People who enjoy the flavour of authentic Asian food, are familiar with the name Mamagoto. This fun Asian eatery with vibrant interiors first opened its doors in Delhi’s favourite foodie haven Khan Market, in 2010. Ever since, many names in the Asian culinary space have come and gone, but Mamagato has stayed firm on the horizon, having expanded significantly and become a means for comparison with others.
If you are wondering what the word ‘Mamagoto’ means, its literal translation is ‘to play with food’, and the restaurant’s relaxed vibe and delicious offerings encourage patrons to do just that. This fusion Pan Asian café describes itself as having a ‘casual atmosphere where affordable Asian cuisine and drinks combine with quirky décor.’
The food here is inspired by the secret dishes made by Asian street hawkers. Mamagoto’s team sampled these lesser-known delicacies during extensive travels through this part of the world, and then experimented in their own kitchens before finalising what would be served to customers. “Our serving portions are to share, so we encourage groups and families to enjoy our meals together. Mamagoto is a casual ‘come as you are’ space,” shares Rahul Khanna, co-founder of Azure Hospitality, of which Mamagoto is a premium brand.
Apart from their culinary delights, on offer is a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages made with fresh juices and ingredients at a reasonable price point. Their team delights in creating concoctions they believe are not available elsewhere in the city. The creations are deconstructed and added again to achieve unique flavours. They are also made with the freshest of ingredients such as natural juices. One of their most popular beverages is the ‘Pop Rocks & Monsoon Sangria’—pitchers of which are quick to go.
“We keep coming up with quirky new dishes and drinks frequently, and we love this creative aspect of our work. We are funky, interactive, fresh, colourful, and beaming with energy and our excitement hits the ceiling when people say, “Oh! But you are too noisy,” laughs Khanna.
Their kitchen is helmed by Jayanti Duggal, who has been travelling for decades in different parts of urban Asia. In the process, she has discovered numerous hidden gems including some recipes that were stored deep under North Korean nuclear bunkers.
Recently, Mamagoto took its fun design and high-energy interiors and street hawker-inspired Asian fare to Dehradun. At their new joint in this city, one can try flagship favourites like Chiang Mai Train Station Noodles, Basil Chicken Cups, and Rock Shrimp Tempura, served with a long list of Dim Sum and Sushi selections and other wok-tossed goodies. Their signature bowls such as the Spicy Ramen are perfect for sharing as well as for a night out or to tuck into at a late lunch with friends.
With the launch of its new limited edition cocktail menu, Mamagoto is offering a unique drink selection to its clientele in Delhi. Inspired by the vibrant city of Shanghai in China, it has been named ‘Shanghai Nights.’ “In the 1920s and 30s, before the onset of the Cultural Revolution, Shanghai was a hedonistic and liberal-minded metropolitan city, home to gambling dens, jazz clubs and gangsters. It was called the Paris of the Orient, and had a strong ‘Great Gatsby-esque’ vibe. Most importantly, it was a melting pot of Chinese and international cultures with numerous celebrities frequenting its bars and even making it their home,” shares Khanna.
Inspired by this glitz and glamour of yore, with dimly lit street corners, shady boss men, their beautiful molls and nights of ‘spirits and stories’, the team at Mamagoto designed this new selection of cocktails.
The limited-edition ‘Shanghai Nights’ menu takes into account garden aromas, smoky streets, Asian citrus notes and a touch of spicy heat. Those in the mood for something sharp and heady, will appreciate Le Shanghai, which is a blend of fruity apple flavours with smoky whisky and a touch of nuttiness added through hazelnut syrup. Paramount Sweet is a fresher take on spirited delights, and is named after the 1930s ballroom that pioneered Shanghai’s jazz scene. This drink is a mix of bourbon and gin with romantic flowery notes of rose. Wild Dance is directly influenced by the first jazz band at Shanghai, which was called the ‘Wild Dance Band’. This cocktail is a mix of bourbon and passion fruit and is a tropical delight.
As a port city, Shanghai was also home to numerous smugglers, and the rum cocktails on the menu are an ode to their impact on the city’s culture. One can choose from drinks like Smugglers Paradise, which is a heady blend of rum and brandy, or Paris of the East made with dark rum and coconut. For a lighter start, Miss 1984 made with gin and lavender syrup, is the perfect choice of drink. It is a tribute to the first woman who graduated from Fudan university, who was a trailblazer and an icon for other women, driving around town in her own car whose number plate read 1984. Tequila lovers will enjoy the Shanghai 1935, named after the Oscar winning film, which is a blend of tequila and rose vermouth with notes of vanilla.
Best enjoyed with Mamagoto’s signature Dimsum and Sushi offerings, the ‘Shanghai Nights’ cocktail menu is loaded with tipple blends that will enhance your meal and make for a memorable evening. The limited edition menu is available at the Mamagoto outlets in DLF Mall of India in Noida, Select CityWalk Mall in Saket, Ambience Mall in Gurugram, Khan Market, CyberHub in Gurugram and DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj, till September 30, 2021.
The writer pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com. She can be reached on nooranand@gmail.com.