Video: This Is How Japan Is Expanding Its Food Scene To Celebrate Indian Cuisine

Last Updated:August 19, 2025, 13:43 IST

In a set of Instagram videos, creator Sonam Midha visits two places that have embraced Indian flavours and culture.

Japan’s love for food is world-famous. While sushi and ramen often steal the spotlight, a new culinary wave is stirring, one that celebrates India. Across Fukuoka and beyond, chefs are serving authentic regional dishes and sharing heartfelt stories.

In a series of Instagram videos, creator Sonam Midha explores two standout spots that have embraced Indian flavours: Indian Spice Factory and a unique eatery introducing Nagpur’s fiery Saoji cuisine to Japan.

Indian Spice Factory

At Indian Spice Factory, Sonam enjoyed a traditional Bengali spread served on banana leaves, with dishes like karela bhaja, pui shaag, bhaja muger dal, and a comforting cup of hot chai. The space radiates an unmistakably Indian charm, an Indian flag at the entrance, stone idols of Radha and Krishna inside, and classical instruments like the tabla and sitar adding to the ambience.

The People Behind It

Chef Koji Nakayama says he lived in Kolkata for around five years. He managed Japanese restaurants across Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai. His wife, Sachiko, often wears a saree and shares his love for India. Their love for Indian cuisine was palpable as they even brought seeds from India to grow vegetables that aren’t available locally.

Sonam’s reaction was instant: “I think I have seen everything in Japan now,” she remarked while touring the space.

In her caption, Sonam wrote that their love for India and Indian culture was “unmatched,” calling it “an honour” to meet Sachiko-san and Nakayama-san.

“If you are living in or planning a trip to Fukuoka, don’t miss visiting this gem of a place in the city,” she added.

‘Mini Nagpur’ In Japan

Sonam also visited a second restaurant run by Takashi, who fell in love with Nagpur’s Saoji cuisine. He learned Marathi, styled the menu in Marathi and named his place “Saoji Bhojnalaya.”

The menu includes: mutton dal saag, shahi murgi, Parsi pulao with dal, tarri poha and rabri. Once a week, he serves Parsi food.

How It Started

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Takashi found a Saoji recipe online and tried it himself. That began his journey. “I love Nagpur, I really love it,” he says while explaining why he built his own “mini-Nagpur” in Japan.

Saoji is a super-spicy, deeply flavourful style from Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is known for robust spice blends and hearty meat dishes, originally prepared by the Saoji community.

Where To Try

Indian Spice Factory is in Kasuga, Fukuoka. Takashi serves his Saoji menu at Midori Store in Ohashi, Kyushu.

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