The Fatty Bao

Where Pan-Asian Flair Meets Bangalore’s Urban Pulse

After months of staying home and watching the world move through a screen, I finally decided to step out - safely, of course - for a long-overdue culinary escapade in Bangalore. What was meant to be a quiet outing quickly turned into a full-fledged binge, spanning seven different spots across the city. And right at the top of that list was one place I’d long wanted to try a vibrant, contemporary Pan-Asian gastro bar that’s as bold with its flavours as it is with its energy.

Here's What I Had

Prawn Tempura Sushi Roll - Rs 365

The prawn tempura sushi was stellar on its own, with the wild flavours of the nori and sticky rice, allowing the batter-coated springy prawn to present it's whole light flavour package well. The sweet-spicy gari and the pungent wasabi were good too, but taken entirely, this dish has just about that spark to ignite my palate, if not have a bigger impact beyond that.

Beef And Jalapeno Dim Sum - Rs 355

Coming around the beef and jalapeno dim sums, these fragrant steamed packets enclosed a thick blend of finely chopped jalapeno and beef mince. Sour, spicy and deep in being meaty at once. Served alongside are 3 different dressings, of which the chilli oil combined best as a dip. Lovely.

Char Siu Bao - Rs 365

Char Siu Bao, a legendary cantonese dish feted across the world as a prime example of top BBQ-asian cooking. These fluffy baos have a mix of premium BBQ pork, scallion-green apple kimchi (highly curious way to ferment sour green apples and zingy spring onions, a korean tradition), all roasted in nutty sesame oil. This is an understated must try, and my favourite from this visit.

Sakura Sakura - Rs 255

Sakura Sakura, named after Japans national flower, the cherry blossom, this is what most people conjure in their head when they think 'Japan'. While the mocktail consisted of wholesome fresh cut fruits in grape juice and a sweet passion fruit syrup, was the naming thus legit?

Jalapeno Daisy - Rs 255

Jalapeno Daisy, this 'Daisy' was no pushover. It being spicy and pungent to the hilt came as no surprise with the presence of jalapeno and the oriental cousin of ginger and turmeric, galangal. However the orange juice, lime and salted rim reined it in, back to the domain of conventional mixology.