Sipping Cha with Yah!

A RESTAURANT REVIEW

YAUTCHA 

(Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai)

First Impressions

As you approach the rather upscale and very fancy Yatucha at Bandra Kurla complex, the array of cars parked right outside are enough to give you a complex, but this is Mumbai, where cars dont matter nor does where you stay or what designer clothes you wear-its what YOU are all about. And I know I am all about food, good vegetarian food. A gang of very courteous girls welcome you to this fine dine,east asian, dining experience. Once inside you could be anywhere in the world, New York’s Meat Packing District,London’s Soho or Singapore’s Orchid Road- very international look and feel. First impressions - very chic, very sleek and very modern. But whats that noise, the chattering of a million people and the constant clanging of the stir fry woks, a thoushand clanging pots and pans were deafening. Suddenly fine dining turned into local irani joint. Lighting was smooth and just enough. Seating was smart, basic and comfortable. I guess the attention was on food rather than the decor. But it were the high windows with lovely views of the trendy Bandra Kurla Complex which gave it the very international look.

Service

Very serious, courteous and extremely knowledgable staff helped us select our appetizers. Since we were celebrating, their in-house sommelier (yes a dedicated wine sommelier!) helped us through the wine selection, but considering we wanted Prosecco there was only one choice ! Service was prompt , quick and very smart, was surprised, as was expecting snobbish staff with a high-end attitude a-la Hakkasan. A bit of warmth, some smiles and a bit of chatting and inquiry would have helped patrons feel more relaxed and comfortable. Never once did the maiter d’ or the table waiters bother to find out about our experience so far. 

The Food

Veg Crystal Dumplings

Asaparagus Cheung Fun

Everything negative was about to be washed out with what was about to come next. Finally the restauranteurs (especially asian) have understood the importance of the vegetarian clientele and Gujrati high spenders and have an exclusive vegetarian menu. Whoopie! So no more getting reiterating the waiter that there should be no oyster sauce or fish in the food. What a relief. From a large selection of dim-sums we chose the Shitake Mushroom, the Vegetable Crystal, Asparagus Cheung Fun and Pan Fried Turnip Cake.  They need more selection on their wine list for sure. The dim sums were little pieces of heavenly clouds. The moment they touch the tongue the skin almost as if disappears filling the mouth with a fantastic array of flavors. Mushrooms mingling with delicate hints of ginger, asian vegetables minced with garlic , asparagus with french beans were an absolute delight. The very highly recommended Edamame Dim Sum was a bit of a let down for us. Avoidable for sure. But the delicious turnip cake topped with heaps of fried garlic which was the highlight of course one. Yes we were happy, very happy so far. The mains were a flat malaysian noodle, fried eggplant, french beans in a thick garlic sauce, mobo tofu and fried rice. The noodles were once again the best I have ever tasted in Mumbai, really flat pieces but soft as a babys bottom, would melt before you got to chew them. Fantastic. 

The eggplant  a bit of a bummer. But the french beans were outstanding, what did they do to them!! Crunchy, spicy, sweet , so many rich flavours playing with the palette. I couldn't get enough. Portions looked small, but yet there were leftovers, so for 4 eaters, single portions are just fine if you have had your share of appetizers, that is. The desserts - OH MY GOD, I could write a 1000 words on the desserts, ensuring what was eggless, we settled for Sorbet and the Hazlenut Ganache with Honeycomb Ice Cream. The Sorbet - Raspberry, Tropical Fruit & Pina Colada were superb. Especially Pina Colada - I could have had a tub filled of that stuff! Just perfectly soft, sweet and beautifully flavored. The Hazelnut Ganache was the lightest, fluffiest and most perfect mousse I have sunk my teeth into! Just superb. I was speechless. Perfectly combined with the honey-comb ice cream. There was no better way to end a perfect meal. 

Malaysian Flat Noodles

Mogo Tofu

The Verdict

Sorbet

Yatucha, looks very unapproachable, very up market but in fact its a warm, friendly and yet very up scale restaurant with a fabulous array of vegetarian selection, superb desserts and good service. Just that the noise was too much, especially from the open kitchen. I knew a couple sitting right behind me celebrating their 15 years of being married, who left post appetizers as the noise was way too much. So definitely not for a romantic cozy dinner. But great to entertain international guests, your family (not kids!) and to dine with friends. Beware the bill can set you back by as much as your drivers salary but what the heck once in a while its worth it.

Yatucha is hip , happening and very modern asian food. Hope it stays that way.