Japan's Sakura In Mumbai? Donmai Celebrates Hanami With A Spread Of Authentic Sakura Cuisine

Each year in Japan, Sakura, the iconic cherry blossom transforms the country into a canvas of soft pinks and poetic stillness. A symbol of renewal and fleeting beauty, Sakura season is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a culinary and cultural event that celebrates the delicate joys of life. This spirit finds a home in Mumbai this season, at Donmai, Worli, where the Sakura Festival offers a thoughtfully crafted menu mirroring the essence of Japan’s beloved springtime tradition.

We stepped into a space that was blooming with cherry blossoms around. The staff made us feel comfortable and soon after we were all settled and ready to indulge in their delicacies, Muskaan, the manager, explained the season of Sakura blossoms in Japan and how they've curated a special menu that people of Japan enjoy during this season too. We started off with their signature drinks curated specially for the Sakura menu.

Kyoto Twilight is the festival’s crown jewel in terms of drinks. A matcha and cranberry infusion spiked with gin, it dances on your tongue with its tingling notes, equal parts refreshing and complex. It’s a bold reinterpretation of tradition, much like 'Hanami' (cherry blossom viewing) itself. You could never imagine matcha could taste like this with cranberry and gin! A must try.

Pink Kimono, on the other hand, leans more subtle. Dominated by grapefruit, it truly shines when paired with sakura dust, a fermented powder of real cherry blossoms and salt, elevating the drink from basic to beautifully nuanced. Think of it as sipping spring. This cocktail has a concentrated flavour of tequila. Sip at your own risk!

Sakura Cheese Tart

The Sakura cheese tart sets the tone for the festival with a multi-layered surprise. Its top jelly layer, infused with parmesan, introduces a gentle umami that’s both unexpected and elegant. The green chilli-laced sides pack a welcome punch, while the creamy centre of fresh cream cheese and black pepper brings sweet-spicy harmony, a fitting homage to the dual nature of spring: gentle and awakening.

Sushi Reimagined: From Creamy to Crunchy

The Inaari Sushi is a soulful, creamy creation. The avocado-kosho mayo blend melts effortlessly, while citrus pearls add bursts of brightness. Nestled in a deep-fried soy paper wrap and sprinkled with furikake, this dish feels indulgent yet balanced.

Asparagus Tempura Sushi offers a visual feast with its beetroot-pink rice, a nod to the blooming sakura. The tempura-fried asparagus provides a perfect crunch, while spicy mayo, cucumber, and avocado deliver the classic sushi comfort with a fiery finish. It’s a roll that leaves you both smiling and sniffling, in the best way. It leaves a slight spice on your palette at the end as you chew the small red pepper slice.

Shishito Robata is a green pepper lover's dream. Grilled on coal and laced with a tare sauce made of soy and milk, the shishito peppers are smoky, creamy, and spicy. The addition of chilli threads makes it memorable and complex, a bold contrast to the delicate sakura theme, yet somehow still fitting.

Charred Cabbage takes Nappa to new heights. Grilled to perfection, the upper crunchy layer explodes with spice, while the lower layers are soaked in a beetroot-parmesan sauce, turning the humble cabbage into something celebratory. A balance of fire and finesse. Though this is on their Sakura menu as mains, it might not be for everybody's palette. You might have a differed opinion about its flavour and texture so go for this item only if you've had Nappa cabbage previously and like mild, cheesy flavour with it.

The Grand Finale: Sakura Hanami Dessert

No sakura experience is complete without a touch of drama. The Sakura Hanami dessert captures the heart and artistry of hanami celebrations. A pink chocolate mould encases luscious chocolate ice cream, resting on chocolate crumble and sakura milk mousse. A gentle pour of raspberry syrup cascades over the blossom-shaped creation, mimicking falling cherry petals. Both visual theatre and a treat for the senses, this dessert is a moment of bliss.

The Sakura Festival

Where: Donmai, Worli, Mumbai

Dates: Till April 15th, 2025

Prices: 3500++(Including Alcohol)

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