Nestled in the newly gentrified Basant Lok market in Delhi’s Vasant Vihar, Kiko-Bā is a fine dining restaurant that guarantees the authentic pan Asian flavours that Delhi has grown to enjoy. Acknowledging the love for dim-sums in the capital city, Kiko-Bā has recently introduced an unlimited dim-sum lunch.
Kiko-Bā opened its doors back in March last year and ever since has become a top spot for pan- Asian cuisine. Helmed by Chef Vaibhav Bhargave, the restaurant offers a refined menu with plating standards that would even please the judges of Masterchef, we are not kidding! And just when we thought dim-sum lunches are dated, the restaurant strikes back with a bang. We made our way to the restaurant to try the menu and all we can say is no matter how many dim-sums you have, Kiko-Bā’s flavours will leave you wanting more.
Photo Courtesy: Kiko BāPhoto Courtesy: Kiko BāNew in the city: Kiko-Bā dim-sum lunch
I started my afternoon with an artsy twist on creating the traditional G&T. Bombay Sapphire’s cocktail art brings you the experience of painting your own goblet glass, and choosing your own flavour. I was presented with a palette that featured four colours red, blue, green and yellow, each having a different flavour. Being a die-hard fan of Elderflower, I opted for the blue one and painted the inside of my glass, only to be able to sip on a refreshing gin-and-tonic. I also got a chance to try the mango (yellow) and berry (red) flavours which did not fail to impress either.
Cocktail art with Bombay Sapphire at the Kiko-Bā, dim-sum lunch. Each of the edible paints has a different flavourCocktail art with Bombay Sapphire at the Kiko-Bā lunch
Once I was done with the cocktail art, I moved on to indulging in the extensive dim-sum menu. The all-new menu is an amalgamation of a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dumplings, gyozas, taco baos, appetisers and mains. But we’d recommend going all out on the expansive range of dim-sums. Kiko-Bā’s dim-sum lunch has something for every palate. If your palate is refined, opt for the Truffle Mushroom dumpling (one of my favourites on the menu); to keep it standard, the Chicken Shanghai Dumpling is divine; and if you feel like having seafood the Butter Garlic Prawn Dumpling is one that you will order on repeat. However, if you like your dim-sums pan-fried the Chili Garlic Vegetable Gyoza and the Pork Gyoza are a must try. Adding to the experience was the refined plating — each dim-sum was presented with fresh green leaves and a drizzle of sauce making them a visual treat (as well as a delight to the palate). For vegetarians, we highly recommend the Crystal Vegetable dumpling and Tofu and Pok Choy dumpling.
While dim-sums always have a special place in our hearts, the baos at Kiko-Bā will have you second-guessing your love for dim-sums. The melt-in-your-mouth baos are of perfect thickness with the right amount of filling — not too much to overflow and not too less, making them feel empty. For non-vegetarians those who love spice and crunch, try the Gochujang Chicken Bao; and if something on the sweeter side is what you desire the Pork Belly Bao is just what you need. Cooked to perfection the Pork Belly, is not overly chewy. And all those of you who love vegetarian food, the Siracha Katsu Kofu promises a hit of chili that will make you want more.
Pork Belly and Gochujang Chicken BaoPork Belly Bao
If the buck doesn’t stop at dim-sums for you make your way to the littles and main course. Choose from Spinach Gomai to indulgent Corn Cakes or Chongquing Chicken that is crispy, fried and topped with chilli. For a wholesome meal, carbs are a must and there’s nothing quite like accompanying the littles with Inaniwa Udon Noododles and Classic Hokkien Fried Rice.
Chongquing Chicken at Kiko-Bā
Finally, give into indulgence as you try the Custard Bao. With a unique combination of flavours, the bao is dense but when dipped into the silky smooth custard it’s heaven on earth. You can expect a subtle coconut flavour that is then overpowered by hints of cinnamon and sweet vanilla custard.
Custard Bao with Coconut Seasame Dressing and Coffee Cardamom Crumble
With an experience like that, all I can say is we’d definitely be visiting way more often!
