Yauatcha

Zongzi – Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf with Edamame Beans & Vegetarian Duck

 

Dragon Boat Festival 2016, Yauatcha, Quest Mall, Kolkata

 

Last year Kolkata witnessed the Dragon Boat Festival or Duanwujie being celebrated by its Chinese community in a grand manner. Though the rain did try to play spoil sport on the day but the enthusiasm of the people attending such an event for the first time didn’t waver and hoards of people turned up to enjoy the festivities and the traditional Lion Dance performance. The festival is celebrated in memorial of a Chinese poet called Qu Yuan. Zongzi, a pyramid shaped sticky rice dumpling and rice wine play an important part in the celebrations. Yauatcha is celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival this year by holding a month long festival from the 1st to the 30th of June 2016. Keeping true to a 2000 year old tradition they are introducing some traditional dishes (like Zongzi) with a contemporary twist in their limited edition menu.

 

Yauatcha

Citrus Spritz

 

Yauatcha

Kam Heyong Hometown Tofu

 

I along with a few other bloggers attended an “Evening of Eminence” where we got to sample their special dishes. In the vegetarian selection they have Kam Heyong Hometown Tofu, Wok Fried Vegetarian Chicken in Spicy Sauce, Sticky rice in Lotus Leaf with Water Chestnut & Asparagus and Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf with Edamame Beans & Vegetarian Duck. I have never come across the term ‘vegetarian’ chicken or duck in my life and was very intrigued by them. I learnt that they were soya based dishes which were prepared with gluten. While we waited for our food we were served a signature cocktail made especially for the festival. Traditionally rice wine is served with the food but we got to try a cocktail called Citrus Spritz which was made with wine, vodka, dry vermouth and lime. As I was about to take a sip the freshness of the lime hit my senses reminding me of summer. The sticky rice with asparagus was one of my favorite and the drink went very well with it. The vegetarian chicken is an absolute must try! It was a huge hit among the diners even the hardcore meat lovers that I call friends (you know who you are) ended up relishing it a lot.

 

Yauatcha

Wok Fried Vegetarian Chicken in Spicy Sauce

 

Yauatcha

Wine Soaked Water Chestnut and Mango Cake with Sauvignon Sorbet


 

What better way to end a beautiful evening filled with good company, conversation and great food than a spectacular dessert! I love the gorgeous dessert platter at Yauatcha especially for its visual appeal and tonight’s was no different. We were served Wine Soaked Water Chestnut and Mango Cake with Sauvignon Sorbet which was as delicate to taste as it looked. I especially loved the sorbet served on a bed of chocolate crumble. Do celebrate Dragon Boat Festival with Yautcha this year…and absolutely try out the vegetarian chicken! Highly recommended! I will catch you soon…

 
Shikha Agarwal

 

PS – The author was invited by the PR of the restaurant to try out the menu. Views expressed are genuine and the author’s own.