New Delhi: This restaurant brings a slice of Japan to the capital

Kampai in New Delhi, designed by Chromed Design Studio features earthy elements, a quintessential Asian aesthetic with a hint of glamour
New Delhi This restaurant brings a slice of Japan to the capital
Photo caption: Kampai in New Delhi is the first restaurant in the capital that offers a Japanese izakaya dining experience.

Kampai, which translates to ‘cheers', offers a modern Japanese izakaya dinning experience in a luxurious setting. This New Delhi restaurant's visual aesthetic is a combination of contemporary design and iconic Japanese elements with an elegant backdrop. “The design ideology of Kampai revolves around the Japanese principle of minimalism and combines it with an authentic touch, creating a serene, fusion space. We catered to the client's desire through an innovative design panorama, which is disaffiliated from the common impression about Japanese restaurants. We focused on the creation of a plush night venue rather than merely a generic dining restaurant," explains Abhigyan Neogi of Chromed Design Studio, the brains behind Kampai's elegant Japanese interior.

Photo caption: Kampai in New Delhi offers a modern Japanese izakaya experience and is an ideal spot for a fun night out with family or friends

Kampai, New Delhi: Contemporary Japanese Aesthetic

Even before you enter Kampai, you will notice the unique façade of the restaurant made with mild steel and brass joinery, which imitates traditional bamboo construction, prevalent in the Japanese building culture. The entire restaurant has been divided into three zones with different types of seating for about 100 guests. There are two dining spaces on either side of the entrance passageway featuring lavish velvet seating and traditional Japanese wall décor. Inspired by Japanese low-interaction spaces there are ramen booths and also ‘koshitsu booths' with 4-seater layouts, which are covered with curtains and walls with lustrous brass cut-out artwork.

Photo caption: Combining Japanese elements and contemporary design, Kampai in New Delhi revolves around the Japanese principal of minimalism

Kampai, New Delhi: Cherry Blossoms Galore

As guests enter the restaurant, they are greeted by the Kampai logo made out of cherry blossoms, placed right at the entrance passageway. The cherry blossoms' pink and wine colour palette continues in the entire space—there are cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling, as well as sleek, Japanese ‘noren' curtains also drenched in same hues. You can't help but feel like the entire eatery is a celebration of the Japanese flowers.

Photo caption: The restaurant logo in the entry passageway of Kampai, New Delhi is made out of cherry blossoms

Kampai, New Delhi: Traditional Japanese Dining Rooms

Kampai's private dining rooms take the Japanese design aesthetic to the next level. These private dining spaces are reminiscent of traditional Japanese tearooms. The pink colour palette continues in the private dining rooms, which have bonsai and feature ‘zaishus' (Japanese chairs with no legs) and vibrant Japanese pop art. Bamboo lights and traditional ‘fusuma' (sliding) doors complete the feeling of being in an authentic Japanese tea room.

Photo caption: The zaishus (Japanese chairs with no legs) are one of the best features in Kampai, New Delhi

Kampai, New Delhi: Modern Japanese Glamour

If you're looking for something less traditional and a little more chic, you could choose the second private dining space, which has regular chairs but is under a canopy of pink cherry blossoms. There is a hand-painted ‘geisha' on the wall and contemporary, black and white, tiled flooring takes cognisance here. Alternatively, you could have a seat at the minimalistic bar counter that features Kampai's logo in brass inlay. This space has a unique display of artworks that show changing seasons in Japan. There's also a live sushi counter with themed, tiled walls, providing a glimpse into the chef at work. Make your way to Kampai for a Japanese izakaya meal in a traditional, yet modern venue.