‘Gaijin’ a New Japanese Restaurant Opens in Mumbai

Gaijin Opens in Mumbai. The word Gaijin means “outsider” in Japanese, Gaijin embraces its name with pride, reinterpreting Japanese cuisine through the lens of an Indian chef with reverence and rebellion. 

The interiors are stark, evocative, and surprising—a combination of elegance and back alleys in Tokyo. Every evening is transformed into a Tokyo afterparty by a vinyl-led music station that plays carefully chosen sets using bespoke analogue speakers. Upstairs, there's a more intimate, smaller space that can accommodate up to 20 people (seated). It's perfect for entertaining or just keeping close to people you want to impress. Yet the most surprising diversion is found in the alley beyond, which offers a little Tokyo in the center of Mumbai. 

The project is driven by Chef Anand Morwani (The Big Zest, Rocketman Pizza), Rohan Mangalorkar (The Big Zest, Rocketman Pizza, Pack-a-Pav), and Karan Gaba (Bokka Coffee, Farmers Cafe, Bombay Salad Co, Tamari), with a cocktail menu curated by Varun Sudhakar and Nischal Suman. While, the interiors were designed by renowned architect and interior designer Keith Menon of Spiro Spero.

Gaijin's culinary concept, which respects Japanese technique while defying convention, is at its core. Freeform grazing is encouraged by the menu, which includes cold plates, small plates (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), nigiri, gunkan, maki, main courses, and desserts. Each dish is a unique take on a classic cuisine. Highlights include the perfectly cooked lamb ribs, the Not Buff Carpaccio with tartar and bone marrow, the Crispy Kataifi Scallop, the Cherry Wood Smoked Himalayan Trout, and the Truffle Corn Gunkan, which is a mouthwatering combination of spicy rayu, smoked corn, and miso wrapped in nori and takuan.

The vegetarian option is not a last-minute addition. Consider Shimeji Mushroom Gyoza Tostada with roasted bell pepper goma and chive sesame pesto, Spinach Cream Cheese Gyoza dripping in a kimchi beurre blanc, and the striking White and Green Asparagus with smoked cauliflower purée, silgochu, and Belper Knolle—made even more luscious with freshly shaved truffle. Additionally, the Spicy Tofu and Leek Temaki—a sort of nori taco layered with braised leeks, cucumber, and pickled ginger—is light, punchy, and completely irresistible.

Rohan Mangalorkar, Partner, Gaijin said, "Gaijin — a Japanese word for ‘outsider’ — is our homage to Japanese cuisine seen through our lens. We’re not trying to replicate tradition, but to respectfully reinterpret it — with bold flavours, fresh perspectives, and deep appreciation. Opening our doors in Mumbai, we’ve paired the food with a thoughtful cocktail program and a vinyl station that sets the tone for a dining experience that’s as soulful as it is surprising."