Izumi – A hidden gem

Nestled in a beautiful bamboo grove and almost secluded from the outer space is the authentic Japanese kitchen 'Izumi'- located at House 24/C on Road 113 in Gulshan 2.

The wall art on the left of the entrance of Izumi might startle you! For there, flowing towards one direction by an invisible strong wind are all the leaves and branches of a tree. It might pause you for a second or two as it has such 'unbearable melancholic beauty' in it!

That beautiful, ‘saddening' feeling would be gone  once you step inside and one would have to fight hard for disliking the interior.

A few candles lit on a table, a black stone depicting Indian mythological figures hung on the staircase wall and that Japanese letter painted behind the counter, 'Izumi', create an interesting ambience. For the uninitiated, Izumi is a place with hint of spring!

The restaurant has some original paintings of such well-known artists of Bangladesh as Kalidas Karmakar and Biswajit Gowsawi to complement its ambience. Once you are out in the courtyard, behold! There is a concrete artwork by national award-winning artist Ashraful Hasan. Where else in this metropolis could you imagine such a restaurant with so much of arty ambience?

The courtyard also has a concrete work of a human ankle. Could this be Dhaka's answer to the giant thumb sculpture in Paris, just beside La Défense? Or is it just a romantic food for thought?

Izumi was started on Valentine's Day in 2010 by five friends. One of them is a UCL graduate Ali Arsalan, who seems quite friendly with his guests.

Arsalan says he got properly exposed to high quality Japanese food in London while studying there. Once he found out the health benefits of the cuisine it slowly became a bit of a passion for him, which culminated in Izumi's start.

The surprising thing about Izumi is that some of the delicate ingredients used here are flown in from Japan. It also claims to fly in fresh blocks of tuna at least once a week from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo.

Executive Chef Masayuki Nakajimaya then processes these ingredients, with one more Japanese chef, and makes it as authentic as possible. So you won't be blamed if you thought you were eating at a Japanese household!

Quite a few varieties of Sushi are obvious in a Japanese kitchen. Izumi is no different. Sashimi platter in this eatery includes tuna, cuttlefish, shrimps and scallops, all sourced from abroad and as fresh as it gets.

The raw fish cuts presented beautifully on a bowl is such a feast for the eyes. The dish appears quite colourful as the presence of tuna and shrimps make a stark contrast with green vegetables used in it.

Once mixed with wasabi sauce on the side it will just make you melt! The tuna cuts taste will vary as the fat contents change.

The scallops in this dish are sprinkled with a hint of lime and will literally melt in your mouth like butter. You are guaranteed to feel that heaven's gates aren't too far! 

In Japanese culinary tradition use of sea fish is only natural. However, this economic powerhouse has also been producing some of the best qualities of beef in last few decades. Wagyu, Matsusaka, Kobe are some great beef produces of Japan. Amongst these breeds, Kobe has almost a royal presence.

Guess what? All these beefs are in the Izumi menu. Australian-bred Wagyu beef steak can be enjoyed at Tk 2000. A big fat wallet, however, is needed if you fancy a Matsusaka or Kobe steak. One bite to it and if you feel some classical musical tone is waving from a distance, I doubt if anyone can blame you for that.

Arsalan claims, smilingly, ''Izumi is the number one eatery in Dhaka to have the best quality Japanese beef.''

The menu also includes a few salads, soups, noodles and rice-based dishes.

Up above the restaurant is Cafe Gourmand that serves pasta, sandwiches, burgers and desserts. Gourmand can accommodate 40 guests.

Outside the cafe wall is a reprint of famous – yet, here, largely anonymous – British graffiti artist Banksy's cover photo of 'Wall and Peace', which adds a lot of playfulness if you are ready for it.

One of Izumi's menus is actually a Gold-award winner for creativity in 'Menus and wine-lists'. 

Surprised?

Well, once a British cabinet minister, on a visit to Dhaka, had left a comment after dinner at Izumi - ''What a hidden gem!''

Izumi is open from midday to 2pm and 6:30pm to 10pm.

Cafe Gourmand is open from 11am to 7pm.

www.facebook.com/izumiBD

Photo: Rittika Ali

Click to see IZUMI gallery