Asian food Archives - Wander-Lust

07 Sep 2018

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HappyHappyJoyJoy South is Open! (And they serve rainbao’s!)

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On September 7, 2018 With No Comments

Hotspot alert for all Asian food lovers: Julius Jaspers’ HappyHappyJoyJoy has opened her third hangout in Amsterdam! The vibrant ‘De Pijp’, is the lucky place where they’ll bring you the very best of an everlasting Asian food fest. Dim sum, rendang, pad thai, the world’s first “rainbao’s” and off course…ice cold Bintangs. Get ready for a dose of Asian goodness guys!

Even though I’m not the biggest Asian food fan, I really recommend this bustling spot.

High time for some Asian soul food? Definitely drop by at this kind of a newbie. At HappyHappyJoyJoy South you’ll find everything that makes you (and your tummy) smile. Think about some typical Asian cities, and the first associations that will pop-up are probably ‘the overload of bright colors’, ‘sizzling woks’ and ‘enormous turbulent streets.’ Even though I’m not the biggest Asian food fan, I really recommend this bustling spot. You ask me ‘why?’ Because of their huge variety of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami yumminess with Thai, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese and Indonesian influences. They absolutely have enough appetizing street food dishes in store for you, no doubt. And how did the Rainbao’s taste? Delicious actually! Too cool too eat maybe, but great for sharing! HappyHappyJoyJoy are the first restaurant in the world (as far as we know) that serves these colourful bao’s.

Source: HappyHappyJoyJoy

For me it was like a staycation for one night in the heart of Amsterdam. Sounds great right? Go and get that lovely feeling too!

Cheers,

Sharmaine

HappyHappyJoyJoy South
Ceintuurbaan 256, Amsterdam
Website / Facebook

22 Jul 2018

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Branie, a surprise Indonesian restaurant with Balls

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On July 22, 2018 With No Comments

When I arrived at new joint Branie, on the Ten Katestraat in Amsterdam, I had no idea what to expect. The front window had a crack in it, and there was only a small sign. You would walk straight past it, to be honest. Once inside, I was welcomed by the owner and the wonderful Indonesian hostess (who is also co-responsible for the menu). I was totally blown away by the innovating dishes and incredible spices. Let me introduce..

Branie stands for guts
I’m told that the name Branie is a combination between an Indonesian and a typical Amsterdam word. It means daredevil, but in a cheeky way. It totally reflects the menu and cocktails. Owner Remco, previously owner of secret cocktail bar Porem, tells me that he wanted to combine his Indonesian roots with the Amsterdam spirit.

Branie brani, b[a bakje]ráni, is an Malaysian word that means cheeky daredevil, someone with balls

The Menu
In Asian countries, people share their food. At Branie they do the same. You are advised to order about 4 to 6 different dishes and you are welcomed with some spicy popcorn. We decided to go for the soft shell crab bao (which is served as a whole crab), the tea salad, the squid, prawn wangton (available upon request), some traditional chicken saté, and the Jackfruit Semoor, that has a meaty texture but is completely vegan. The tea salad needs a little more explanation because it actually contains tea and is specially imported. It has a sour flavour and great as a cold starter. The magic truly happens in the kitchen and behind the bar.

The Branie “KFC” mushroom bucket

Remco is a cocktail master and gives a modern twist to his cocktails. From Pandan Daiquiri, to Crying at the Piscoteque or the Damsko Fizz. You must try at least three!

The decor still needs some finishing touches, but once the details are added (such as a neon light, and some plants), Branie is set to be your next “local” Asian with balls.

Branie
Ten Katestraat 26, Amsterdam
Website

Love,

Elke

07 Dec 2017

Sticky Post By Wander-lust Posted in Amsterdam, L U S T, Tasty Hotspots Permalink

Back in Amsterdam » Modern Asian Cuisine, Umami by Han

Sticky Post By Wander-lust On December 7, 2017

If you love Asian food, you’re going to be pleased about the return of Umami by Han in Amsterdam. The restaurant concept was first brought to live in Utrecht with then many restaurants to follow. Amsterdam used to have a all you can eat location on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal but this closed 2 years ago due to a difference in vision between Michelin chef Han (known from Michelin Star HanTing Cuisine in Den Haag) and his business partner.

The Concept
Now, Han’s original concept returns back with the modern Asian dining experience that is all about the Umami philosophy. The word Umami is all about keeping different flavours in balance. The tastes of sweet, salty, bitter and sour are familiar to us, but there is a fifth taste we can perceive with our tongue, umami. Its taste has been described as rounded, rich and savoury. It’s usually matched with salt to add depth and complexity to foods that may lack depth and complexity on their own. “If you take ginger for example, your body actually needs something to balance it out, this could be cucumber.” We try to implement this to all our dishes” Chi, the restaurant manager tells me.

The Overtoom
The location is something you may have been before. At the beginning of the Overtoom, where concept store Friday Next used to be. They have completely changed it and you won’t believe your eyes. The restaurant is deep and spacious, with a Asian style bar at the entrance. The open kitchen looks amazing and the latern lights plus Asian wall art completes the look & feel. The restaurant is also open during the day for a quick business lunch or à la card meal, but you can also walk in for a coffee or glass of wine.

The open kitchen

The Menu
You can choose between the 3-course Social Dining Menu for €27,50 or the Menu Gastronomique for €31,95. You can find signature dishes like Teriyaki Chicken, Bangkok Prawns or Orange Duck, alongside Truffle Paksoi, Spicy Eggplant or Little Gem. You can order an extra course for an additional 8 euro per dish. Deserts are available for only €5,- and the menu consists of Matcha Cake, Pandan Créme Brûlée or a Choco Brownie, yum!

Beautiful balanced food for a small price

Scallops à la Umami by Han

This desert is ready to be eaten!

I can’t believe that a modern Asian cuisine can be so good and yet so affordable! Get your hungry ass over here, cause this place is of of the best food discoveries of this month!

Umami
Overtoom 31H, Amsterdam
020-2801379
Website

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