For the last few years, India has got over its obsession for faux Chinese to some extent and moved over to Pan Asian-flavours from Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Burma. Earlier one had to venture into 5 star hotels to try these cuisines but now many affordable Standalone restaurants have flourished, luring palates in metros and other big cities. Mamagoto has certainly been ahead in taking Pan Asian to a large burgeoning market for these exotic flavours. Their bright, cheerful interiors, their quirky decor and branding and constantly innovative menus offer enough variety to the seasoned Pan-Asian connoisseur as well as the debutant.
While I have many favourites on the Mamagoto regular menu, but their seasonal changes are always a treat. I ventured to the spacious and welcoming Kondapur branch to sample the Bowl Manifesto menu which is dedicated to comfort food meant for sharing.
One can enjoy wholesome meals in bowls bursting with umami to satisfy your Asian cravings. There is a variety of sumptuous and flavourful Aromatic Rice Meals with Tofu or Fish, or 8 Treasure Bowl or Hot China Action, the menu offers eight exciting options to choose from. The meals are very balanced and in generous portions.
For starter we tried the UnblievaBao Duck which is not a bowl but Super Bowl worthy. It has Mama's own secret spice crispy duck served in a Bao with spring onions and cucumber. It is like a Peking Duck 2.0. There is also a chicken version. I love the textured flatware and crockery in hues of aquamarine and grey that adds another dimension to the meal.
From the regular menu, we were tempted to try the Sushi, given the paucity of good Japanese restaurants in the city. We ordered the California Roll and Ebi Tempura Sushi, both of which were outstanding and fresh.
We tried the 8 Treasure Bowl which was highly recommended and had quite a melange of ingredients. The bowl arrived with a profusion of colour and taste. Chicken, Edamame, Rice, Peanuts, Tofu, Celery amongst others. I personally like my dishes with lesser ingredients and for me somehow the flavour was lost in so many contrasting tastes. But I am sure others may like this sort of fulfilling dish. I am sure next time I will try the Aromatic Rice Meal with Fish which has fish in a home made aromatic chili sauce served with Jasmine fried rice and rocket salad.
We also tried the Medium Hot Mushrooms which turned out truly spectacular. With 4 varieties of mushrooms in a fiery chilli reduction, spring onion and dry red chillies with udon noodles, this dish is a true winner. One can also try the Tofu Two Ways which has tofu in pepper sauce, salt & pepper, udon noodles and veggies.
These Great China Bowls, coupled with some UnbelievaBaos, will surely become our go-to summer meals!
You have to check out these new babies with all the goodness in just a bowl!
Needless to say, we ended the meal with a shared bowl of their heavenly Home-made Coconut and Palm Sugar Ice Cream which restores your faith in ice-cream.
