Nasi and Mee may mean rice and noodles in Malay, but the restaurant by the same name in Andheri East is a lot more than that. Ravi Nahappan’s eatery stays true to the concept of Zi Char (stalls with an array of common dishes with homestyle cooking) and serves the best of Southeast Asian cuisine, including seafood.
With its bright and happy decor, Nasi and Mee at the Orb Mall near the International Aiport exudes inviting vibes. We sat down for a hearty meal amidst real plants and creepers, served by polite and efficient staff.
BEVERAGE BONHOMIE
If something lemony is your idea of a refreshing beverage, Young Coconut Soda (Rs 185) is your go-to drink. It was light and had a cooling propensity. Even after adding sugar syrup, which was thoughtfully served on the side, it didn’t get overly sweet. Signature mocktails, N&M Ice Blended Milo and Chendol Drink (Rs 235 each) were on the sweeter side but left a pleasing aftertaste — the former of chocolate and the latter (which also had green jelly) of palm jaggery. However, it was the perfect blend of fruity and lemony flavours of Lychee & Lime Spritzer (Rs 185) that won our hearts.
A GOOD START
Our first food order was Xiao Long Bao (Rs 362) as recommended by Executive Chef Daniel Chin. The dumplings had mushroom stuffing with soup. They were light to eat and flavourful. Likewise, the Malak Mushroom (Rs 325) was prepared well with the right amount of Schezuan sauce and thin coating that made it easy to chow down. Spicy Tofu & Avocado Sushi (Rs 315) and Grilled Shrimp Roll (Rs 390) — for four pieces each — from the Japanese section were equally scrumptious. The garlic sauce complemented the grilled marinated shrimp and enhanced the flavours perfectly. The appetisers were accompanied by Sambal (sweet with a mild dash of chilli and spices) XO (spicy) and Vietnamese (sourish) sauces that added the right chutzpah.
(Clockwise from top left) Spicy Tofu & Avocado Sushi; Young Coconut Soda; Xiao Long Bao; Singapore Chicken Rice; Malaka Mushroom; Fried Ice Cream; Rendang Curry; Lychee & Lime Spritzer
WE GOT CURRIED AWAY
The quick-service ensured that our table constantly had something or the other to gorge on. Rendang Curry with Mock Meat (Rs 415) and Rice in vegetarian was served after the appetisers and sides. The Indonesian curry with Persian and Indian influences, which also included pieces of mock meat, had a tongue-tickling sweet and pungent taste of coconut milk and spices slow-cooked for a couple of hours. The mock meat, made of soya, was hard to break as well as chew. The amount of oil could have been skimped on. The rice was a bit dry as well and didn’t mix with the curry as easily as it should have. But all those things didn’t matter once you took the morsels. Singapore Chicken Rice (Rs 510) came with broth that was tasty enough to be had on its own.
A SWEET EXPLOSION
The meal had to end on a perfect note. Thus came the restaurant’s signature Fried Ice Cream (Rs 310) in mixed flavours — chocolate and vanilla. Pop it whole into your mouth, bite and wait for the cool explosion! The coconut crust goes well with both the flavours. The chocolate one was to die for. Long after the meal, the gustatory experience of the dessert replayed in our minds.
Verdict: If you want light but with zesty flavours that will stay with you, there’s enough and some for you here.
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