Palate Party at Pho King

Located in one of the most fascinating corners of New Delhi (Champa Gali) and surrounded by a refreshing vibe, sits an interesting little restaurant- Pho King. As the name suggests, the place specialises in Vietnamese cuisine with fusion experiments thrown in from all across Asia. You'll find Thai salads, Chinese rice rolls and even Indian delicacies sprewn across the menu. But it's better to stick to the more unique items if you're up for experimental eating.

I was introduced to Pho King by a friend who loves ramen. Though I'm not a big fan of noodles, I enjoyed tasting the appetizers and fruity mocktails the most. I've been there thrice since then. And here's a list of my favourite treats that I discovered here. 

1. Edamame & Truffle Dim Sums

These little bundles of joy will make you go insane, rekindling your love for dim sums. Served in a bamboo basket, these appetizers are loaded with a creamy flavour that will make you go real slow on savoring every bite. Served with a hot ginger dip on the side, these goodies are a must-have before your meal. 

2. Assorted Mushroom Cheung Fun

These bite-sized treats are a culmination of subtle spice, buttery textures and good health, all in one. Served with soy, these steamed rice rolls boast of a very interesting flavour which you'd keep trying to understand till the end. 

3. Green Apple and Melon Mocktail

This refreshing splash of fruity goodness is a taste of heaven on a scorching day out. I ended up ordering 3 back to back and still wanted more. The fresh sweetness and chunks of fruits ensure your thirst is quenched while making you feel energized afresh.

4. Prawn Crackers

A lover of seafood, I was floored by the lightness and flavours of this platter. The hot and sweet dip enhanced the taste of the crackers, leaving a memorable aftertaste. 

Apart from these favorites, we also tried Dahi Ke Kabab (too salty for my taste but served in a sushi fashion that's really appetizing), miso ramen ( very filling, loaded with tofu and chunks of greens), mushroom soup (with three kinds of mushrooms brought together in a unique hot and sour broth), tornado spuds on a stick (though the name sounds impressive, these are just fried potato chips on a stick. Again, too salty for me).

I would definitely recommend their all-you-can-eat dim sum platter on Monday and Tuesday evenings and I am yet to try more of their main courses. But the ambiance, music and aromas are a big plus. If you go during the day , you can enjoy the outdoor seating more because of the peace and absence of too many people. I did find the place a bit overpriced compared with their portion-sizes but the variety and novelty on their menu is worth a try. Do visit at least once.