Those who frequently patronise the Somerset Greenways, the luxury service apartments in MRC Nagar, know that it is not about the stay, really. Now, giving us another reason to visit — besides Radio Room (RR), Broken Bridge Café (BBC) and Fromage — it houses the Hawker San, a brand new pan-Asian restaurant. Formerly Chao, expect chic interiors at this 76-seater space, that has splashes of floral prints in the midst of contemporary aesthetics with some bold red. When we tell you that popular restaurateur and chef, Sandesh Reddy is a partner here — the flavoursome broths and innovation come as no surprise. Incidentally, this is the same team that owns and runs the aforementioned RR and BBC.
“It is about providing a simple tasting style menu without the fuss of a fine dining restaurant,” says Sandesh, who is the culinary brain behind the menu. Designed as pre-set course meals, the menu changes every day, where lunch is a four-course affair, while dinner has the option of five or seven courses. We dive into a degustation offering and right at the start the flavour note is set — with a hearty coconut soup. We opt for the chicken version and slurp up every last creamy, galangal-spiced spoonful. The salad is a twirl of strands of tangy raw mango with bits of crunchy peanut and some chicken for protein. The mushroom spring rolls and the chicken option, works well with the ginger-scallion sauce.
Though not yet on the menu, we are also regaled with dimsums. The Prawn Hargow are delicate shell-like, stuffed with shrimp and crunchy water chestnuts, while the Chicken Sumai is meat heavy pouches. The chicken satay hits the right spot with the piquant peanut sauce, while the mince corn satays are sweet and delicious. Though you can order from the adjoining Radio Room’s beverage menu, we insist you try the kaffir-lime leaf infused drink, The Refresher, an evident thirst quencher. The delightful lemony twist with the sweetness of coconut water and the mild flavour of ginger does the trick.
Off the live counter, for mains, the Prawn Khowsuey is an instant hit with soft noodles loaded with interesting garnishes, an assortment of veggies and a delectable broth that binds it all together. We sample the Thai green curry next and find the dish addictive, especially when teamed with the crisp pappadam-like rice crackers. For dessert, the choice is between the Thai Jewel and the Ginger Dark Chocolate Mousse with Milo. The former is an obvious gem — a jar of coconut cream stuffed with juliennes of ripe jack fruit and mangoes. For chocolate lovers, the latter is an easy win.
Four-course meal for lunch Rs 495. Five-course meal (Rs 795) and seven-course meal (Rs 995) for dinner only.
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