1Q1’s new menu extends its Nikkei section and focuses on classics

Think tuna sashimi tostadas, chilli pork, lamb rendang and more
Rendang_Lamb_Curry
Rendang_Lamb_Curry

In the months since it first opened its doors, fine-dining space, 1Q1 has moved to the top of the list of Bengaluru’s favourite Asian restaurants. Now, about nine months into its launch, the kitchen, headed by Chef Aditya Singh Bhadoria, has introduced a new menu designed by Chef Mako Ravindran. Fans of Nikkei cuisine, which the restaurant introduced to Bengaluru, have reason to celebrate. The menu has laid extra emphasis on the Japanese-Peruvian culinary tradition. One may also expect an addition of classic comfort food, such as General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli and Baby Corn in Nam Prik Pao.

Thai escape
We started our tasting with the latter — crispy broccoli and baby corn in a Thai sauce made with garlic and chilli. It is a well-executed vegetarian dish that has potential to find favour even with non-vegetarians. The Thai Birds-Eye Chilli Pork is another comfort classic that we couldn’t get enough of. Char-Siu pork is sliced and tossed with fiery Thai Bird’s Eye Chilli, shallots and Chinese garlic for a memorable small plate. 

From the Nikkei section, we sampled a duo of tostadas — Fresh Vegetable and Tuna Sashimi. Toasted tortilla topped with diced avocado, cucumber, broccoli, grapefruit, edamame, wasabi lemon cream, cilantro and parmesan slivers — this one makes for a great accompaniment for their delicious new cocktails, such as the Saku Bliss —  a delightful mix of hibiscus tea and White Bacardi and garnished with dried hibiscus. The Tuna Sashimi too is on point with fresh tuna and tobiko in addition to the garnishes of the vegetarian version. 

A must-try is the Grilled Octopus with Anticucho Sauce, which was the highlight of our meal. The baby octopus was fresh, and the South American anticucho sauce (coriander, pepper, lime, garlic and a host 
of other spices) it was grilled with, was piquant without being overpowering. 

Curry favour
For main course, we opted for the Rendang Lamb Curry. While the Rendang, a Malaysian classic, varies from restaurant to restaurant, here, it is made as close to the original as possible and does not disappoint. The lamb, falling off the bone, was cooked to perfection. The Deconstructed Apple Pie, mildly sweet and comforting, is a great way to end the meal and that’s what we did. It features slow-cooked apples with an orange and apple reduction, lemon gel, meringue, peanut cream and buttermilk sorbet. With the addition of classic comfort food and by expanding its Nikkei section, 1Q1 is sure not just to draw in new visitors but keep its fans coming back for more.

Rs.2,500 for two. At Express Building, Queens Road

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