Fuchsia

E-23, 2nd Commercial Lane, Zamzama
Phase 5, D.H.A.
Karachi, Pakistan.
Tel: (92-21) 3536-3944, 3536-3948

Cuisine: Thai (with a twist)

Ratings (Out of 10):

Ambiance: 7
Food: 8
Service: 7
Value for Money: 7
Overall: 7.5

Cost: Rs. ~2000/- for 2 people (1.5 meals to be precise)

Order: 2 soups, 2 appetizers (+1 complementary), 1 main course, 1 dessert, 1 drink and water

Review:

(Disclaimer: I am writing the review almost a month after my visit.)

This restaurant is one I had heard many good things about and had been wanting to try for quite a while. Located on the back-side of Thai staple Baan Thai; I wasn't quite sure of what to expect. Zamzama is normally horrible to drive around but the parking is quite easy at the Fuchsia location due to the open plot across it. The facade of the restaurant is tastefully done (and in good company); discreet and classy. The inside expands on the outside with similar decor but also with the addition of lively pieces. The restaurant sports an open kitchen which I felt didn't conform with the rest of the restaurant; but my guest felt it added to the liveliness of the restaurant.

The menu has quite a bit of variety. Three types of soups, about half a dozen types of salads and appetizers (each), some dim sum and vegetarian entrées, about a dozen seafood and a dozen meat/poultry entrées and noodles/rice entrées. With the desserts and beverages; there is a lot to try at this place, particularly because the items on the menu mostly seem unique from each other.

We ordered the clear tom yum and creamy coconut soups. The clear tom yum was standard, hitting the throat while being on the spicier side. The creamy coconut soup was amazing. Not too far out from what you get at other places but it was set apart being richer and more flavorful.

We tried the charcoal grilled chicken satay with fuchsia peanut sauce as an appetizer. It was a bit dry and the peanut sauce it came with wasn't that great either. We also had a prawn mousse wonton roll, again didn't taste as exotic as it sounds, very much an ordinary prawn filling spring roll. We were then given a complementary taster of some off-menu fried calamari (?) can't recall what it was, but not bad.

For the main course there is a lot of variety. I ordered the creamy red thick curry chicken with lime leaf and red chilli. White rice is served hot with all the dishes. This was a dish well done. The creamy richness meshed with the red curry flavor was just the thing needed to satiate me. I am not sure if I will be able to try anything else on my next visit because its just one of those dishes. Also, I had heard myths about the fuchsia dishes being tiny, I would like to dispell that now; size was perfect for one person plus others taking a taste of the dish.

For the dessert I had bitter chocolate mousse layered with wild berries; created by a genius for sure! The bittersweet taste of the chocolate and the piquant taste of the wild berries along with the contrasting textures went really well. Probably the best form of chocolate mousse I have tasted in years.

The service overall was on the slowish side. The greeter greeted us pleasantly as soon as we arrived and showed us to our table promptly. The person taking our order for the appetizers seemed to be a bit confused. The food however showed up according to order. The appetizers were served slightly early. The staff did well to remain ubiquitous.

Overall, a great place to eat out for two or to take out special guests. My recommendation is to keep the experimentation to medium level. Good ambiance and good food. Do visit and post your comments.

Reviewer: Huzefa Lotia (hzl@khaopiyo.com)


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