Restaurant India News: Kimikai Umami House Opens in Gurgaon with Asian Dining Concept

Kimikai Umami House has opened at One Horizon, introducing a concept built around Asian cuisine and narrative-driven dining formats. The restaurant’s theme is structured around the journey of a fictional spice trader travelling across Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, which informs both the design and menu approach. This storytelling-led positioning reflects a broader industry trend where dining formats are being built around immersive and thematic experiences.

The space combines references from traditional Asian trading houses with contemporary interiors. The layout includes wood-led finishes, layered materials, curated artefacts, and sculptural elements. The seating plan transitions into more enclosed and intimate sections, with lighting and spatial design aimed at creating differentiated dining zones within the same outlet.

The culinary programme is led by Pawel Kazanowski, Mario Fico, and Ruhani Singh, bringing together cross-regional expertise spanning Asian and European cuisines. The menu is centred on the concept of umami, with a focus on ingredient sourcing and preparation techniques such as fermentation, smoking, broths, and layered seasoning to deliver balanced flavour profiles.

On the beverage side, the bar programme has been developed in collaboration with Pass Code Hospitality, which operates brands such as PCO, SAZ, Jamun, Ping's, and ATM. The beverage menu draws from Asian trade routes, incorporating ingredients such as tropical fruits, spices, botanicals, and fermented elements. Cocktail profiles include combinations featuring banana, avocado, pandan, yuzu, jaggery, and kewra, integrated with standard spirits.

The concept extends beyond food and beverages to include service design, customised tableware, and menu presentation, aligning all touchpoints to maintain a consistent brand experience. The format positions the outlet within the growing segment of experiential dining, where multi-sensory elements play a role in customer engagement and retention.

Kimikai Umami House is now operational at One Horizon, targeting consumers seeking differentiated dining formats within Gurgaon’s evolving hospitality landscape.