Restaurant Review: ETC…Cafe Pan Asian

Ambawatta Complex in Mehrauli, New Delhi, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful corners of the city that spells quiet splendour. One imagines sipping green tea under cerulean autumn sun, surrounded by lush foliage and of course the majestic sight of the Qutab Minar towering over the neighborhood.
Located at Ambawatta One arcade, ETC…Café Pan Asian, together with its twin dining option, En (Japanese), sits on a well-manicured compound that also comprises of a few designer labels on the ground floor.But the quietude comes with a price, it seems, because on a weekday evening we are the only table occupied in the restaurant.
DÉCOR
The 48-covers restaurant is quite expansive with ample seating options that are split into indoor and outdoor areas. But the problem is the space hasn’t been utilised suitably. The décor is contemporary and minimalistic but one that borders on the boring. That’s a shame because it’s a remarkably large space that is indulgent and serves as a bare canvas to be imaginative when it comes to the décor. Also, given that it is a Pan-Asian eatery, nothing in the décor is strikingly oriental, save for a couple of framed artworks on the wall. A large projector screen on the side of the thinly-stocked bar only adds to the dreary interiors.
FOOD
The menu primarily comprises of light bites – soups, salads, dimsums, and cocktail bites – making this place ideal for luncheons. In starters, go for the crispy fish that is served with a mildly hot and sweet chilli plum and basil sauce and the Thai-style chicken spring rolls. For vegetarians, the tofu croquettes that are served with homemade green mango chutney, is a good option. There are only three kinds of dimsums offered at ETC – bokchoy and mushroom; chicken and Chinese cabbage; prawn and celery – all of them are tender and juicy but the prawn dimsum shines the most.
The mains are offered in rice bowls – a traditional Chinese serving technique where the proteins such as chicken and meats are served on a bed of rice. Go for the fragrant Thai curry (red or green, served according to your preference) with steamed rice and kimchi; or the favourful chicken teriyaki on a bed of sticky white rice. An alternative wholesome vegetarian option is the pokchoy, shiitake mushroom, broccoli, and bamboo shoot gravy in oyster sauce.
MINUS POINTS
The menu needs more dimsum options, to begin with. Some of the dishes on the menu, like the lamb satay and Asian chicken salad are a bit lackluster. Also, the desserts are a big downer! The apple pie was dry and the done-to-death cheesecake was lumpy and just boring.
BOTTOMLINE
Once a dusty and sleepy part of town, Mehrauli’s Ambawatta One and its neighbourhood transformed into a posh dining and shopping option in the recent years. ETC...Café Pan Asian is a fine selection if you are looking for some romantic dining out or a lazy luncheon with your friends and family.
ETC… Café Pan Asian; H-5/1, Ambawatta One, Kalkadas Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Meal for two: Rs1,500 without alcohol
Rating: Food: 2; Service: 2 ; Décor: 2