Resto-bar Trikaya's South-East Asian fare is a big 'Yes'!

Mumbai: The latest celebrity sighting spot in Mumbai is not in predictable Bandra, or in town, but in Juhu, almost Versova actually. And it’s a Pan-Asian resto-bar called Trikaya, the only one of its kind in the Juhu-Versova-Andheri area, opened by friends and partners - filmmaker Kunal Deshmukh, Sahil Saigal and Shiraz Patel. Since Trikaya opened in mid-January this year, it has been the topic du jour amidst food enthusiasts in the city. This is Trikaya’s second outpost in India, with the first being in Pune. With a restaurant opening every other day in the city, Trikaya has managed to stand out in the plethora of Asian choices in the city. And it’s not the famous faces that frequent the restaurant that are the stars here, but it’s the food! No, not even the very haute and extremely ‘dirty’ Vidya Balan who likes to dine here, as do many other people from the entertainment world.

As you enter the 2500 sq feet restaurant, an exquisite Maha Bodhi tree, made entirely from wood, seems to embrace you into its intricate branches that span out into the ceiling – almost like a warm hug. Very welcoming indeed! If Buddha sat under the Trikaya tree, he would be tempted to choose Chef Nilesh Limaye’s food artistry over enlightenment, the food is that good! Ok, maybe I am pushing it, but you get the drift. Trikaya draws its theme from Buddhist influences and it is all about design, design and design and I can’t say that enough.

Sumessh Menon and Vivek Popli of V&S Associates are the men who have turned beaten wood, aluminum sheets and hard concrete into a serene, dining space with their architectural design and wizardry. The restaurant is awash with a golden hue that enhances the beauty of the 1400 hand made trellises that run through the entire space.

A restaurant has to have three key components for it to be a complete and satisfying experience – food, décor and the service and Trikaya scores big on all three. It could do with improving the finesse in the presentation and appearance of the dishes though. A meal for two costs about Rs 3000 with drinks, but not if you’re some Devdas who’s got an endless, open tab!

The Eastern fusion music does not drown out your conversation, but lends itself like a soft, background score. The tables are not as closely set so even loud banter won’t elicit frowns from the other diners. The bar menu is as entertaining as it is heady, with cocktails named Tickle and Get Slapped, Rich Bich and Porn star Martini. The cocktails that ruled the table were Shiraz Bear (No, it is not named after one of the partners, though he likes to tell you so), Midori Bombs, Passionera, Bumble Humble, Espresso Martini, Woodpecker and Rich Bich. You are clearly spoilt for choice with over 360 brands of alcohol and 82 cocktails available, some of them being patented especially for the restaurant.

The Chicken Yakitori is not going to be a favourite of mine anytime soon, but the Basa in the 5 Willow Sauce most definitely is! The Duck Lim Yan Che in Mango Pomegranate Salsa and the Fish Edamame in Citrus Ponzu are splendid - like a mild explosion of spices that seduce your taste buds into absolute submission to the tastes and flavours. A friend of mine, with an extremely discerning palette, enjoyed the Pork Ribs in Sweet Plum and the Goat Cheese and Mushroom Spring rolls immensely. And if you are looking for a complete meal, the Hainan chicken rice is your best bet. Their al fresco dining area is a preferred choice, given the great weather in Mumbai nowadays. As far as the summer months and the monsoons, well, that’s a whole different story! Their Friday bar nights is likely to catch on soon too.

The menu is very expansive with exotic combinations from across the South-East Asian belt. You would have to visit more than just once to get a taste of all the varied cuisines offered. The ambience is just right – it is as inviting for a night out with the whole family as it is for first dates, dinner parties, afternoon gossip sessions – just about anything that involves good food and great atmosphere.

The trio of Asian sweets comprises of a Coconut and Date Shao Mai, a Lotus Seed Coffee Bun and Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup. It sounds weird, but tastes great. And since it does have Western desserts like Red Velvet Cake, Banoffee Pie and Frozen Tiramisu, which break the Pan Asian theme, it might be a good idea to expand and add more desserts - it will then be the perfect end to a perfect meal.

My Five!

1. Espresso Martini

2. Basa in 5 Willow Sauce

3. Brandy Flamed Prawns

4. Duck Lim Yan Che in Mango Pomegranate Salsa

5. Rich Bich

Trikaya – Flavours of the East. Open for lunch and dinner everyday.

Address: 6/11 Meera Apartments,

Juhu Versova Link Road, 7 Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400061.

Telephone: 022 65047177, 022 65021389.