PICS: MARCO POLO

Bigger ain't better. Flavour in Pulchok, not to be confused with an unrelated plural in Boudhanath, is a tiny joint with promise.

In contrast to the slew of manorial haunts in nearby Jhamel that on a normal day resembles a ghost town of bygone saloons, the three-month-old Flavour features limited seating (six settings to be exact, three of which are loungeable) and a kitchen in plain view. Wide windows, fulvous paint and beige decor draw an elegant, modern and clean space. No frills, no cutbacks.

Likewise, its menu is evenly set and priced. And although it jumps from bar snacks to Thai to Indian to continental, the choices are not overwhelming. Improvements, however, can be made.

Among the appetizers the Saturn Potato (Rs 170), sauteed baby potatoes wrapped with bacon, is tender and well-prepared, but lacks a necessary touch of sweet mustard or blue cheese.

Highlights for mains include the Chicken Sub (Rs 165) and the Bratwurst (Rs 260).

The Chicken Sub (vegetarian and ham alternatives available), served with fries, is a six-inch sandwich dressed indiscriminately with BBQ, chili, plain mustard and honey mustard sauce. The punch of flavours renders a surprisingly appetising treat. Ask for a toasted sub.

The Bratwurst (pork or chicken) (Rs 260) at Flavour is one of the best-cooked wieners in town, but is sadly complemented by a measly portion of grilled veggies. A side of mash, slaw or—dare I crave—sauerkraut would be more adequate. Other dishes sampled like the Shrimp Curry (Rs 285) and the Hamburger (Rs 160) were just decent.

The coconut curry carries a kick, and the shrimps are perfectly cooked. But once again, better pairings could be made, like a simple side salad or a fan of sliced tomatoes to cut the heat.

Like the sub, the burger's bun could be toasted. Otherwise, the sandwich is comparable to that of a typical, hunky-dory food stand.

Drinks at Flavour are relatively cheap for dine-in. Domestic beers for Rs 275 and Carlsberg for Rs 300 make it, for now, an affordable waterhole. For sweets, look elsewhere.

Off a corner due north of the Pulchok footbridge, where micros and tempos for Ratna commonly stall