A Taste of Sakura at The Leela Bhartiya City: Where Cuisine Meets the Spirit of Spring

Bengaluru: Each year, as cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the air is filled with both beauty and transience—a quiet reminder that some of the most exquisite things in life are also the most fleeting. It’s this sentiment that The Lotus Oriental at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru has captured with its latest seasonal celebration, A Taste of Sakura, a cherry blossom-inspired dining experience running from April 12 to 18, 2025.

For one week only, the award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant brings the elegance of Japan’s Sakura season to Bengaluru’s urban setting. Situated poolside within The Leela’s expansive Bhartiya City property, The Lotus Oriental transforms into a serene dining destination, combining the freshness of Asian flavours with the poetic charm of spring.

At the heart of the festival is a thoughtfully curated menu by Chef Shishir Rai, whose understanding of Japanese and broader Asian cuisines is both respectful and inventive. Rather than lean heavily on theatricality, the dishes here whisper spring—elegant, minimal, and flavour-forward.

The vegetarian offerings are anything but predictable. The Rock Corn Togarashi Mayo offers a satisfying crunch balanced with a subtle kick of heat. Sesame Crushed Tofu, with its nutty undertones and melt-in-the-mouth texture, is a standout, proving once again that simplicity, when executed well, can be memorable. Sushi is also well represented on the vegetarian side, with Avocado Tart Battera and Umami King Oyster Mushroom Battera offering a rich interplay of textures and umami depth. The nigiri selection includes delicate options like Inari, a sweet tofu skin-wrapped sushi rice, and Suika—watermelon, presented with an artful nod to traditional Japanese plating.

For those drawn to seafood and meats, the menu doesn’t disappoint. Tori Tatsutaage, a Japanese-style deep-fried chicken, is crisp and comforting. The Rock Shrimp with Seven Spicy Mayo is layered with heat and creaminess, ideal for those seeking bold flavours in small bites. The sushi selection here includes Sake Tartar Battera—where the buttery quality of salmon is elevated by citrus accents—and Bake Eel Usuzukuri Battera, whose smoky richness lingers. Tuna and Hamachi sashimi slices are served fresh and unembellished, letting their quality speak for itself.

But this isn’t just about what’s on the plate. A Taste of Sakura is also about mood and memory. The restaurant’s poolside seating, twinkling under Bengaluru’s April sky, creates a gentle contrast to the city’s usual pace. It’s quiet but not solemn, romantic without being overdone. The open air, combined with soft lighting and thoughtful plating, makes for an evening that feels slow, intentional, and unusually grounding.

The Lotus Oriental has consistently built a reputation for refined, immersive dining, and this festival only strengthens that position. The restaurant recently won the regional title at the NDTV Food Awards 2025 for Best Pan Asian Premium Dining Restaurant—a recognition that reflects its consistent ability to translate nuanced Asian flavours to an Indian audience without losing authenticity.

The Taste of Sakura isn’t a spectacle—it doesn’t try too hard. What it does offer is a brief, elegant pause. In a city where dining often leans toward the dramatic, The Lotus Oriental takes a quieter route. The experience is curated but not prescriptive; diners are free to pick and choose from the à la carte menu, making each visit personal.

It’s also worth noting how seasonal this festival is. Like the Sakura itself, which blooms for just a short time before falling away, this menu too is available only for one week. That decision—to limit the experience rather than extend it—is what gives the event its soul. It’s about evanescence. It invites you to show up, to be present, and to enjoy something while it lasts.

For those who value food as more than fuel—for those who seek out places that combine thoughtful cooking with atmosphere—The Lotus Oriental’s Taste of Sakura offers something quietly special.

Where: The Lotus Oriental, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru

When: April 12 – 18, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Menu: À la carte

Reservations: +91 8792918274