Vegetarian for the win

It always feels like a bit of a personal victory to find a really good vegetarian place around town. It was part of that hunt that led us to Tum Tum Asia, cosily tucked away behind Lamcy Plaza, in Oud Mehta. What a surprise to discover it was being helmed by none other than celebrity chef Akshay Nayyar!
The dining space is billed as the city's first 100 per cent vegetarian, pan-Asian restaurant. From India to Singapore, Thailand and Japan, the place is a delightful journey through Asia, thanks to a wonderfully innovative menu and some very cool decor. 'Unfinished' brick walls, corrugated metal panelling, whimsical lights, colourful graffiti and furniture - it takes a few moments to absorb. Oh, and we loved that every table came with built-in cutlery drawers - neat!
As for the food, our only regret was that we couldn't explore the menu in its entirety. Thai pani puri shots, charred soya wings ("the perfect meat substitute," my partner declared), steamed/fried dim sums - and veg sushi! We shared a dish of Cantonese Fried Rice and Mapo Tofu Balls for mains, but the Chocolate Burger served with vanilla ice cream was what did us in, in the end.
Tum Tum Asia, you win. We're definitely coming back - there's a matcha mousse cake we have our eye on.

Taste
As mentioned, the menu was wonderfully innovative. The must-try is the yummy charred soya wings, served on skewers with chilli potato wedges and sweet chilli sugar snaps, which had my partner raring to recreate her own honey garlic sauce at home.

Ambience
So very quirky. Much thought has been given to the decor to give it a 'street' feel, with colourful graffiti on the walls. Our only quibble was navigating the bare minimum space between some of the tables. Kind of felt like we were eating with more people than we came with!

Service
Service was excellent, thanks to our server Ishita, who was very well informed and who recommended the best of the menu (taking our preferences into account). We didn't have to wait for dishes to arrive either - even though it was a full house.

Presentation
Drinks served out of cylinders, wooden barrels and smoking apparatus; starters served on little carts with wheels (you know, 'street style'!); desserts constructed and torched at the table - we loved wondering what would surprise us next. Full marks for creativity!

Value for money
Starters, mains, desserts - all can be had for 20-something bucks! Starter plates offer 4-6 pieces per dish; mains and desserts can be shared, if you're not peckish. In other words, two people can have a great meal for about Dh120. Definitely has our vote for a casual night out.

Fact box
Tum Tum Asia, Sheikha Building, 13th Street, near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai
For reservations: 058-2060681
Avg cost for two: Dh120
karen@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining