洒落てて呑めるネパール料理 : BAIDAM Yushima Ten

[b:【Overall Review】] Just a 3-minute walk from Yushima Station, this place is not your typical Indian-Nepalese restaurant; it distinctly leans towards authentic Nepalese cuisine. I believe the essence of Nepalese food lies in its spices and fermentation, and this restaurant truly captures that spirit. This time, I ordered a Dal Bhat (Nepalese set meal) and added Tandoori Chicken, and the combination was unbeatable! ----------------------------------------- As a user of the Chiyoda Line, I frequently visit Yanesen and other areas. This time, I had my eye on a Nepalese restaurant in Yushima. While there are many Indian-Nepalese restaurants across Japan, it seems that not many boldly showcase their Nepalese identity. The restaurant is located in a basement of a mixed-use building at the Yushima Nakazaka intersection. At the entrance of the stairs leading down to the restaurant, there’s a yellow sign and a relief of Buddha. Inside, there are about 15 table seats separated by lace curtains and 3 counter seats. The lighting is dim, creating a cozy hideaway atmosphere. It has a nice vibe! From what I could see, there were probably two Nepalese staff members. The male server in the dining area is fluent in Japanese. The background music was something exotic. The menu features a mix of traditional dishes like curry and various types of Dal Bhat, along with creative dishes suitable for pairing with drinks. The drink selection is quite extensive, including beer, sours, cocktails, and wine. This place has a strong izakaya and bar aspect to it. Today, I opted for a Dal Bhat set that includes one drink and added Tandoori Chicken. I also ordered a Lemon Sour (JPY 550) for a refill. They served me some spiced dried beans while I waited for my food. I don’t know the name, but it was delicious! [b:・Homemade Tandoori Chicken JPY 790] This cooking method is probably not traditional tandoor-style chicken; it seems to be boiled with spices. But regardless, this so-called Tandoori Chicken is surprisingly delicious. The spice sauce does a great job. The chicken, boiled to tenderness, has a bouncy texture similar to steamed chicken, and the spices cling to it like a sauce. [b:・Dinner Set JPY 1800] [b:・Special Dal Bhat is an additional JPY 400] This Nepalese set meal includes mutton curry, dal, tomato achar, saag (stir-fried spinach), and latband (purple cabbage). Dal Bhat is often served in a haphazard manner, but this one is beautifully plated and visually appealing. The mutton curry and dal are perfectly balanced in flavor, spice, and saltiness, and the garlic is quite prominent. The side dishes are primarily fermented, adding depth to the flavors. Mixing the curry, dal, and sides with rice creates a wonderful taste! Each dish is delicious on its own, but the harmony created when mixed with rice is truly remarkable. This is the essence of Dal Bhat! ----------------------------------------- [b:【In Conclusion】] Not only was the Dal Bhat delicious, but the variety of dishes suitable for drinking is also a delight for those who enjoy a drink. This place seems very promising! My total bill today came to JPY 3619. Thank you for the meal!