Delhi’s love for world-class Asian cuisine is undeniable, with new restaurants constantly opening up and wooing us. One such exciting addition is Kamei, a luxurious “modern Asian restaurant and cocktail bar” in the vibrant heart of South Delhi. With 15 years of culinary expertise from the renowned House of Fio, Kamei promises an exceptional dining experience.
Upon entering Kamei, I was immediately impressed by the lively atmosphere and chic décor. Even though the restaurant only opened a few months ago, it was nearly full, with the energetic music mingling seamlessly with the bustle from the bar area. It looked like the perfect spot for a weekend night.
As someone who enjoys cocktails, I couldn’t resist exploring their innovative drinks menu. I opted for the Palo-Mei, a tequila-based concoction made with 1800 Silver Tequila and infused with Bird’s Eye chili. This cocktail was a pleasant balance; the heat of the chili was beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries and grapefruit, creating a refreshing yet complex drink. I also tried the Mango Tai, another tequila delight. Don’t let its name fool you—it wasn’t overly sweet. Instead, it had a subtle mango flavor with invigorating notes of basil and citrus.
Kamei’s menu is a tempting mix of traditional and modern cuisine, showcasing the diverse flavors of East Asia, with influences from China, Japan, Thailand and elsewhere. The “Small to Share” section features a range of signature cold plates, while “Large to Share” includes classic curry and wok dishes that can be combined with Kamei fried rice or yaki udon to create a complete meal.
One dish that stood out was the Coconut Sea Bass Ceviche, which was made even more delicious with a cilantro coconut leche de tigre. The dish was light yet creamy, with the prawn cracker adding a wonderful crunch – plus, it looked delicious too!
A visit to an Asian restaurant isn’t complete without dim sum and sushi, so I ordered the chicken siu mai. It was incredibly delicious, full of juicy flavours. I also had to try the prawn tempura, a dish I can’t refuse at any Asian restaurant. Kamei didn’t disappoint; the tempura was perfectly balanced, with a pleasant contrast between soft and crunchy textures.
Another must-try for avocado lovers is the Yuzu Avocado. This dish features grilled avocado served with a zesty wasabi sauce and creamy yuzu emulsion. The crispy rice cakes added a great crunch, making this a heavenly experience.
While relishing delicious dishes and cocktails, I was surprised by a dessert that lifted my mood to new heights. The Honeycomb, a Malaysian sponge cake drizzled with whisky caramel sauce and served with vanilla gelato, was truly divine – a true match made in heaven.
Sharing his vision, Chef Aditya Moitra, Head R&D Chef, Fio Restaurants said: “With Kamei’s menu, we hope to push the boundaries of Delhi’s cuisine. I see traditional cooking techniques as a canvas for flavour combinations, and it has been exciting to bring that idea into the curation of Kamei.”
If you also like Asian cuisine when eating out, Kamei will be an unforgettable experience for you. If you ask me, I am looking forward to going there again.
What: Kamei
Where: Eldeco Centre, Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi
When: 12.40 pm to 4 pm, 7 pm to 12 pm
