I finally visited “Izipizi Street,” which opened recently on my morning walk route and caught my attention.
Stepping out, I was greeted by the peak of the hot season; even at night, Pune was gripped by tropical heat.
On one such sweltering evening, after an errand and a metro ride, I passed by—and, as if drawn in, I entered the place.
Izipizi Street
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This stretch, which I call the “cursed zone of Kalyani Nagar,” is known for trendy establishments that seem busy but eventually close. Naturally, I’m curious how long any new spot will last here.
Yet, as I stepped inside that night, I found the place bustling with energy—even on a weekday.
With mostly outdoor seating, relief from the heat was minimal, but that only added to the “Asian night energy” and sense of openness, making it feel like a brief getaway.
Observing the clientele, I realised I was the only foreigner among the predominantly young crowd that evening.
In contrast to the heavy heat outside, the space was filled with a light, lively energy, accompanied by a constant hum of Hindi, Marathi, and English—a vibrant yet not unpleasant mix of voices.
This unique vibe extended to the staff. Maybe, to suit its East Asian concept, the restaurant appeared to have hired mainly people from Northeast India. Quirky touches, like "Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen" or the offbeat "I'll kill you" in Japanese, added to the place's distinctive character and positioning.
Turning to the menu, it offered everything from traditional dim sum to Korean-style fare like japchae, and featured ramen from Japan.
Although the sushi called out to me, I hesitated—my cautiousness kept me from taking such a bold step on a first visit.
The “Sushi Tacos” also tempted me, but at over 600 rupees for just two pieces—and with my growing hunger—I chose to hold off.
After brief indecision, I settled on a safer option: “Shiokoji Karaage.”
Inside, all the staff moved efficiently, but the blond-haired man who attended our table stood out. He was attentive and friendly without being overly familiar. Thanks to him, even with only outdoor seating and thick heat, we enjoyed ourselves comfortably—helped by my small handheld fan.
An unexpected plus: even outdoors, mosquitoes and insects were barely noticeable.
In the past, this “cursed zone” had hosted places like “German Bakery” and “Elephant Co.”—restaurants with strong alcohol offerings, geared toward adults. But on weekends, crowds would spill out onto the streets, creating such a rowdy atmosphere that one would rather take a detour at night.
In contrast, “Izipizi Street” does not appear to have obtained a liquor permit yet, and only soft drinks are currently served. That said, a bar counter is visible inside, so it’s quite possible that higher-margin alcohol service may be introduced in the future.
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Before long, the karaage was served, suggesting it’s a popular item that’s fried continuously. I picked it up with the provided chopsticks.
As for the shiokoji flavour, I must admit I’m a Japanese amateur—and not the most refined palate—so I can’t comment with authority. That said, the chicken was tender, the coating light and crisp, and it was the kind of dish you could keep eating without tiring of it.
The dish included two outstanding sauces: a wasabi-kicked mayonnaise and a soy-sesame mixture, both of which paired perfectly with the karaage.
Based on my experience, the Shiokoji Karaage is the must-try dish here.
Next up: for my main, I selected the intriguing “Healthy Veg Tom Yam Fried Rice.”
The rice, reminiscent of short-grain Japanese varieties, offered a pleasant firmness and less starchiness, much like brown rice. Mild spices completed the thoroughly enjoyable combination.
Thus ended my first encounter with the place—one that left a very favourable impression, which I wanted to record here. If you're in the area, I would certainly recommend giving it a try.
As for me, next time I fully intend to finally take on the “Sushi Tacos.”
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