A hidden Indian restaurant opens
The Restaurant’s Icon
Did you know that Indian restaurants in the East Tokyo area are all the rage right now? A new restaurant called “Desai’s” opened in October 2022. Here, you can enjoy curries and spicy dishes from Maharashtra, a state in western India known for its large vegetarian population. Apparently, this is the only place in Japan where you can eat cuisine from this state. Desai’s is a rare opportunity to learn about the vegetarian food culture of Maharashtra.
Exterior
The restaurant is nestled in a residential area. Its exterior resembles a regular house. It feels like a hidden gem known only to those in the know, making it an exciting place to visit.
Seating
Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff of this family-run establishment. The kitchen is on the first floor, and seating is available upstairs. The restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere, perfect for solo diners, families, and friends. Private reservations are also available for larger groups.
Maharashtrian cuisine from western India that can only be found here
Owner of Desize
India is a vast country, and food cultures vary from east to west, north to south. Even within western India, each region has its own unique food culture. Chef Desize hails from Maharashtra, a state in western India. This region has a strong vegetarian culture and many vegetarian dishes. As a result, you’ll find many vegetarian dishes on the menu at Desize. By the way, Indian vegetarian cuisine refers to dishes that do not contain meat, seafood, or eggs. Some dishes are also dairy-free and vegan-friendly, so be sure to ask the staff if they’re vegan.
Food photo inside the restaurant
The menu features a wide variety of dishes from Maharashtra, western India. Enjoy exquisite cuisine prepared using local techniques and ingredients.
Lots of popular vegetarian dishes, including street food
Vada Pao
Misa Routhari
At Desize, vegetarian dishes are incredibly popular with both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Particularly popular dishes include “Vada Pao,” a street food from Maharashtra; “Special Bean Curry Tali,” made with beans said to be unavailable in Japan; and “Missa Routhari,” eaten with bread. Even within the same vegetarian cuisine, you can enjoy completely different dishes, making you want to return again and again.
Shihakad Castle Thali
The photo shows another popular dish, “Shihakad Castle Thali.” From the rich, sweet and spicy eggplant curry to the mild and rich bean curry and moist onion pakora, the spices and cooking method offer a unique flavor that sets it apart from other Indian cuisine. Even curry connoisseurs will be impressed!
Other Maniac Dishes
Chili Pakora
There are many other unique dishes you can only find here. The “chili pakora,” made with whole deep-fried green chilies, is incredibly spicy! If you love spicy food, be sure to give it a try. There’s also a wide variety of tempting menu items, including snacks and sweets that can be enjoyed as appetizers, and gluten-free chapatis.
West Indian cuisine that vegetarians and vegans should know about
West Indian Cuisine
West India is a vegetarian-heavy culture, offering a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes not found in Japan. This food culture is meticulously designed to ensure vegetarians stay healthy, with essential nutrients and cooking methods carefully considered. Enjoying Desize’s Indian cuisine will allow you to experience this culture and leave you feeling satisfied in both body and soul. You’ll surely discover new dishes that will make you think, “Not just a vegetarian/vegan alternative to meat,” but “a vegetarian/vegan dish you’d want to eat at Desize.” Be sure to visit Desize!
Text: Kaho Masumura
Supervisor / Recommender
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VegeProject Japan (NPO) Representative Director
Click here for introduction
Kyoto University Faculty/Graduate School of Agricultural, Master of Agriculture, Kyoto University.
Founded “VegeProject Japan(NPO)” when she was a student. From then, she introduced a veg-menu to the student cafeteria of Kyoto University.
She is currently working with universities, companies, restaurants and municipalities to expand vegan and vegetarian options.
Also active as teacher/advertiser of vegetarian vegans. Interviews with well-known vegetarians Paul McCartney and Colin Campbell.
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