In a city with dining options going into the thousands it is not easy finding something that is new and unique, so when we heard about Dubai’s first ever 100% vegetarian restaurant we just had to try it out. Not because we are vegetarians, the opposite in fact, but to see just how creative you can be with a purely vegetarian menu and how tasty it can be.
Walking into Tum Tum Asia you immediately sense a relaxed yet bustling environment, where casual dining and street food combine well.
The place is very quirky with all the walls decorated differently, the dishes served in different ways, some presented on model rickshaws, drinks served in cylinders and barrels and a draw in each table where guests can help themselves to more cutlery and napkins without waiting for a member of staff to get them.
The menu is intensive offering a wide range of dishes from across Asia including India, Thailand, Singapore, China and Japan.
Stand out starters were the Wow Wonton, the Thai Pani Poori Shots and the smoked Tandoori Sushi, which gives a smoked taste initially then the spice gently kicks in.
The variety of creative tasty dishes continues throughout the menu with the Twice Cooked Mushrooms, Famous Cheese Balls, filled with smooth molten cheese and the Singaporean Laksa, all of which very pleasantly surprise in how vegetarian dishes can be so tasty.
This was emphasised with the Charred Soya Wings. Served on skewers and cooked in a honey and garlic coating, with chilli potato wedges and sweet chilli sugar snaps, so tasty we could be forgiven for thinking we were eating chicken skewers.
Considering it was a Sunday evening and Tum Tum Asia has only been open since mid October, the constant stream of customers shows that the brains behind it, Chef Akshay Nayyar, has created a hit and a must visit for everyone. And with starters ranging from Dhs 20 and mains going up to around Dhs 40 you could go often and eventually try everything on the menu.
Tum Tum Asia is located in Umm Hurair, Bur Dubai, just behind Lamcy Plaza and though walk-ins are possible, booking in advance, especially at weekends, is recommended.
Call 058-2060681.