Food and Drink the Australian Way

KATHMANDU: “Dead Ringo, let’s go,” I said to my brother and he laughed. It had been a patient three-month wait in Dhaka to treat my taste buds, and from what my brother told me, “There is this place in Jawalakhel where they serve generous proportions, and, more importantly, waiters who cater to your needs aptly.” Yes, ‘aptly’ was the word he used, and the generous proportions he talked about was something I was really looking forward to. “You have a soft corner for avocado, don’t you?” he teased another day, adding, “A filling chicken avocado sandwich awaits you.” [break]

Meanwhile, each mouthful in Dhaka was routinely rice, fish and a couple of vegetables (read ‘potato and brinjal’), and it was quite an awakening to know my fellow South Asians had little choice with inflation and a marred geo-political situation. My taste buds were in dire need of a revolution, and coming from a Newar background (Newars are known for their rich calorie delights), I was feeling pretty undernourished. A sumptuous meal was thus a constant craving, and, mind you, my affair with food is something almost divine.

It’s been a privilege to travel far and wide in Nepal and have the opportunity to taste delicacies as diverse as the country’s terrain. But my exposure to international cuisines has been limited to what’s served in Thamel and Lakeside, Pokhara’s specialty restaurants. A few among them are popular establishments and know what it is that needs cooking in the kitchen. But elsewhere, steaks and spaghetti taste a little different from their names. That said, Dead Ringo kept ringing the gastronomy bells.

“It’s Red Dingo for God’s sake,” my brother corrected me as we reached the restaurant the day after my arrival from Dhaka. It was good to be home, and, more importantly, to again experience the feeling of sumptuousness as my brother parked his new car outside Standard Chartered Bank. In an unlikely turn, I quickly noticed a red spiral painted on the wall. The three-month wait was finally over. Dead Ringo (sorry, Red Dingo) was less than a minute away. As we walked in, the restaurant’s clean interior and complementing colours instantly won my heart. The place offered a unique articulation for its size. “Nice,” I remarked.

Once inside, a red couch immediately attracted me; however we chose to stay in the outside smoking zone. A waiter arrived, smiled, poured water in neatly-set glasses on the table, and I was greeted for possibly the first time in my life in a Nepali restaurant with the words, “How are you doing today?” My brother looked me in the eyes. I smiled back and replied, “Starving.” Then came the menu, but I already knew what I would be eating – a chicken avocado sandwich. “So what do you like to get started with?” the waiter asked, another stunner for me.

Restaurants in Nepal usually take wholesale orders, and the idea of an appetizer is so rare that I broke out into another smile. “Fries and meatballs?” the waiter recommended on our request. “With mayonnaise,” I added and my brother placed the order for the main course. Now, fries are something I am really neurotic about and Red Dingo served them crisp and in just the right size. Even the colour was brilliant, as was the fresh taste of the mayonnaise accompaniment. The meatballs didn’t appease me much as I just didn’t like the texture, but the fries kept me happy while my brother tried in vain to locate a neighbouring wi-fi spot.

“How long before you want your sandwich served?” the waiter asked and I just couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t possible in Nepal, well, until perhaps a year ago. Here I was, completely at home in Red Dingo catching up with my brother while the waiter excused himself before asking us if we were ready to be served. Life couldn’t get any better. I immediately fell in love with the place. Whether it was the warmth that had enveloped me as I stepped out of the airport the day before, or simply Red Dingo’s hospitality, I cannot tell, but the chicken avocado sandwich couldn’t wait any longer.

The layer of cheese and chunky chicken blended just right with the slices of avocado. You could feel the blend spread throughout your mouth as salt and pepper brought a twist to the avocado. Evenly. Each bite was a scrumptious discovery. I didn’t talk at all. “That good?” my brother teased, but I just smiled back. As I bit into the last of the sandwich, I was already planning my next visit. It was now my turn to introduce Red Dingo to a special one. I believe simple things can sometimes offer you an unparalleled high. I have experienced it during trekking at high altitudes, and each night as I drink the last glass of water before I say adieu.

At Red Dingo, my tongue was on a trip.

About Red Dingo:

Red Dingo is a mid-range restaurant behind Standard Chartered Bank in Jawalakhel. Run by Australian couple Shirley and Stuart Forbes, it boasts great Australian food and is famous for its meat pie, hamburger, steak, thick shakes and fruit smoothies. Alcohol is not served, but you are free to bring your own bottle for which there’s a nominal corkage charge of NRs. 150. Take your smoke outside and enjoy the taste the distinct ingredients bring. The menu changes every six months and each day has its specials. Easy on the pocket, prices range from NRs. 180 to NRs. 500. Waiters are efficient, speak fair English and are ever ready to help.

Business Hours:

Sunday – Thursdays: 7 AM to 9 PM

Fridays: 7 AM to 4 PM

Saturdays: 7 PM to 9 PM

Contact: 01-6914960