This new diner offers contemporary Pan-Asian fare amidst a live-wire experience writes Nadine Monteiro
Meaning ‘raw or seared steak’ in Japanese, Akshay Quenim brings a new meaning to the word ‘Tataki;’ the answer to Goa’s Asian food cravings. Tataki is a new popping resto-bar in Panjim that offers an immersive dining experience, serving unique and quality Asian food.
Akshay Quenim, the man behind the operations, studied at Les Roches in Switzerland and then went on to co-found Pan Asian Bowl in Panjim. Tataki is his second restaurant and considering how smitten Indian diners are with Asian food, is predicted to become a hotspot amongst enthusiastic diners in the near future.
Sitting in a pretty yellow colonial building on a busy street in the capital, Tataki is located in a calming yet happening place in the heart of the city. From the friendly valet staff to the attendants at the entrance of the restaurant on the second floor, one can expect to be greeted with utmost hospitality and warmth.
The restaurant is constantly bustling with crowds hailing from all over and a reservation is encouraged if you would like a seat at the table. The waiting staff is cordial and welcoming. On a lucky day, one can even catch Akshay scuttling around the restaurants making sure the best service is offered to diners, ever ready to offer his suggestions and insight.
The interiors of the restaurant are easy on the eyes and provide for an ambient experience with its earthy tones complemented by the warm lighting. The cute details in decor are truly noteworthy: quirky artwork based on aboli, the state flower and dramatic cane chandeliers made by local craftsmen.
There is a dire need for classy and authentic Asian food in Panjim and Tataki aims to fill the vacuum with a menu featuring a rich variety of iconic Asian dishes including robata grills, dim sum, sushi, and small plates like sashimi.
Tuna and truffle pizzette was the perfect blend of crunch and flavour with its fresh tuna topped with green olives and black masago, a great starter to stimulate the palette. If tuna is not your cup of tea, the restaurant also serves a neat salmon carpaccio served in a chilli vinaigrette – a juicy and appetizing alternative.
One dish that Tataki nails to perfection is the sushi. Their sushi options contain the following items – avocado, Ebi tempura, crab sticks, spicy salmon, tuna, jalapenos, etc. The Rock and Roll sushi with Tuna, salmon and Ebi tempura is highly recommended for sushi lovers looking for a culmination of three different seafood flavours to play around with.
The dumplings they serve come in a variety of unique and appetizing flavours such as duck and cherry vindaloo, edamame and wasabi, Goan peri-peri chicken, pine nut and pumpkin, etc. The Poached Chengdu style chilli oil chicken dumplings are a fluffy delight and served with a delicious spicy soup. The fresh tiger prawn and truffle Hargrow dumpling is a must-try for seafood lovers.
The main course menu consists of dishes like Cantonese style prawns, duck red curry, stir fry vegetables, kung pao chicken, steamed pork belly, Sichuan beef, udon, black bean ginger fish, vegetable green curry, Phad Thai, and more. The Crispy Duck and Okra salad is worth a shot if you are down for an interesting fusion of flavour. The Baked Crab Custards are one of their most loved menu items available in the flavours Sri Lankan Black Pepper and Singapore Chilli. Vegetarians can try out small bites like salt and pepper tofu, pepper pizzettes, Thai corn cakes, mushroom cigar, goat cheese spring rolls, and salads. A must-try for non-meat eaters is the Charcoal Black and White dumpling with a gooey cream cheese, truffle oil and water chestnut centre.
Apart from their scrumptious starters and mains, they also have sophisticated desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. The rich Chocolate Pave, Honeycomb and Coconut Ice Cream and the indulgent Doughnut with Caramel centre served with Mascarpone ice cream are two of many others that are sinfully mouth-watering and the presentation is exquisite.
Tataki also has a bar that serves exciting cocktails and an outdoor verandah where you can lounge and enjoy the view of the Mandovi River.
Tataki truly strives to make the ambience and food as ‘immersive’ as it can and does a pretty good job at that. If you are an avid Asian food enthusiast, head to Tataki
