Midori Cafe in Baluwatar just might make it to your list of after work hangout places this winter
A stone’s throw away from the Prime Minister’s residence, Midori Cafe in Baluwatar just might make it to your list of after work hangout places this winter with its cosy interiors, amiable staff and (last but not least) its steamy, flavoursome miso soup.
Occupying an entire building, the restaurant specialises in Japanese cuisine with ground floor seating that has plush sofas. The floors above have table and floor seating arrangements.
The first dish that made its appearance was the Tuna Sushi Set (Rs 470). Served cold like it should be, the appetiser tasted fresh but the wasabi was on the weaker side. That was, however, compensated for by the taste of the soy sauce that added to the dish’s taste.
Pics: Smriti Basnet
The highlight of the set was the Miso Soup. Not diluted and thick, the soup with medium sized chunks of tofu hit the right spot on a chilly winter day.
Deviating from Japanese dishes, we opted for the all time favourite, Fried Chicken Momo (Rs 190), from the variety of Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes. While it was nothing out of the ordinary, for the health conscious, two or three of the non-greasy momos would just be the right amount.
Venturing into the mains, we ordered the Mabo Tofu Non-veg Set (Rs 450) but were instantly disappointed by the blandness of the dish when it arrived. The dish, ideally soaked in crushed peppercorn, failed to arouse our taste buds with its sweet taste.
To round of the meal, we asked for the Fish Teriyaki Set (Rs 490) and Chicken Teriyaki Set (Rs 490) served in a bento box. Unlike other bento boxes in Kathmandu, these were big boxes with generous portions. It came with potato salad, greens soaked in sesame seed sauce, fresh salads, rice, a teriyaki dish coupled with Miso Soup.
Although both the fish and the chicken teriyaki were a bit dry and the salad lacked seasoning, the meal was filling and would make for the perfect work lunch or even a healthy dinner.
Quiet, comfortable and warm, Midori is just the place to visit with your colleagues or friends for a quick and affordable dinner in Baluwatar, an area which is now coming up because of its cosy eateries. Make sure to reserve beforehand, the best seats in the house seem to run out fast in Midori.
Directions: Take the first right into Dasarath Chand Marg before you head up towards the Prime Minister’s residence. The cafe is on the right, about ten metres from the main road.
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