Pan Asian

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4.5 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

Refreshingly vibrant decor (even though six years old), three interactive kitchens (seating around each), wooden floor, red pillars, red flags, Chinese newspaper lanterns and a walk-in wine closet. A Mongolian brazier and built-in Korean barbecues on each table too. An unusual and memorable experience... a one-stop place for the Oriental food buffs. Recently enough, ITC Maratha's handsome, popular restaurant (winner of Times Food Guide award) has added on a Chinese noodle puller. He not only pulls fresh noodles of your choice in front of the guests, but does so in less than thirty seconds. You can then proceed to enjoy them cooked to your taste. He also doubles up as a dim sum chef. Pan Asian retains it's exceptional attention to detail, as talented Chefs Liang, Koizumi and Manee Wong serve up a spread of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mongolian and Korean cuisines. Experience the excitement and drama on your table of many a do-it-yourself meal... built-in Korean barbecue (cooking different meats and veggies along with tangy dips and sauces) and the soupy hot-pot (you cook your own meats, a spicy version) too. Imported Duck Oven (superlative roasted meats made in it), Yakitori Remmai Grills and Dim Sum Oven (try the new Crystal Prawn, Prawn Kung Bao) yield magic under Chef Liang from Beijing. I recommend the superb Peking Duck and crispy Chicken Cantonese Style. Pick the Chinese options from the woks and stir-fries. A must try Yakitori menu (sprinkle the Cichmi and Togarshi powders) and you must try the Tsukune Chicken Balls, the Salmon Cubes with salt and more. Fragrant Thai Curry and the Thai Papaya Salad are tangy and yummy as ever. Teppanyaki is great. Unfortunately, the desserts, though brilliantly presented, can be too stodgy. There are special dishes for vegetarians and Jains too. If only it wasn't located such a distance away and near the Sahar International Airport....rnP.S. Must try the Pan Asian Business Lunch (Rs. 999; starter, soup, main course and dessert) in vegetarian, Thai, Japanese and Chinese versions.