The migration of Japanese immigrants to South America in the 1950s resulted in a blending of culture and cuisine between the two communities.
Helmed by Chef Thomas Catley (known for his experience heading the team at Nobu London) and seasoned Mumbai—based restauranteur Abhayraj Singh Kohli, Tori encapsulates an amalgamation of two contrasting cuisines — Latin and Asian — that are deeply connected in pages of history.
Interestingly, the restaurant’s menus vary between lunch and dinner.
On my lunch visit to the establishment, I was quite enamoured by their afternoon menu that features an array of carpaccio, tiradito (Peruvian raw fish dish), tataki (Japanese raw fish dish), baos, ceviche, tartare, bento boxes, poke bowls, ramen, noodle bowls and desserts.
Between ogling at the food and drinks menu, I noticed that the interiors are quite eclectic and appealing with its Latin portraits, a large Japanese fish centrepiece on the ceiling and lush green installations.
I picked some of their signature sushis to begin my midday “Latin-Asian” gastronomical experience.
The Dirty Truffle sushi roll – with shimeji mushroom, avocado and spicy truffle tofu mayonnaise – was quite a delight to my palate with its levelled flavours. I also tried the Dirty Tori sushi roll that satiated my Japanese fish cravings with the likes of salmon, tuna, hamachi and spicy truffle mayonnaise.
The marriage of ingredients in the next dish I tried — the watermelon carpaccio — brought together the zests of soy-aged balsamic truffle tofu cream, pine nuts, lemon oil and cured watermelon. A definite highlight and recommendation.
Tori’s beverage menu is noteworthy and features an innovative list of Pisco sours, house cocktails such as Kyoto sour (Jack Daniel No.7, lime, miso purée, matcha and beer foam) and the Maracuya (Beefeater, martini rosso, clarified milk, lime juice, Jacobs Creek sparkling wine and passion fruit), which I tried and loved.
The staff is well informed on the offerings and is happy to help you customise your drinks based on your preferences.
If you’re looking for some good old Japanese sake and shochu including junmai (pure rice sake), honjozo (comparatively drier than junmai) and shochu (also known as Japanese vodka) — Tori is your go-to place.
Coming to mains, I chose an an earthy bowl of mushroom ramen that simmered with raw flavours of mushroom, tofu and soy. It was quite the wholesome and comforting noodle broth that is already hailing me back for a repeat visit.
For a traditional Japanese main course experience, their customisable bento boxes are an absolute treat for the eye and burst in a gamut of diverse pan-Asian flavours. I thoroughly devoured my curated bento box that featured kimchi rice, chicken in black bean, a chicken bao, house pickle (tsukemon in Japanese), salad and miso soup.
To finish, I chose the pictured five textured-chocolate dessert that was divinely paradisal, with its multi-dimensional chocolate amalgamation.
Verdict: Recommended for its multifaceted menu that brings out highlights from Latin and Asian cuisines.
Hours: Lunch – 12pm-330pm. Dinner – 7pm-1am
Price: Around ₹2,000 for a meal with alcoholic drinks.
Call +919833373888 for reservations.
Address: Tori, 21, Union Park, Pali Hill Road, Khar, Mumbai
