The restaurant, set on the second floor, is smartly set to accommodate couch, indoor and terrace seating. The restaurant will shortly go through renovation, but the minimal interior can be easily forgotten once your orders make it to your table.[break]
The name Vootoo comes from the Newari word “Bhutu” which means traditional Newari wood-fire kitchen. And true to its name, the restaurant serves traditional Newar dishes cleverly merging them with other Continental dishes. For instance, it serves Fokso, Kachila, Jibro – all Newar meat platters – along with other regular snacks. Similarly Aloo Tama is one of the soups you can choose from other regulars, like chicken soup or vegetable soup. In addition, the menu offers choices for varieties of traditional Newar dishes.
Photos: Asmita Manandhar
You can start off your meal with one of those traditional dishes like Bara. Chicken-and-egg Bara can be a good starter, which is plain and not too spicy like the traditional ones. But it isn’t bad at all; it is in fact better as the dish isn’t too oily,either. But it isn’t the same with Chatamari, another traditional newari dish. The outer wrap of the Chatamari should have been crunchy at the sides and soft in the middle but instead it is a bit thick. It also seems to lack flavor and is way too plain. However, for both dishes, the traditional side pickle of tomato, local herbs and Szechwan pepper should be credited for accentuating their tastes.
Go Green Salad, however, is an ideal choice when it comes to appetizers. It is refreshing with green lettuce and neatly diced tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and chicken pieces with two small-sized breads. The mild taste is just right and perfect for summer.
After starting off with some light dishes, Pak Choy with rice, the Chinese main course, is just the thing you would want to try at Vootoo. It can be the perfect choice whether you are at lunch or dinner. The boneless chicken pieces are mouthful and the soup has the right Chinese flavor. You will be surprised by the simplicity of the dish and its elegant taste. The rice is also soft, and equally compliments the taste of the soup. Pak Choy with rice is one of the top picks of The Week. We strongly recommend it. If you are lover of Chinese treats, this is a must.
You can conclude your meal with a newly introduced dessert served with fried bananas and chocolate pudding. The chocolate pudding is the spin-off of traditional Nepali “halwa” while the fried bananas give a blissful tickle to your taste buds. The unique dessert is just the right way to end the lovely meal. It allows you to savor all the tasty dishes while the sweet taste lingers.
The prices are reasonable, and not just for food but also for drinks. But if you are a foodie, you may get disheartened by the quantity, though the dishes served are sufficient for one. And if you are planning to have a drink or two with your friends, then this place may be just right for you. The prices of the liquors are not too high, like in many restaurants, and the bar has a variety to offer you.
Apart from the food and beverages, the hospitality at Vootoo is excellent. The waiters are polite, kind and well informed with swift service. You will not have to bear your hungry growls for long at the restaurant as they are moderately quick to serve the orders.
It is certainly a great place to be with your family and friends. Being located on a busy street, it is surprisingly peaceful and the ambience is really calming.
Also, Vootoo seems to be certainly looking out to surprise its patrons with the addition of new dishes in their newly revised menu and it is definitely worth checking them out!
Fast Facts
Opening hours:
12 noon to 10 pm
Budget: Rs 1,500-2,000 for a dinner for two
Parking: Complimentary
Contact: 4005222
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