Review:
O:h Cha
I
always claimed that restaurants in Mumbai don’t do justice to two cuisines –
Thai & Mexican. So when O:h Cha, which derives its name from the Thai word for
delicious, opened, CM was quite inquisitive to see whether it proved her theory
right or wrong.
Brainchild
of Sanat Patel who has been behind the fancy (read: overpriced) Two One Two bar
and Grill and the ‘still to make its mark’ Burgs, O:h Cha is tucked inside
Mathuradas Mills, famous amongst Mumbai’s ‘once bustling now dead’ mill scene
at Lower Parel, which has now become a hub for youngsters and office goers who
throng to places like Blue Frog, Busaba, Barking Dear and Cafe Zoe.
The
decor of this restaurant is contemporary Thai - wooden, spacious with green
hues.
The
menu contains some famous Thai dishes known and devoured by most of us who have
travelled to the land of curry & massages (ahem... i meant foot massage
control your mind).
We
begin with the Tom Kha Kai soup –
the balmy flavour of lemongrass, galangal & coconut milk create the best
concoction in your mouth. A must try here
Also
before I go ahead let me make it clear, the menu specifically illustrates the
level of spice one can go upto. The more the chillies the more the spice and
this has to be taken seriously. Don’t go with the notion of little spicy or
medium spicy!
Next
came the Tom Yum Kai soup– now
unless and until you are strong hearted do not go for this one. It’s extremely
charged!
The
next was the Som Tam – delicate
slivers of raw papaya tossed in chilli, lime, castor sugar, peanuts. A
delicious yet healthy dish. Stick to the first level of spice.
 |
| Chicken Satay |
In
the appetisers we tried the Poh Pia Sod
– a kind of thai spring roll – not too great in my opinion. The Chicken Satay was served cold! Again
not recommended
 |
| Green Thai curry |
Then
came the real test – the Kang Kaew Waan
– Green Thai curry with prawns – Beautiful, delicate broth, not too sweet, not
too milky like the one’s served at Thai Pavilion and Koh. This was just the perfect
balance of spice, sweetness and sour. One of the best thai currys I have tasted
in Mumbai.
The
Pla Kow Nong Ma Nao – Steamed trouper
with garlic chilly sauce was immaculate. Like spa in my mouth!
 |
| Stir Fried Chicken with Holy Basil |
The Stir Fried Chicken with Holy Basil too
was delicious.
In
the deserts we try the Lemon Grass Creme
Brulee – no sign, smell or sight of lemon grass but the dish was delicious
 |
| Water Chestnut with fresh coconut spirit |
The
Tum Tim Krob - Water Chestnut with
fresh coconut spirit is heaven in summers. Must try!
After
the meal, with an extremely satisfied (and heavy) stomach, I think to myself at
last Mumbai has lost its ‘Good Thai Food’ Virginity! Take a bow Mr. Patel.
O:h Cha is not too kind to your pocket though. A meal for 2
would cost between Rs.3000 - 3500/- without alcohol
Verdict:
Food: Amazing
Ambience:
Serene
Service: Catching
up
Quick Tip: If you missed a trip to
Thailand this year, head to O:h Cha to satisfy your thai food craving.
The
Co-ordinates:
O:h Cha
Where: Mathuradas Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat
Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Tring Tring: 022 66334455
Timings: O:h Cha is now open for lunch as well and
has introduced a prix fixe menu
Food Type: Thai
Payment Methods: Credit cards accepted
*Note the review spans over food eaten on 2 occasions
