Restaurant review: Red Zen at Courtyard By Marriott

Chef Praiwan began his culinary journey over two decades ago in Thailand. His career has spanned different restaurants in various countries - from the streets of Bangkok to restaurants in Dubai, Egypt, Lebanon and the Czech Republic – but the highlight of his professional life has been cooking for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Thai Royal Family.

He has also showcased his talents for the Thai Royal family on their visit to the UAE on a private holiday, where Ex Pol Maj Gen Arthit Khamlang-ek and Mr. Pasan Teparak, the Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai were among the many other prominent guests. His motto is “Every customer leaves happy”. He considers himself blessed to be recognised for his excellent talent and abilities. So it was that I visited Red Zen which he now presides over as Head Chef. Red Zen is the Pan-Asian restaurant at The Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport. The restaurant specialises in street food of the Far East.

Bento box beauties

South Asian food is something that one can never tire of. The flavours are so unique but still so similar to those the Indian palate is used to. The subtleness of coconut cream, lime and galangal linger on one's palate long after the meal is consumed. The uniqueness of the Marriott hotels and its associates is that the rates are as well balanced as their meals and one of the best deals is the Bento box for Rs 499 per person. The Bento box, a concept which has taken the world by storm is similar to our Indian thali with food delicately placed in a compartmentalised tray. It was here that I sampled one for the first time. It was a memorable experience wherein the fixed meal starts with a soup and a choice of foods from vegetables or meats along with rice or noodles and a dessert. It is the perfect filler for the office-goers of busy Andheri East. The restaurant serves up a full menu as well in the evenings and is often quite busy. Simple dishes, well cooked and presented in a unique fashion are its trademark while the open noodle counter is the main focus. It is here that one can witness fresh ingredients being tossed together which conjures images of Asian street food being prepared. The piping hot food goes down well with a glass of sake, the fiery Japanese rice wine.

Asian delights

The menu is simplistic and covers the best of Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, Singaporean and Malaysian cuisines. Fresh elements and ingredients as well as exotic meats and fish like grouper and red snapper offer a large variety of options for the diner. Delicately prepared, the balance of flavours from hot and spicy, touches of tangy and sour to sweet are some of the elements that make Asian food so acceptable to an Indian audience. The food is as authentic as it can get as the flavours are not altered in any way. There are the usual Thai specialities like clear glass noodles served as a salad or in a soup and traditional Thai papaya salad which is spicy and topped with peanuts. The well-known Thai red curry and green curry were delectably smooth. The flavours of Thai food are a unique blend and unlike in Indian food preparation, coconut milk is thrown in just at the end and with a light hand. In Chinese food, the ingredients are cut evenly so that the cooking time is equal for all. The harmony of fine slices of fish cooked in a black pepper sauce, served up with flavoursome rice with ginger and pepper carries one to a new level of culinary delight. Vegetarians can enjoy fine meals made with ingredients like exotic mushrooms, aubergines and tofu. The eggplant in a mushroom sauce is quite a popular dish here. Other favourites include sweet corn soup and lemon coriander soup. As far as desserts go, the water chestnuts served in coconut milk turned out to be my most memorable dish of the day. The chef even goes out of his way to cater to requests outside of the menu. From regular Chinese foods like noodles of different types to various stir fry specialties, he aims to please. The wok fried chicken and soba noodles seemed interesting and will be tried another day.

With casual style and elegance of taste, the artfully decorated restaurant seats 80 at a single sitting and the tables are well spaced for quiet conversations. Helped by a pleasant chef, the restaurant is slowly making it to the top of the heap amongst restaurants of the area.

What: Asian cuisine at Red Zen

Where: Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport

How much: Rs 1,600 (approx) for a meal for two

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