Neha Mehrotra
22-May-2025
With authentic yet modern flavours, exquisite cocktails, and an immersive space – savour the best Nikkei cuisine in Delhi at Hikki.
The people of Delhi are no strangers to fusion food. We don’t think twice before pairing butter chicken with pizza or turning momos into everything from tandoori to cheesy. So, it's no surprise that Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours – has been more than receptive to the national capital. And when I got to savour the much talked-about cuisine at Hikki, a modern Japanese-Peruvian dining restaurant and bar, I was more than happy to dive in.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ‘hikikomori’, Hikki defines it as a place of selective immersion, a place where you can escape the ordinary and lose yourself in the rhythm of the space. The staff seemed to understand that Nikkei cuisine might be new territory for many, and they guided me through the highlights, offering thoughtful recommendations.
A server recommendation led me to order Sake Tini – a concoction of sake, vodka and fresh cucumber, which was one of the best cocktails on the menu. If you're in the mood for something with more heat, go for the Wasabi Picante, a tequila-based drink with wasabi, jalapeño, and shiso.
I began my meal with the light yet flavourful Jinja Burrata Salad, followed by the Spicy Avocado sushi. The Prawn Gyozas are plump, juicy, and full of savoury depth, while the Seafood Oshizushi is a standout. A pressed sushi layered with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado, and topped with ponzu, teriyaki glaze, truffle oil, and black tobiko. From the Robata (grill) section, I opted for the Portobello Mushroom, which was glazed with a miso tobanjan sauce. Clearly, seafood lovers have plenty to explore on the menu.
With the starters setting a high bar, I moved on to the mains with the Chicken and Leek Yakitori. Skewered to perfection, each bite was tender, with the teriyaki adding a subtle sweetness that made it a standout dish.
To round off the savouries, I ordered the Braised Soy Tofu, which arrived in a silky broth. Paired with Garlic Fried Rice — aromatic, fluffy, and full of umami — the combination felt quite comforting. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with either the Molten Chocolate Fondant or the Matcha Tiramisu; one indulgent and rich, the other light with a distinct, earthy finish.
Designed as a world within a world, Hikki is a celebration of culture, fine dining and flavours. If you’re curious about Nikkei cuisine or simply looking for a dining experience that feels a little out of the ordinary, this is the place. Open for lunch from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and offering exclusive dinner seating at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm, the space transforms throughout the day—from a relaxed, intimate escape to a vibrant, immersive experience by night.