pork cutlet with onion and egg on the rice) accompanied with the subtle Shizouka Koucha (Japanese Black Tea). I topped all this with the exotic Uji Matcha Green Tea ice cream. What a treat it was indeed!

    The eating experience here leaves one "lightly satiated" - a new type of an unheavy, unaccustomed, pleasurable satiation for the experimental Kochi palate. I recommend this restaurant as a must visit for all the adventurous foodies in Kochi, looking for a genuine experience of an unfamiliar cuisine. The 'Sushi' served with Wasabi paste, was absolutely to die for, I have never sampled such an assortment of subtle dressings that perfectly complemented the accompanying dishes. This new place really grows on you. The waiting staff must rank among the best we have in the city today, they were energetic, helpful, thoughtful, alert and competent. The radiant presence of the cheerful and affable Mrs Joey Bhogal who makes it a point to check on one's experience; must be another one of the reasons the place bears the hallmark of a well-oiled, efficiently run establishment from where one comes away with a special feeling of being well taken care of.

    The thoughtful provision of exclusive independent curtained alcoves lends a certain intimacy which some diners would love to enjoy with their privacy. The restaurant also boasts of two private dining rooms that can accommodate around twenty gourmands, having a small party of their own. Therefore, the spacious serenity of this restaurant offers versatile options, as a nice romantic place for two, a fun diner to celebrate with a group of friends or a great new place to savour a new cuisine.