A Super Unveiling of Supa San: The neighbourhood Izakaya designed by Fanatics

On 24th May 2025, Aditya Birla Group’s dining and experience venture, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH) launched its latest offering: Supa San.

Imagine someone quirky, quizzical — obsessive ticks and all. Powered by their fascination for manga, propelled by their artistic bent of mind, and defined by their quiet mastery of culture. Supa San, the latest diner from Aditya Birla group’s dining arm, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), is an embodiment of this fanatical, whimsical soul inside an izakaya set in the heart of BKC and full of surprises — culinary and otherwise.

Supa San refers to “super fan” and transports you into the inner circle of one. It’s an invitation into a world where Japan’s most prized possessions find a new, bold (and sometimes teetering on wild) expression. Come in for the unctuous kamameshi, stay for the enlivening libations, and linger to soak in the many, many Easter eggs strewn across the space. It’s as good for a deep-dive dinner with a fellow gourmand as it is for a pulsating night with the core gang as it is for a spontaneous post-work tête-à-tête with sushi and wasabi-laced tipples.

Speaking about the diner, Udai Pinnali, CEO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, says, “Our izakaya is an invitation to explore the Japanese mastery over art, culture and food... designed by a fictional manga fanatic who is also an artist. In that sense, he is a Supa (Super) San”.

Rediscover the universe of classic Japanese art, culture and food through the eyes of an enthusiastic, fictional manga fanatic, and settle down for an experience that’s equally fun and fastidious.
 

Inside the hideaway

Shedding the hushed reverence often associated with Japanese establishments, Supa San embraces a spirited and unconventional, casual aesthetic, mirroring the fervent passions of its imagined manga devotee. The diner’s design is a playful dialogue between sleek modernity and the vibrant-but-measured chaos of pop culture, where clean architectural lines intersect with whimsical elements, all punctuated by carefully concealed cultural treasures. The space encourages exploration, rewarding keen eyes with tucked-away references and visual surprises, much like the layered narratives found in the folds of manga pages.

Supa San cultivates a relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of unpretentious izakayas where spontaneous connections flourish. Manga- and anime-adorned walls serve as a visual testament to the super fan’s devotion. The experience extends to a curated merchandise corner, showcasing coveted anime books, figurines, and exclusive apparel. High and low seating allows for all kinds of engagements, and playful signage and design elements  stand as subtle nods to Japan’s cultural wealth. Together, offering a welcoming embrace that feels both familiar and intriguingly novel.

Channelling the easy charm of Japan’s unpretentious izakayas, Supa San is where relaxed energy meets a fan’s fever dream. Every corner invites discovery that stands as subtle nods to Japan’s cultural wealth — from playful surprises tucked into drawers to walls wrapped in bold comic art. The space crackles with wit, with clever wordplay etched into tables and design moments that double as punchlines. A dedicated wall brims with collectables — rare manga, figurines, limited-edition sneakers, and graphic tees. Seating flows from cosy lows to buzzy highs, making room for quiet conversations and spontaneous laughter alike. Whether you're handed an unexpected token by your server or drawn into the vibe at the next table, Supa San is built for serendipity and stories worth sharing.
 

Partake in the spread

Food is necessarily the cornerstone of this ABNAH offering, and it comes in a menu that is as captivating as the surroundings. Chow down on creations that transport you to the vibrant backstreets of Tokyo, crafted by Chef Hideki Hiwatashi, whose expertise has graced Michelin-starred establishments. Sample Hiwatashi's mastery in artfully handcrafted gunkan (battleship-shaped sushi), nigiri (finger-shaped sushi) and other inventive creations that surprise and delight.

"Chef Hideki has created a menu rooted in authenticity and comfort—an experience that encourages you to settle in at Supa San, enjoying lively conversations over a continuous flow of flavorful dishes. What truly sets us apart is Hideki’s talent for channeling the spirit of a traditional izakaya, thoughtfully reimagined for those who crave a taste of Tokyo’s Golden Gai. From classic sushi and expertly crafted gunkans to kamameshi, chawanmushi, ramen, and crisp tempura, the menu offers a rich variety—ensuring there’s always something new to discover with each visit." adds Udai on the culinary program.

There’s pillowy baos, crispy karaage, and tempuras as golden as the sun, that come in a vibrant mix of vegetables like enoki mushrooms, asparagus, and pumpkin, along with seafood favourites such as prawns and soft shell crab. Accompanied by a selection of vegetarian mayos and dusted with house-made speciality salts like curry, togarashi, and lemongrass, these add considerable oomph to the meal. The robatayaki grill beckons with skewered delights — from tender baby potatoes and broccolini to juicy chicken wings and succulent lamb chops. Plus, the signature 72-hour marinated Chilean sea bass is engineered on lava stones for that unmistakable smoky flavour. The rare kamameshi, a traditional Japanese rice dish, is slow-cooked to perfection in authentic iron kettles or kama imported directly from Japan.

Slurp on ramens, crafted with hand-rolled noodles and rich broths, or make the most of sharing plates, designed to spark conversation. Think, vibrant Shake Crudo, which comes with fresh salmon, shiso leaf, jalapeños, and yuzu-ponzu; the umami-rich Nasu Dengaku flaunting miso-glazed eggplant with rice crisps and figs. Savour classics like the Chawanmushi, a steamed savoury egg custard with chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger or the Tamago Sando, a fluffy, indulgent take on the much-loved Japanese egg sandwich. Fresh ingredients highlight our sushi and sashimi roster, with vegetarian options aplenty and premium fish flown in from Japan. Finally, house-made ice creams and milk breads infused with yuzu, wasabi, and other Japanese flavours ensure you stay for desserts, your resolve notwithstanding.

“Over 15 years of Japanese culinary training, specialising in Kaiseki, has imbued my style with a sense of authenticity and simplicity, but with a side of playful storytelling. And that transcends into the food,” says Chef Hiwatashi on the menu.
 

Raise a toast, turn a fan

While the food takes the lead, they’re also intelligently spiced, sliced, and diced to elevate the unapologetically riveting cocktail programme. Crafted by the trailblazing Head Mixologist Trisha, co-founder of small-batch cocktail kits’ outfit  Saray & Co. and a luminary in India’s beverage scene, the drinks menu draws from Japanese ingredients and flavour profiles. Split into Umami Tipples, Japanese Pop Culture-inspired creations, and Classics with a twist, the cocktails at Supa San will likely garner some fans.  

Expect a daring interplay of bold umami notes, reimagined classics that surprise the palate, and playful twists that ignite curiosity. Take, for instance, the signature Kappa Picante, a spirited evolution of the spicy favourite, where the subtle, earthy heat of wasabi swaps out the traditional chilli garnish. Or variations of the refreshing Chu-Hi or shochu highballs when you need more than three rounds. A thoughtfully curated sake list rounds out the authentic izakaya experience, and Trisha sums it up as “Cocktails that speak — bold, fun, and flavour-forward. Whether it’s a wasabi twist or a yuzu zing, everything here has a little surprise.”

To step into Supa San is to willingly tumble down a rabbit hole of playful surprises, where the expected takes a delightful detour. Hand an origami paper to your server, and have it returned as an unexpected creation or let the roll of a dice dictate your next libation. Whatever you do, just remember to look twice!