A Taste of Japan in Delhi: Mindful Moments, Sake, and My First Saree
Konnichiwa, beautiful people!
I still remember walking into H.E. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan’s residence in Delhi on 26th September 2025, wearing a saree for the very first time. The moment felt magical — the air was filled with a gentle hum of excitement and the subtle aroma of Japanese cuisine. This wasn’t just another event — it was the Japan Month celebration, and we had the honor of hosting sake. While I was embracing my first saree experience, Mika graced the event in her elegant Japanese traditional attire, adding a beautiful cultural touch to the evening.
As the evening unfolded, I found myself mesmerized by the culinary magic of Chef Yoshihiro Murata, the Michelin-starred CEO of Kikunoi. Each dish was a tiny masterpiece — delicate, precise, and full of flavor. Following this, the Honorary Chairman of the Japanese Culinary Academy shared fascinating insights about MGS, giving context to every bite we were savoring.
But what truly struck me wasn’t just the taste — it was the mindfulness behind it. In India, we often eat to fill our palates, focusing on quantity. Here, the portions were small, yet every morsel was rich in nutrients and crafted with care. Eating became more than satisfying hunger — it became a lesson in mindful pleasure, a reminder that simplicity can be profound, and that quality can outweigh quantity.
I found myself slowing down, appreciating the colors, textures, and flavors. Every sip of sake, every bite of food, felt like a celebration of thoughtfulness, tradition, and artistry. Wearing my saree, I also felt a connection between elegance and mindfulness — two qualities that beautifully mirrored the Japanese approach to food and culture.
As the evening ended with a joyful Kampai! , I carried with me not just memories of exquisite flavors, but also a gentle lesson in savoring life — one mindful bite at a time.
For those curious to explore more about MGS and the philosophy behind these dishes, here’s the scan code for the eBook — a little doorway into the heart of Japanese cuisine.
Arigato gozaimasu,
— Malvika Sankpal, Coordinator, Sake Mom India