Guppy
I hope it isn't too late for me to add my two cents on Guppy. I have been so busy stuffing my face, I forgot to glance up and give a mention to one of my favourite Japanese haunts in the city.
In terms of pricing, I won't say it sits in the middle of say a Sushiya and Wasabi, as it is probably a little closer to Wasabi than Sushiya, but then again so does the quality. The sushi and sashimi are where it gets a tad expensive, but then again I ordered a bunch of food from Soi Thai's new Japanese menu and though the sushi cost me about a Rs.100 less (per roll) - the quality was so appalling, I would have much rather spent the extra money and been happier with my meal. On that note they(Soi Thai) should stick to Thai that they manage to do mostly decently. Now back to Guppy - In terms of the mains - apart from 1 or 2 imported cuts of meat - they are fairly reasonably priced. And if it's still not cutting it for you, go for lunch, as their set meals are a better bang for your buck.
So here is what I love and love to hate.
Since I like to end on a good note, let me tell you where I have been that I don't wish to go again:
- Chashu Ramen - Read well, looked good, tasted? Fat! The porky fattiness of the broth was just an overkill for me. To the point where the broth tasted almost a little bitter. Not the worst dish of course, loved the crunchy pork bits in it. It is a meal on its own. But next time I am going to stick with the Udon w/ Prawn Tempura, for my hearty soupy fix.
- Crispy Vegetable Harumaki - (Rolls to the right) A little too mundane and passé for me - the selection of vegetables inside, mushy and boring. I always prefer phyllo being baked - just too many layers to absorb maximum oil when deep fried. Karaage Chicken (left) - Crispy bits of chicken thighs. The sauce on top was nice too. This I would order again.
- Petits Fours - Great way to kill a perfectly good meal. Especially that Red Velvet ball, ugh! Ending my meal on these just made me angry.
- Gyozas - So here is the deal . The gyozas at Ai were smashing. These however, are not entirely avoidable. In fact I do somewhat like them. However, I find them unjustifiably greasy for something that has been pan seared on one side! Though the sauce and filling are quite good, they need to be less greasy.
Now for all those things that make Guppy a favourite:
- Edamame - Come in two seasonings - Sea Salt and Chilli Garlic . What I love is that they steam and then grill their edamame, so either option has a nice smokey touch to it. I like both, so take your pick.
- Guppy House Salad - Crunchy vegetables like beets, bamboo, hearts of palm, carrots, tossed around in a mustard dressing, made even healthier with various toasted seeds. I love this salad for so many reasons. The first thing that strikes you are the colours, it is hard not to like something so visually stimulating. The addition of hearts of palm, bamboo and seeds, separated it from the mundane.
- Seaweed Salad - Please excuse the take-away boxes in some of these pictures. Fresh of their summer menu. I am a little obsessed with fresh seaweed. So I could be partial, but it's a great salad to keep nibbling on the side.
- This is a combination of the Scottish Salmon Sashimi and the Andaman Tuna Sashimi. This picture has not been colour corrected. You pay for quality, and right there is some quality fish. Both come with a soy ponzu dressing which is tangy salty and delicious. I usually stick to only the salmon - I love the touch of pesto and capers with it. I save my tuna fix for the next dish in this review.
- Minute Steak Tuna Tataki - I absolutely love this dish. Lightly, seared tuna, with crispy garlic chips, pickled onions, citrus soy dressing. What's not to like! A must try.
- SUSHI - Maki Rolls - I think their sushi is absolutely delicious, and some of the best in the city, though I wouldn't mind a bit more variety. Tastes fresh, the rice is always perfectly cooked and proportioned - by that I mean there is just a thin sliver of rice, coating a very generous amount of seafood. I especially love their California Maki, Prawn Tempura, Salmon Expression (special - Crab stuffing, topped with Salmon and pesto - loving that combination again). The Spicy Salmon and Spicy Tuna are not bad, but for me personally I don't like my fish all mushed up - so it isn't the first thing.
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| California Maki |
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| Salmon Expression |
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| Spicy Tuna |
- Futomaki - New on the menu. This is a great quick lunch, because this one roll can be a meal on its own. Stuffed with so much goodness these mammoth rolls are a burst of flavour. Stuffed with salmon, tuna, crab, avocado, egg, pickled veggies, tempura flakes and powdered fish (actually really yummy - has a sweetish touch to it). I love the addition of toasted seeds in this - that is a first for me in any maki. Again, do give this one a try.
- Unagi Nigiri (Eel) - It just melts in your mouth, and that lovely sweet teriyaki like sauce it's always glazed with makes it even better. Though eel is something you either like or don't - some find it a bit slimy. If you haven't tried it I certainly suggest you do at least once - it can be a heavenly experience. But don't short change yourself because cheap quality eel can scar oneself !
- Salmon Belly Nigiri Aburi - Speaking of heavenly experiences - this is definitely one! The tenderest piece of buttery fish, lightly torched. Now two things happen with this - one is of course the beautiful smokey flavour that comes from it, the other is that some of that fatty goodness drips right in to the rice - and magic unfolds! This little baby, barely requires to be chewed before it blissfully surrenders to your bite. And take my word for it, one piece will tease more than satisfy. This is a bonus for my readers, as it isn't on their menu but can be made on request, as long as they have it on hand. This one is my absolute favourite, and I never leave without it! My mouth is watering just at the sight of this.
- Pork Belly - One of their signatures. Slow braised with soy honey, topped with a mustard miso sauce. The fat meat ratio is just perfect. Delicious on its own, but I love piling it on top of some of their delicious Garlic Fried Rice. On that note they make a great Garlic Bacon Fried Rice too for all those porcine lovers like myself. What I love is that they use sticky rice to make it and not basmati - which makes all the difference.
- Miso Black Cod on Hot Rock - Again one of their signatures, you can't go all that wrong with. Unless of course you are one of those fish eaters who only likes basa, because cod is certainly not as placid and does make itself known. I love the soft flakiness of the fish paired with that sweet miso, and that smokey char. Though it is a small portion, if you are a large group, one won't suffice.
Alcohol: Yes full bar
Outdoor Seating: No - only for smoking
Delivery: No
Timings: Lunch - 12pm-3:30pm Dinner 7pm - 11:30pm
Contact:
011 24690005, 011 24690006