A Japanese street fair, in Dadar

This week, give the humble vada pav a miss and instead try some Japanese street food — right here in Dadar.

This week, give the humble vada pav a miss and instead try some Japanese street food — right here in Dadar.

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The annual four-day Washoku (‘Food of Japan’) festival, now in its fourth edition, is being organised by students of the Dadar catering college from Thursday to Sunday.

And this year promises to be different, as students attempt to imitate a bustling Japanese street, complete with fortunetellers, ikebana flower arrangements, tea ceremonies and kimonos on hire at photo stalls.

So, while relishing three different types of sushi, you can marvel at some intricate origami, or attend a traditional tea party. “The idea is to give the guests a complete Japanese cultural experience,” says Anuj Pandit, 19, student coordinator for Washoku 4.

Essential ingredients like wasabi, soy sauce and sesame oil have been imported from Japan for the festival. “We will offer dishes that are authentic but will also suit the Indian palette,” says Yash Rajpal, 20, chef in-charge for the festival. The institute is expecting over 250 guests per day.

“Till last year, we only issued 80 passes per meal,” says Pandit. “But because of the excellent response we received, this year we are selling close to 200 passes per day.”

The students will also be training under renowned Japanese chef Shinya Saito for four days before the festival.

“The world is turning health conscious and Japanese food is very healthy. It is going to be the next big thing over the next few years,” says Vernon Coelho, head of the food production department at the institute. “First-hand training in a growing cuisine helps the students. For the guests, it is a great place to start experimenting.”