There was a spate of latest Asian restaurant openings in Mumbai in latest months. Whereas a number of have chosen to concentrate on explicit cuisines or supply area of interest dishes, others have embraced the broad umbrella of “pan-Asian” meals. There is not any denying the latter’s reputation, together with the scrumptious attraction of such selection. In February 2024, Mumbai noticed the opening of Hyderabad’s Kembara within the Bandra Kurla Complicated (BKC). We had the prospect to dine there and spend a leisurely night sampling yummy dishes.
Picture Credit score: Kembara Mumbai
Kembara Mumbai is a enterprise led by Shilpa Datla and Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo. Chef Seefah is well-known for her eponymous restaurant on Hill Highway in Bandra – extensively thought-about among the many greatest within the metropolis. Due to this fact, we regarded ahead to discovering the chef’s signature touches at this new launch. “Chef Seefah helped modify the menu to go well with the tastes of Mumbaikars,” Shilpa tells us. “In comparison with the Hyderabad menu, this one has extra seafood. The kind of spiciness exhibited within the dishes can also be relatively completely different,” she provides.
Picture Credit score: Kembara Mumbai
The restaurant derives its title from the Malay phrase “to wander”. The menu takes diners on a comforting culinary journey throughout Asia, with handpicked delicacies from Japanese, Thai, Chinese language, Vietnamese, Malay, Korean, and different cuisines. The decor is elevated with pastel and earthen hues, paired with furnishings and art work constituted of pure supplies similar to wooden, jute, linen and cane. Just like the meals, the atmosphere maintains your consolation zone relatively than difficult it an excessive amount of. It makes the house extra inviting and enjoyable – good for an escape after a busy day at work.
Picture Credit score: Kembara Mumbai
The crisp Turnip Cake was the primary appetiser we tasted, and it instantly received us over. The stuffing of radish, carrot and mushroom was satisfyingly tender and did not really feel heavy on the system. We loved how the spice of the chilli and garlic hit in direction of the top. It is a dish price returning for.
Among the many vegetarian starters, we additionally preferred the Greenhouse California Roll and the Vegetable Peking Dumpling. Whereas scrumptious in their very own proper, they did not have a wow issue. Peruse the meals menu for a couple of minutes and you will realise it is all about consolation and flavour. The sophistication lies in crafting a memorably delicious model of beloved dishes discovered in lots of different institutions. Chef Seefah manages to make sure Kembara stands out from the group.
Picture Credit score: Kembara Mumbai
The non-vegetarian appetisers introduced us again round. We extremely suggest the Hen Chilli Basil Xiao Lengthy Pao. It had an fragrant stuffing and was served in a warming broth. For those who’re bored of the identical outdated choices, this one is certain to offer a special kind of dim sum expertise. If you wish to stick with basic choices, you can not go unsuitable with the Hen Gyoza.
Picture Credit score: Kembara Mumbai
Among the many cocktails, do not miss the refreshing Inexperienced Tea Geisha (gin, sake, cold-brewed inexperienced tea) and the delightfully bitter Galangal Grove (vodka, vermouth, galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime, with a touch of Thai chilli). There are some well-balanced mocktails accessible as nicely. Our picks are the Shandong Fizz (a watermelon-berry mixture), and the Sawayaka (apple, basil, elderflower, lime and ginger ale).
Picture Credit score: Kembara Mumbai
In the principle course, you possibly can select between typical rice and noodle choices. There are additionally a number of signature takes price testing. We loved the pungent earthy flavours of the Chengdu Potato with scallions and lotus root. Word that it is a dry preparation, not a gravy. The refined Thai Thai-Type fried Rice, made with sticky rice, was one other hit. For those who really feel like shedding your self within the comforts of curry, do not hesitate to order the Hen Katsu in Japanese Udon Curry. Only a whiff of the aromas whetted our urge for food additional. We appreciated how the rooster remained crisp on the skin, even after being submerged within the curry for a number of minutes. We will already image folks rising to crave its heat on wet evenings within the metropolis.
Desserts are restricted, however distinctive. We preferred the Lemongrass Cheesecake with seasonal berries however would have most popular much less caramel as a topping. Different fascinating selections are the Water Chestnut with Coconut Milk and the Pandan Crepe Roll.
We had a tasty eating expertise at Kembara, complemented by nice service and a soothing atmosphere. If you wish to bask in pan-Asian cuisines with out pointless frills, this new restaurant in BKC could develop into your go-to choice.
The place: Store no 11, Kembara, Ins Tower, Reverse Indian Oil Petrol Pump, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complicated, Bandra East, Mumbai.
