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The almost hidden entrance hints at the mystery and surprise that await us. Upon passing through the mirrored corridor, we’re immersed in a sensory experience that culminates in the main dining room, a true "temple of umami." With its high ceiling, spacious and minimalist ambiance, the soft lighting and decor featuring natural materials create a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Since it was a warm day, we started dinner with a Toki Highball, a refreshing drink made with Toki Japanese whisky. This young, smooth, and refreshing whisky, with a subtle hint of spices and lingering fruity notes on the palate, was the perfect choice to begin the evening.
The appetizer positively surprised us: a warm and extremely flavorful Japanese brioche, accompanied by preserves, small portions, and fresh aromatic oil. Everything was delicious and invited us to eat with our hands, creating different flavor variations with each bite.
Next came the Skewers, so creative and complex in flavor that it was almost a game to taste and savor each one. For me, the special highlights were the beetroot with salsa macha and the hispi cabbage and gomaae.
The dessert, equally playful and rich, was delicious and crowned the experience as an unforgettable grand finale.
Drinks That Elevate the Experience - The food was truly delicious and surprising, especially considering it’s a 100% plant-based cuisine. And the drinks didn’t disappoint: I was particularly curious about OUKAN's much-talked-about teas. Not every restaurant has an in-house tea sommelier! I tried the three teas offered on the menu: the cold brew sencha, the kobasoda, and the genmaicha. All were wonderful! Tasting teas in this format was something I had never experienced, and I absolutely loved it – it greatly enriched my experience. I highly recommend it!
My husband, on the other hand, chose wines, and we couldn’t miss the careful selection by sommelier Jonathan Gobbi. He is responsible for curating the labels that make up OUKAN’s wine list, complementing the inventive Japanese vegan and fermented cuisine of the house, which is undoubtedly not an easy task. Jonathan managed to pair the unique flavors of OUKAN’s dishes with the wines in a way that elevated our experience. Besides his deep knowledge, he knows how to communicate, guiding us through the options in an accessible and pleasant way, making the beverage selection an integral part of the gastronomic journey.
In short: At OUKAN, the cuisine is truly innovative. A sommelier who stands out – whether for wines or teas – needs to have profound knowledge and an eye that goes beyond the obvious, perfectly aligning with the restaurant's philosophy. Everyone deserves congratulations!
Considering the distinct ambiance, the innovative and high-quality vegan cuisine with a focus on fermentation, and the acclaimed tea and wine pairings, OUKAN offers a truly unique fine dining experience in Berlin. It's a restaurant that aims to provide a complete culinary and sensory journey. It's "worth every Euro" for the memorable experience and incredible flavors. If you're looking for something different, a high-level vegan experience, OUKAN comes highly recommended. Whether for a special, romantic, or business occasion, or during a trip, make sure to visit!
