Editor’s note: This restaurant has shut down at the said location in Bandra
It was Ganesh Chaturthi and a perfect evening to dine out in Bandra since most restaurants would be empty. Hindus would never leave dear Lord Ganesh at home and come out for an outing or casual grub. So, not only was I left with an array of restaurants to choose from, but also assured of needed quiet time.
One of my favorite haunts – Burgs shut down on Waterfield road in Bandra. In place were 2 new joints – Five Fat Monks and Sliders. Both had my prowling eye since its establishment. Five Fat Monks promised Pan Asian street food with quirk. Sliders served quick bites like mini burgers and hot dogs. I was left with a very difficult choice of opting for either one that evening. (Note: Sliders has shut down at this location)
Five Fat Monks – Source
First impressions influenced my decision to choose Five Fat Monks. The décor is quite impressive. White and Orange are the running colors and the set up is simple yet edgy. I personally liked the furniture including the contemporary chairs. There is a live kitchen station so you can see all the action out there.
Staff is a friendly lot and we were greeted with a flashy smile once we stepped inside that door. Took a seat and we were handed the menu printed on a sheet of paper. Along came a pencil so we could mark our preferences for a ‘Make it your way‘ wok special. I was reminded of the days of multiple choice answer sheets, although these were much more fun to tick. The ‘Make it your way’ wins you over with its: 1) quirkiness, 2) selection of items. The order is a 5 step process:
- Pick a base of rice or noodles
- Pick a protein (tofu, chicken, etc.)
- Choose your veggies
- Choose a sauce
- Add your garnishes
And Voila! Your chosen fusion style Pan Asian dish is ready.
Their a la carte may not be elaborate on choices but the dishes are sumptuous. They serve soups, salads, quick bites and mains (rice or noodle specials). The Prawn-Chicken-Lamb Holy Trinity (Rs. 295) in the mains has silky smooth noodles and generous pieces of protein. Now, I am not really a noodle fan, but I have been a happy convert since my tasting. The dish is absolutely delicious and the portion can easily serve two. Crunchy Chicken Wings (Rs. 200) had great quantity as well. It’s not a perfect dish but can be enjoyed as a well-intentioned appetizer. I have heard extremely positive words about their Zen Hen (Rs 295) which is crunchy chicken in soy chilli sauce and egg fried rice. Next trip may be! We ended our food sojourn with a Creamy Coconut Panna Cotta with tuile (Rs. 100). It tastes good and has a smooth texture, but wish the portion was a bit more.
I must mention a brief feedback interaction with Five Fat Monks on Twitter. Their responses are quick and it impressed me further of their seriousness towards its customers. Way to Go!
Five Fat Monks Address:
Shop no.2, Ground floor
The New Kamal Society,
Waterfield road, Near National College, Bandra,
Mumbai 400050
R.City Mall,
Courtyard Area, Shop No #G44,
Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West,
Mumbai 400086
Meal for two costs Rs. 800 + taxes
I paid for my meal and the review was conducted anonymously.
Editor’s note: This restaurant has shut down at the said location in Bandra
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