Good morning Vietnam

Fed up of the lack of authentic global cuisine restaurants in Mumbai? Head to Trendz

Trendz
At: Andheri (E)
Call: 66992222
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Verdict: Quite pleasant

Trendz, a Vietnamese restaurant at Intercontinental The Lalit, on Sahar Airport Road, is a year-long experiment with Vietnamese cuisine, for which chef Tong Hong Gia has been flown down from Hanoi. Nibu Mathews, the friendly Outlet Manager, offered to assist us with the menu, to ensure that we didn't get lost in the medley of unfamiliar sounding dishes. He recommended we try the Traditional Hanoi Spring Rolls (Rs 650) and Banana Flower Salad (Rs 850).

While we waited, complimentary prawn wafers kept us company. Soon, the Spring Rolls arrived in two avatars -- fresh and deep-fried, along with a honey-chilly translucent sauce. Vietnam's long coastline ensures that seafood plays a key role in their cooking. The tender meat of the shrimp was best relished in the fresh version of the spring roll; like sushi, only lightly-cooked. Nirvana.

The deep-fried rolls, despite being deliciously light and devoid of an oily aftertaste, had to settle for second place. We requested that a vegetarian twist be given to the Banana Flower Salad instead of chicken that usually accompanies it. Till now, we were barely aware of the distinct flavours of the banana floweru00a0-- it emerged as the surprise package at our meal. Sprouts, carrots, mint, coriander leaves and a lemon sugar dressing gave our Pan Asian soiree a healthy start.

The presentation was immaculate for both starters. For the entr ufffdes, we opted for the Sizzling Fish (Rs 850), made with Sea bass, flown in from France, and Yellow Chicken with Jasmine Rice (Rs 1,250; pic above), which won our vote. Trendz has an envious wine cellar that stocks labels from Australia to South Africa.