Recession-proof Oriental eatery

Matunga's DP's Fast Food starts an Oriental eatery that offers low-budget quick meals and smiley service

Thank heavens DP's Wok Hei has a kitchen so tiny, only a couple of chefs can cook simultaneously. With a kitchen any bigger, the little Oriental restaurant would have been a Punjabi one, which the city has had enough of. Hari Kotian from the veteran DP's Fast Food Centre in Matunga that owns the establishment, explained, "So, we went with our second choice: Oriental."

The tag refers to a largely Chinese and Thai menu with Korean, Tibetan, Indonesian and Malaysian fare cropping up in intervals. And aren't we glad! Phak Thod (Rs 70) had vegetables tossed lightly in herbs. Pomfret in Singapore Sauce (Rs 195) had even our fish-loathing friend smack her lips. Our venture into Tibetan territory wasn't as satisfying; the Steamed Chicken Momos (Rs 150) were oily and rubbery.

An experiment that worked well was pairing Schezwan Dosa with Mangalorean Prawn Curry (DP's couldn't resist offering its popular South Indian dosas). As was the Kori Rotti with Mangalorean Chicken Curry. At Rs 70 each, they are quick meals in themselves; perfect for media folk from offices around Phoenix Mills. Quick or slow tempo, we would skip the standing tables on the dusty pavement outside. The dark wood-finished air-conditioned interiors, though tiny, are more hospitable.

Wok Hei makes up in price, large portions and taste what it lacks in space. Veg Pot Rice (Rs 100) was packed with various exotic veggies. We suggest you try Gaeng Garee Kai also known as Yellow Thai Curry (Rs 150) instead of the usual red or green one. Another must is Dates in Coconut Pancake with Ice Cream (Rs 75), a Thai dessert. A larger space, and this one with its recession-proof dishes and smiley service, could be the wok of the town.

At: Khimji Nagji Building, opposite Phoenix Towers, SB Road, Lower Parel.
Call: 9820127840.u00a0

DP's Wok Hei didn't know we were there. What's On reviews anonymously and pays for its meals