Shilpa Datla and Chef Sifa | photo credit: special arrangement
Kembara in Knowledge City in the hi-tech city is an Asian specialty restaurant that serves much more than the usual sushi, dimsum and chicken soup. It is a stylish 80-seater restaurant that reflects the style aesthetics of its owner, Shilpa Datla. Look around to appreciate a design inspired by cherry blossoms, origami cranes and all things Far East that beautifully showcases minimalism. The menu features Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay and Korean, and a bit of country style Chinese. And all this deliberately says Shilpa. Kembara is a place to relax with food and drinks to enjoy a leisurely meal at lunch or dinner.
Inside Cambra | photo credit: special arrangement
“Kembara, in Malay, means ‘roaming’… to explore without destination. It points to something we all yearn to do – explore the world, be relaxed and happy,” Says Shilpa Datla. The menu is designed with this thought in mind. That’s why it’s not gluttony when your mind wanders to soups, ramen, street style chicken noodles, tenderloin salad and more for a look at the menu.
Shilpa joined hands with Chef Sifa of Sifa Hill Road (Restaurant in Mumbai) for Kembara. Here she brings to the fore her understanding of Indians’ love for Asian food. Shifa says, “We have worked out the menu keeping in mind the different food habits of people in a group who go out to eat together. There is something for everyone here and the food is comforting yet authentic.” Chef Sifa is very clear that the taste of the food has been aligned to incorporate regional taste buds.
Dining in Cambra | photo credit: special arrangement
But that certainly doesn’t mean you can expect curry leaves to accompany your noodles on a plate of fried rice or slices of fresh onions.
After ordering my food, I decided to try some non alcoholic drinks, only to be able to say that the mocktails are the same everywhere. I tasted the Spiced Margarita first. I drank my words with every sip of this guava and litchi juice drink. Jalapeño slices added a whole new level of freshness to the drink. Would have happily asked for a second round of the same. But Shilpa suggested I try the Berry Fizz—a sweet and sour fizzy drink. So I did. A few drops of liquor in the drink would have been the perfect garnish.
In the middle of my second drink – Berry Fizz, my meal arrived. I had asked for a variety of appetizers. One was sushi, one dumpling and one salad. First came the Avocado Maki Roll. Sushi lovers will enjoy these mini maki rolls. After this I proceeded to eat dumplings. Not just any dumplings, they were Steam Chicken Pok Choy, Tibetan dumplings that come with a green onion dip. I had to eat mindfully considering the amount I ordered. This was followed by Salad-Wok Tossed Tenderloin with Black Bean and Scallion. It came out exactly as I expected (followed a Thai recipe on YouTube to make the salad at home). This appetizer is a perfect meal if one wants to have a protein rich meal. The tangy tanginess of the lemon juice will make your mouth water with joy. I especially liked the salad because it comes with fresh sliced red onions. I was recommended the salmon and fennel salad, which unfortunately didn’t live up to the hype.
One failed after three hits. I was not disappointed and proceeded to order the main course- Market Style Hakka Noodles with Kung Pao Chicken. After all, Desi Chinese is an emotion. I would say it will not disappoint anyone. This is what I would say is comfort food.
Talking about sweets, Shilpa recommended Honey Toast with Coconut Ice Cream. I went with it, so should you.
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Where: Knowledge City, Madhapur