When we heard Wai Wai City was opening its first outlet in Chennai, we had to try it out. Remember the Wai Wai noodles? A rarely seen but much loved Nepal-based brand? This kiosk uses the same instant noodles and whips up flavours from China and much more.
The outlet, which opened in a modest location in Velachery recently, goes beyond the predictable varieties of noodles that you get in typical Chinese restaurants. It’s not just szechuan. You can choose from 10 different types of spicy, sweet and sour sauces. All these sauces are blended and prepared specially for Wai Wai City... we source them from Delhi, says Venkatesh R, the firm’s developer agent for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The Burnt Garlic Chow, a cake of pan-fried noodles with soy garlic sauce, is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The flavours are loud, distinct, but a little sour and probably nothing like you’ve tasted before.
There is also another surprise. Four glass jars, filled with different threads of noodles, stand on the counter. So you can order a bowl of crispy chopsuey, smothered in say, a spicy teriyaki sauce, pick your veggies or meat and top it up with sesame seeds. Or, if you are not in the mood to be creative, you can go for their ‘signature dishes’.
Ironically, the dishes that stand out in this noodle bar are the appetisers. Look out for their Momosa. It has the goodness of both the samosa and momo. The crisp and juicy Zucchini Masala Fries give real competition to the omnipresent french fries. The fingers are deep-fried in a light batter and topped with a tangy masala.
Wai Wai City, part of the Nepal-based Chaudhary Group, came up with the idea of launching quick service restaurants just in January 2017, says Venkatesh. They have now set up kiosks in nearly 10 cities. “We will soon be adding rice to our menu … people in Chennai, including me, love their rice,” he adds.
At No 1, Highway Food Street, Rajalakshmi Nagar, 100 Feet Road, Velachery. Meal for two
Rs 400. Details: 48611196, 7449074490