Wasabi By Morimoto Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

When Iron Chef and Nobu star Masaharu Morimoto announced he was opening a restaurant at the grand Taj Mahal Palace hotel in 2004, it was seen as a high-stakes gamble. The restaurant is minimally but expensively decorated, and no one was sure whether locals cared enough for Japanese food to justify the sky-high bills. Yet Morimoto's deft hand and exquisite ingredients turned skeptics into fans, and Wasabi became a see-and-be-seen place to eat. Some of the dishes have subtle American influences, but it's mostly traditional Japanese fare; standouts include dishes like the flounder carpaccio, lightly dressed with sesame and lemon, and the marbled strips of seared teriyaki Kobe steak. The latter, we're told, is most popular with visiting Indian businessmen who are militant vegetarians at home.

The food was amazing. We went Japan 2 years ago and Wasabi reminded us of our time there. Authentic tastes and presentation. We had the tasting menus, vege and non-veg, we throughly enjoy all of our dishes. Ronald our waiter was excellent. The desserts were to die for.

First, yes it is expensive. Second, service is very good, attentive and knowledgeable. We liked most of the dishes except the salmon sushi which was just ok. The Yurine mousse was divine. A great experience.

I was extremely sceptical when this restaurant was recommended as on par or better than other Japanese restaurants around the world like Zuma or Nobu. When you arrive at the Taj Hotel and finally clear security, you have the feeling you have entered a royal palace. Note the M F Hussein triptic painting hanging behind reception (a masterpiece). As you make your way to Wasabi, you can induldge in the Royal atmosphere of the hotel. Before you get to the restaurant, you cross the Taj Hotel Bar, a quaint yet buzzing room with individuals from all around the world. As you cross the bar, there is a spiral staircase with a glass lift that takes you to the Wasabi dining area. At first impression, there is a sushi bar, a teppanyaki post and a few tables dotted around. Nothing spectacular. Once you are greeted and shown to your table the experience begins. The waiters are extremely pleasant and polite and are fully attentive. The food is fresh and exquisite. Every bite is full of flavour and to my surprise was just as good if not better as the aforementioned restaurants. Presentation is on point for every dish and they create new Japanese inspired dishes. We had the change to try. A pork belly dish which is pictured. The meat melted in our mouths, spectacular. Interestingly, they serve a BBQ tuna, which you cook at the table on a black stone, also pictured. All dishes available were to the same standard as would be expected of Zuma or Nobu. The real trila came with the mains. The Black Miso Cod. Although full of flavour this was slightly overcooked leaving a burnt layer around the cod. It was extremely tasty and would have been just as good as any other five star dining restaurant around the world had it not been over cooked. The dessert selection is limited, but what's on offer is scrumptious. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

My first real introduction to Japanese food. I am so glad we came here instead of going to my favourite Italian restaurant... We had sushi and a sort of white asparagus (you can tell I am a total newbie) with a really delicious gravy. A salad that the chef had made for the president of the US (I added mushrooms and it tasted Divine)... Am sure the president didn't get mushrooms with his salad. They surprised us with a totally decadent rich dark chocolate cake with hints of raspberry in it. It was my birthday and this was a brilliant lunch. We sat by the window and we should have had a view of the sea... But the building was undergoing construction so that was obscured. The music was horrible and they did shut it off for a few minutes when we requested... But put it back on... That was the only thing that spoilt a lovely afternoon out... But the food was so good, I couldn't give them a 4 star rating. It has to be a full 5! Am I coming back here? Yes. Most definitely!