My third food tasting event as part of the Paanch Phoron team.

The Co. may not be that familiar a name in Kolkata food scene, but 'Wok Anthem' definitely is. Or atleast was when it operated out of the small outlet at Salt Lake & then New Town. The idea of Thai / chinese in bento boxes really excited me a lot.Had bookmarked them as per suggestions from Zomato.
However they closed down. There were speculations that they will be opening a outlet around south Kolkata. there was no optionothert than waiting.The wait finally paid off, when I found that they have set shop in the park street area, & invited our team for a complimentary dinner.

Let me tell you, the location of the outlet is a bit odd. Basically take the road between park Street & Sudder street, Cross the MLA hostels, arrrive at the De Empressa Hotel on the left, which houses the restaurant in the ground floor. The outlet is new, so make sure to ask for the hotel & not the restaurant. Also they immediately need to put up a sign outside the premises.

Coming to the ambiance:

The place is brand new. Nicely done up. From the glass doors that slide open automatically to the washrooms which have oil paintings replacing the standard 'his/her' signs. Seating is spacious. Though the tables may seem a wee bit narrow. Lighting is neither overwhelming, nor you have to struggle to read the menu.

Coming to the menu:

It is of a standard size, not an encyclopaedia. In Mr. Barnik, the owner-cum-manager of the outlet's own words they didn't want to serve the same ingredient in 3 different sauces in 4 different plates. Good one Barnik. Still they have managed to have fair amount of variety on the menu, from fish to crab, dumplings to sushi. The only thing they lack is mock tails. In fact the menu we were given didn't have any. However they will be shortly changing the menu, & I sincerely hope they will be having extra additions.

We were asked for our choice of drinks. Two mocktails were available from Beer. The mocktails 'Mojito Mint' & 'Lemongrass soda' were a bit disappointing. The mojito lacked the punch of the soda while the lemongrass lacked the citrus kick. Hopefully they will get those right before they have their grand opening which is upcoming shortly. I don't think there's to write anything about the Corona beer served. :D

As for food we literally tried nearly all of the items on the menu. so will do a very quick review of them.

1. Soups: Sweet Corn, Tom Kha & Tom Yum

Sweet Corn was decent. Tom Yum is prepared a bit different from the authentic recipe to suit the Indian taste palate. But what was relly outstanding was the Tom Kha with its unique coconut milk & seafood-like smell. Must try.

2. Chicken Satay & Veg Satay:

Well prepared, though the veg ones tasted better than the chicken one. Extra point for the peanut butter dip prepared in house. It was mind blowing & perfect for the satay. in fact forget the satay its can be eaten as a separate item altogether.

3. Panggang:

The closest thing which can come to this is Bhetki Paturi. However this one is prepared with Basha fish and cooked with lime slices inside the folded leaves. Extra ordinary in taste. Consume with or without the lime as per your taste.

4. Bok Choi wrapped Chicken Dumplings & Veg Star Shaped Poached Dumplings:

They serve the dumplings over boiling water contained in those wooden dumpling box which I think is a first for a restaurant in that locality. The Chicken dumplings were good, not exceptional but once again the veg one was outstanding. Prepared with paneer this one was unlike any other veg dumplings I've tried in the city.

5. Sushi: Salmon Maki, Crab Maki, California Rolls

This was my first time with sushi, hence can't comment on the quality.Of course I didn't find any obnoxious smell at least  & since its there specialty, there was no complaint from fellow foodies as well.

6. Mains: Firecracker Chicken/Mushrooms, Crispy Chili Baby Corn & Thai Green curry:

Firecracker Chicken was good, nothing to write home about. Firecracker Mushrooms were not that of a cracker item, hopefully they will be experimenting with button mushrooms to improve it. Firecracker Chicken was decent. The Baby corn was hard in the inside & soft on the outside, exactly opposite of what it should have been. Thai Green curry although tasted great lacked the quantity of the veggies it ideally should have.

7. Khow Suey:

This was the first time I had something like this. It was like prepare your own noodles. Mix n match the fried shrimps, toasted garlic, fried onion , coriander as per your taste, top it up with the curry of your choice & sprinkle some chips over & voila you have a great tasting food.

8. Pad thai:

It was not that good. Looked promising though. In fact used to be their signature dish when they operated in salt lake. Hopefully they will give it a makeover.

9. Szechuan Noodles & Fried Rice:

Prepared at per if not better than most of the outlets in park street serving Cantonese food.

10. Steamed Fish with Chili Oil:

They have a unique way of preparing it. Burning hot oil is poured over the steamed fish fillet, cooking the crust in a unique way.

11. Dessert:

We had Lemon Cheesecake which was a disappointment. It really needs to be much much softer.

But the strawberry Compote with vanilla Ice cream with crushed caramel on top was seriously mind blowing. A must try for everyone.

Overall nice place, Good food, bits & scope of improvement here & there. As of now the staff are under-trained, but I'm sure they'll do just fine with time.Some of the foods are too good to be true for the price paid. Will visit again.