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Imagine ordering asparagus tempura sushi at a mela! Well, people are doing that for real.

Yes, the Japanese delicacy, which we mostly associate with fine-dining restaurants, carefully plated portions and gourmet menus, is now making its way to the bustling food stalls of Ramlila and Dussehra melas in Delhi.

The menu also has more gourmet options like dimsums served with chilli oil. Even the desi street food has got a gourmet makeover with dishes like nitro freeze dahi bhalla in cone and waffle aloo tikki on the menu. Forget masala soda and banta, there are mocktail bars stations at melas with nitrogen theatrics.

But don’t be surprised to find the Japanese delicacy listed under the ‘Chinese’ section of the menu! Sushi in the 'Chinese' section of the mela menu. The ever-growing popularity of sushi in India

Sushi’s arrival at Delhi’s Ramlila and Dussehra melas is yet another sign of the Japanese delicacy’s growing popularity in India. Once largely associated with fine-dining restaurants, elaborate menus and a more acquired taste, sushi is on the way to becoming a street food staple. In several Indian cities, it has already made the leap to the streets, with roadside carts and food stalls serving up desi and classic versions of the dish. There has even been a Jain version of it.

While Japanese food has been available in India for several years, the growing obsession with sushi and other Japanese staples such as ramen and matcha can be credited to the anime boom, a greater willingness to experiment with food, increased international travel and wider exposure to global food trends on social media.

But would you have sushi at a mela? Do tell us in the comments section below.- Ends