EATING OUT: SAVORING ASIAN FLAVORS AT GO PANDA, LOKHANDWALA, ANDHERI, MUMBAI

Nothing brings me a feeling of contentment at the end of the day than a plate of yummy food. The mere thought of vibrant colors and flavors of food just fill you with a kind of enthusiasm and energy.

So, leaving behind my drudgery of the day, here I was making my way through the traffic gutted streets of Andheri Link Road to catch up with my blogger friend, The Mumbai Glutton over scrumptious food. She had narrowed down a humble eatery in the bustling Lokhandwala locality of Andheri, Mumbai called GO PANDA, which recently started an Asian street food festival that would go on till 18th December 2015 and offer fusion food delights.

The brain child of entrepreneur, Yash Chandiramani and Sachet Shah, an ex-Sales & Marketing Director of a spirits manufacturing company, GO Panda started operations a little over a year ago on 1st November 2014.  Modeled around the concept of a quintessential Asian QSR, the place has a minimalist ambience should you choose to sit in the eatery and enjoy your grub. For those who like to enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of their homes, the options of take-away and delivery service can be availed. However, we chose to sit at the outlet and enjoy the fares.

Here’s what we chomped on while discussing our recent food escapades in the city:
OUR FAVORITES FROM THE PANDA’S STREET FESTIVAL MENU:

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1. ASIAN NOODLE CROQUETTES
A combination of noodle, cheese, spring onions and chili in a fried, breadcrumb coated roll is a rare spotting. However, the flavors were just awesome and we were left begging for more. The sweet chili sauce served as an accompaniment further enhanced the flavor of these croquettes.

2. SINGAPOREAN BAIDA ROTI
This is a roti canai that comes stuffed with choice of minced chicken or paneer flavored with Asian seasoning. Alongside came a very subtle flavored, coconut-based, yummy dipping sauce which had a hint of sweetness to it. The dish was a good balance of crunchy and smooth textures in the same dish.

3. TWISTED ASIAN OMELETTE
We all have heard of omelettes stuffed with vegetables, mushroom, cheese, meats of choice and the works. However, the twist that we received with this omelette was totally unexpected. We were served with a lovely golden colored omelet stuffed with chicken friend rice. The dish looked appetizing and tasted great too. Sweet chili sauce again worked brilliantly well with this dish as well.

The other dishes that form part of the streets festival menu here include Nasi Goreng, Mee Goreng Noodles, and salads like Som Tham and Lap Kai (non-vegetarian).

GO PANDA SIGNATURE DISHES
One cannot visit a restaurant and not try out the restaurant’s delicacies especially when they come served in a clay pot.

1. CHICKEN CHILI OYSTER POT RICE
The first thing we noticed as soon as the dish arrived were the huge chicken chunks in the dish. Bok choy, broccoli and mushrooms were the other additions to the dish. The flavors of the oyster sauce and fish sauce in the preparation were subtle and appealing. The whole presentation of the dish was very appetizing.

2. KHAU SUEY
This is probably one of the best Khau Suey I have eaten in Mumbai. The coconut based gravy is creamy and full of flavor. The toppings of fried onions, garlic and noodles add a nice crunch to the dish. A drizzle of chili oil and juice from a lemon wedge add a punch of heat and acidity to the whole dish.

So, go ahead and try out the specialties on the Panda’s Street Festival till 18th December. Even if you are able to make it to the food joint post that, there are still a number of lip-smacking dishes that can be ordered from their regular menu.

Till then, HAPPY EATING…

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