A feast for pan-Asian foodies at Phu, Bengaluru

In Chinese, ‘fu’ is luck, prosperity and abundance.

For Bengalis, Fu Oriental is the new kid on the block, a restaurant that puts an Asian twist on Spanish tapas, while promising a little bit of everything and lots of flavour.

But for Ryan and Keenan Thum, Foo is all of the above and more.

The third-generation restaurateur brothers were recently in Bengaluru for the launch of the city counterpart of Foo, a restaurant they conceptualized in Mumbai in 2018. “This is our eighth outlet. So Fu’s has really been lucky for us!” says Keenan, the youngest of two siblings.

The Tham family has a long association with Indian food. Ryan and Keenan’s grandfather, Tham Mon Yiu, founded the Kamling and Mandarin restaurants in Mumbai some 65 years ago. His father, Henry Tham, started an eponymous fine dining restaurant in the early 2000s. Today, his sons are the names behind such popular establishments as The Good Wife, Koko and Fu.

After filling stomachs and hearts with seven outlets in Mumbai, Asian tapas restaurant Fu has finally entered the Bengaluru F&B scene. It makes its presence felt from its iconic location on Brigid Road, The Forum Rex Walk, to its blooming crimson interior and color scheme.

A smart choice because not only does the place instantly transport you to Chinatown, but red is believed to trigger the appetite as well. And with pho, it’s best to come empty stomach to do full justice to their menu. With over 140 items on the menu, there is something for everyone, be it vegetarian, gluten-free or Jain.

Tapas are popular in Spanish cuisine and consist of small plates or appetizers that go best with a drink. Fu recreates the experience with sushi, dimsum, baos and more, and the idea for a group of three was born out of a desire to comfortably try six to seven dishes without burning a hole in their pocket.

For starters, go with the Wasabi, Truffle and Edamame Dumplings, and the Pho Yum Bean Uramaki. Don’t let the former’s simple look fool you, this one packs a punch and will make you want seconds. The latter is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach, considering that it uses blue rice. Skip the Crystal Dumplings and head to Lotus Route, and if you’re up for another sushi splurge, give the Shisoto Charcoal Tempura Uramaki a shot. Meat eaters can enjoy the charcoal hara-go or the salmon ceviche.

Dumplings on Pho

A trip to pho can shock not only your taste buds but also your brain cells. For the culinary curious, the menu can introduce them to nikkei – a Japanese-Peruvian combination of techniques and ingredients. Non-vegetarian eaters can find proof of the pudding in the ceviche, while vegetarians can try the Nikkei Avocado Uramaki instead. For those unfamiliar with the terms, the restaurant team will be happy to help reconstruct the degustation.

Each outlet of the brand also offers something unique. While some Fuzes are small, seating 75 patrons, the one in Bengaluru can comfortably accommodate 120 in its first split-floor model. Another first at this outlet: a private dining room that can seat up to 18 people, making it perfect for group gatherings or family celebrations.

The second floor also showcases a chic and dazzling bar with an eclectic array of drinks. There’s a Wasabi Margarita, a Miso Sour (whiskey with miso caramel, yuzu, shiso infusion and lime) and their signature Fu King, which combines vodka with plum liqueur, musk melon, lime and French vanilla. Stop here for a post-work rest and the skilled hands behind the counter make sure you are entertained with their flair. The counter is appropriately situated next to their picturesque Japanese cherry blossom decorations. Truly the perfect backdrop for those Instagram worthy photos of your drinks. Plus the Gowa Togarashi Fizz and Sparkling Yuzu Mojito are snap-worthy if you’re looking to indulge in a zero-alcohol working lunch.

Pho Yellow Curry and Blue Butter Japanese Fried Rice

The aesthetic appeal doesn’t stop there. While the small plates are definitely the star, the main course puts up a fair fight too. Between drinks and tapas, if you still don’t mind anything else, go for the Fu Blue Butter Japanese Fried Rice. It goes well with Pho Yellow Curry. A riot of both colors and flavours, the culinary team – headed by chef Eric Sifu – has played with butterfly pea flowers for the cerulean colour, and the curry combines chestnut, broccoli and mushrooms. Butter rice and creamy curry, this dish oozes comfort.

Mount Fu-ji | Photo Credit: Asad Dadan

Among desserts, the Black Marble Sesame Cheesecake is interesting and a testament to Sifu’s inventiveness. For larger groups, or just fans of drama, there’s Mount Fu-ji, and it certainly makes an entrance with flair and flourishes. A multi-layered dessert, Mount Fu-jie comes frozen in liquid nitrogen and consists of mango pudding with vanilla, a sesame cheesecake, a hazelnut dome, and hazelnut and coconut ice cream. And for the health conscious, the platters also have freshly cut fruits. Aptly named, it ensures an explosion of holy-inspired joy all around.

Fu Asian Tapas Ground Floor, Forum Rex Walk, Brigade Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560001