“I placed the first piece of sushi in my mouth. HIGH HOLY HEAVEN! It was like a dance of flavours and textures — salty, rich, sweet, chewy yet silken- all at once. ‘This is maybe the best thing I’ve ever eaten,’ I said after swallowing…” wrote author Rachel Cohn — the storyteller behind Netflix show Dash and Lily — in My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life. That’s what sushi is for many who love the Japanese dish — an acquired taste that surprises with its subtlety. The making fascinates and the presentation makes it ‘gram worthy everytime.
On International Sushi Day, My Kolkata spoke to Tollywood celebrities who are also sushi lovers about their favourite kind of sushi, a go-to sushi spot in Kolkata and more. Read on as you dig into your plate of nigiri.
Anupam Roy’s love for sushi
Prawn, tuna (in picture) and salmon sushi are singer-writer Anupam Roy's favourites @aroyfloyd/Instagram, Shutterstock
Anupam Roy’s Instagram account is a testament to the fact that he lives for music (obviously), loves to read and write, and has a soft spot for food. The musician and author often shares glimpses of what’s on his plate. When we asked Anupam if he loves sushi, his response was a resounding “yes, I love sushi!”. Hook, line and sinker, his love for rice and fish — two staples for a Bangali – reels him into sushi. “No oil, not fried and not jhal” is what makes sushi even more likeable for him.
Anupam recommends: Prawn Sushi, Tuna Sushi and Salmon Sushi at Aajisai in Quest Mall
Sahana Bajpaie’s Ph.D in sushi!
Sahana Bajpaie's sushi love goes deep and sashimis (right) are her top pick @sahanabajpaie/Instagram, Shutterstock
Sahana Bajpaie dons many hats with equal aplomb — an academician who recently earned her Ph.D, a teacher, musician and songwriter. Travelling the world to spread her music, she remains a true Bengali connected to her roots. “Sushi is rice and fish, and I am a machhe-bhaat’e Bangali at heart,” said the talent powerhouse. When we asked Sahana if she loves sushi and would like to share her faves, her reply was a happy “Fire on!”
Sahana’s recommendations: Sashimi, Nigiri and Maki at PaPaYa and Nori at Westin
Gourab, Devlina and Anindya: The fit trio are all for the sushi
While Gourab Chatterjee, and Anindya Chatterjee love sushi, Devlina Kumar is a recent convert @achatterjee4/Instagram
Gourab Chatterjee, Devlina Kumar and Anindya Chatterjee have many things in common — cycling, fitness and food. While Devlina isn’t hooked on sushi, Gourab and Anindya are swimming in their love for the Japanese delicacy. Gourab believes his taste palate is bland and he prefers food that is of the same taste range, and sushi works for his likings. Gourab’s passion has even turned him into a chef. “I like the ones made by me the most,” shared the Oti Uttam actor.
A light dish that’s low on calories and is tasty, and her husband’s love for the dish, made fitness enthusiast Devlina warm up to sushi. “My husband loves sushi and I want to give him company at times, so I have started having sushi,” said Devlina.
For Anindya, the simplicity in taste and the health quotient makes sushi a hit. “The balance of protein and carbs makes it unique. Also it's an acquired taste,” said Anindya, who then went on to list the many healthy qualities of sushi.
Their sushi spots: one8 Commune, Taki Taki, Yauatcha and Snack on Sushi
Their picks: Prawn Tempura Sushi and Chicken Sushi for Devlina, Salmon Sushi for Gourab, Uramaki, Nigiri and Sashimi for Anindya
From an encyclopaedia introduction to loving sushi later
Riddhi's first introdution to sushi was in a book @riddhi_sen_/Instagram, Shutterstock
Riddhi Sen, known for his cerebral performances in T-town, didn’t have his first sushi experience in Kolkata. While he travels frequently, the young gun has found a few spots in the city to satisfy his sushi cravings like Wasabee and Soy Yum — the latter suggested by Srijit Mukherji. Riddhi’s interest for sushi grew when he was in school. “We often develop a fascination towards certain things in childhood, reading about them in books. I read about sushi and fondue in a children’s encyclopaedia and was fascinated about it,” shared the actor about his early connection with sushi. Riddhi also likes the art of making sushi.
Riddhi’s recommendations: Any fish-based sushi at Wasabee, Soy Yum and Momo I Am
