[New Delhi] Five years old and still going strong, Guppy (previously called “Guppy by AI”) is the premier destination in Delhi for exquisite Japanese cuisine served in a fun and casual setting.
From launching India’s very first Poke bar to hosting themed food events, a visit to Guppy is never complete without gastronomic surprises to satisfy a hungry soul.
Under the leadership of Chef Vikram Khatri, Guppy has wowed diners since 2013 with its classic and sometimes experimental take on Japanese dishes.
The restaurant falls under the umbrella of the famous Olive group led by AD Singh, one of India’s most noteworthy and successful restaurateurs.
Guppy is a tropical fish that exists in a rainbow of colours. The restaurant stands right to its name by creating a vibrant atmosphere that is both eccentric and cheerful.
Situated in Lodi Colony, Guppy takes up a quiet corner in a commercial block, of a primarily residential area, rather nonchalantly.
Lodi Colony is also home to the Lodi Art District which is a collection of large street-art murals. The presence of Guppy in the same area somehow makes sense, as its striking decor fits in perfectly with the surroundings.
The interiors of the restaurant are a treasure trove of surprises for a first-time diner.
Bright and in-your-face, the bijou courtyard at Guppy is highly instagrammable and equally quaint.
The Poke Bar on one side is cosy and encourages a sense of communal eating with tables joined together with each other.
The main restaurant is in complete contrast to the food, which borderlines fine dining.
The room, spaciously decorated with what can only be DIY art projects, oozes a homely charm brought about by the bright tables, chairs, and green coloured floor.
The ambience at Guppy is laidback and encourages a relaxing time whether you are there for a date, with friends, or family.
Guppy’s menu has a variety of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Whether it is sushi and sashimi you want or a poke bowl, there is something for all tastes, along with healthy options of the dishes.
The Black Rice California Roll (Rs 710, SGD$ 14.00) has become my all-time favourite sushi in Delhi. Perfectly executed, the slight crunch on the outside gives it a beautiful texture reminiscent of biting into a fritter.
The Cha Shu Miso Tsukemen (Rs 990, SGD$ 19.50) ramen bowl was admittedly challenging to eat.
Known as the “dipping ramen”, it involved taking the noodles from a dry bowl filed with absolutely divine pork belly, greens, and eggs and dipping them in a separate bowl of 72-hour simmered pork stock.
The stock was heavenly to taste, bursting with intense flavours, and had a filling richness to it. If I weren’t already full, I would have loved to go for another round of just the stock.
The Burnt Garlic Ramen (Rs 800, SGD$ 15.75) was equally good, and the chef was kind enough to accommodate the request for adding extra fried tofu to it.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that Guppy doesn’t take itself too seriously.
For example, the menu for the Ramen Festival includes a Spicy Ramen Challenge and a Slurp Challenge where diners are encouraged to slurp their noodles loudly to win a drink.
Sundays at Guppy are all about their Brunch menu which is an assortment of dishes ranging from soups and sushi to noodles and desserts.
It’s easy to get impressed with Guppy as it creates an aura that is welcoming and at the same time pleasantly unconventional.
The food though is the final cherry on top. There is a delicate balance in the dishes that honour the traditionality of the cuisine while testing the boundaries of Japanese flavours.
Guppy is undoubtedly one of the best Japanese restaurants in Delhi, and a must visit for any food lover.
Guppy, New Delhi
28 Lodi Colony, Main Market, New Delhi 110003
Tel: 011 2469 0005
Opening Hours: Lunch 12:30pm – 3:30pm, Dinner 7pm – 1am (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps
Other Related Entries
Lavaash by Saby (New Delhi)
Between Buns (New Delhi)
Café Dori (New Delhi)
Jain Chawal Wale (New Delhi)
Plum by Bent Chair (New Delhi)
Click HERE for other Indian Food Entries
* Written by DFD’s India Correspondent @tickereatstheworld. Raghav is a travel and food writer who enjoys the thrill of discovering new places and writing about them. When he is not working, he can be found driving around his two kids from one birthday party to another.
