Yautacha, ever since its opening in 2011 has quickly made its mark as one of the best Cantonese offerings in the city. I had a chance to experience the much-talked-about restaurant first-hand when the Indian outpost of the Michelin starred Dim sum teahouse from London recently reveled in Chinese New Year with a special menu.
When we popped in the restaurant that sits pretty in the commercial precinct of Bandra Kurla Complex, we were greeted by the signature blue lighting present but subtle, diluted by cool yellow tubes that drip from the ceiling and a wall of wide windows that ooze class. The bar here is integrated into the main dining space, supplemented by a slick communal table. There are two open kitchens and a take-away dessert counter on the ground floor.
To bask in the Chinese New Year, the restaurant roped in designer Nachiket Barve to present a collection of red lanterns carrying his signature style. A look at the red, richly-layered lanterns and it is safe to say that they spread cheer and ushered the celebratory mood. For starters, we sampled the Spicy Chicken Dumpling with red beetroot skin which was a taste sensation and easily one of the best dumplings I have tried in the city.
The Truffle Edamame Dumpling with its edmame-smooth, luscious aftertaste was another hit. Crispy prawn dumpling that followed was crunchy, delish, chewy and without a doubt, addictive. The Three Style Mushroom Cheung Fun that we were served with blends three exotic mushrooms and is earthy with a rich umami flavour. Moving to the mains, the Chicken Clay Pot with szechuan peppercorn blended beautifully with Lotus Leaf Wrapped Fried Rice with shiitake mushroom and edamame that was a tango of tastes.
For desserts, the Raspberry Delice shaped like a rose with the goodness of rasberry dark chocolate mousse, lychee panacotta insert, hazelnut brownie, raspberry and lychee ripple ice cream was the piece de resistance and a dessert lover’s delight. Lastly, a selection of Chocolate, Vanilla Orchid (Chinese New Year Special) and Red Fruit macaroons arrived that topped off our meal with utmost indulgence and gave us a reason to linger just a little longer and enjoy the potent and refreshing Mogo Mogo Tea Pot which was like a tropical dream.
The innovative dishes with Yauatcha’s signature flourish definitely impressed. Living upon factors like interiors, hospitality, vibe and food quality, the restaurant justifies its considerably high price-points and is quite a pull for foodies. Flavour, authenticity and ambience, the restaurant checks all the boxes…
Note: The critic was invited by the restaurant but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
Where- Yauatcha
Raheja Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai
Phone: +91 9222222800
Price: ₹2,800 for two people (approx.)
