13 March,2011 09:24 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
Busaba
At: NM Joshi Marg,
Lower Parel
Call: 67478971
Cuisine: Continental and Pan Asian
Verdict: Go for it
Back in 2001, when Mumbai's culinary landscape boasted only a sprinkling of Chinese, Thai and Italian stand-alone restaurants, restaurateur Nikhil Chib pulled out a rabbit from his hat.
That rabbit took the form of Busaba, Mumbai's first South-East Asian restaurant and lounge bar. The experiment was a success. And the city's foodies were soon eating out of Chib's hands, as his chefs dished out delicacies from Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, China and Burma.
Burmese Kaukswe. Pic/Bipin Kokate
A decade later, the restaurant has a branch in Lower Parel, in the space previously occupied by Zenzi Mills.
The weeknight we walked in on, the air exuded a familiar vibe, starting with its understated classy interiors; lounge seating at one end by the open bar and a sit-down section at the other end of the floor.
The ambient lighting and non-intrusive fusion music that played in the background helped us slip into relax mode.
After a quick scan of the menu, we settled for our attendant's recommendations: Chicken Momos (Rs 368), Popcorn Shrimp (Rs 459) and a special from the drinks menuu00a0-- Good Morning Vietnam (Rs 494). The Popcorn Shrimp was a hit from the first biteu00a0-- fresh, juicy and crisp enough to guarantee a light crackle.
With or without the tangy dip, we were sold.
Refusing to play second fiddle at the table, the Momos were light, filled with tender chicken.
Providing our starters spirited company was the vodka-cucumber drink that that took us straight to citrus heaven. Not for the sweet-toothed, though.
We didn't waste time in plumbing for our entr ufffdes: Burmese Kauksweu00a0-- Prawn (Rs 606) and the Chicken Bibimbap (Rs 606). It was d ufffdj vu as we tucked into the tried-and-tested Kauksweu00a0-- the prawns were done to perfection, while the smooth, rich, coconut curry broth did a somersault on our palate. The array of toppings from sliced fresh ginger, fresh lime, fried onions to the crispy wonton noodles made the rendezvous memorable.
The Korean-inspired Chicken Bibimbap is comfort food, and a meal in itself. This sticky rice preparation is served with shredded carrot, cabbage, diced chicken, chilli paste, topped with a fried egg.
The accompanying clear soup with tofu and mushroom ensured the flavours didn't run riot in this unusual combination. It might be a tad bland for the spice-rimmed Indian palate, but like Busaba itself, it's a cultivated taste that's worth a shot.
Busaba didn't know we were there. The guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
