The Leela Palace Kempinski is one of the most beautiful places in Bangalore, the ornate architecture, regal hallways, and large peaceful lawns – it takes minutes here to feel the magical opulence of the palace hotel. Zen Leela Palace is their in house Pan Asian restaurant, located beautifully amidst the greenery, large Chinese lanterns brightening up the evening, right next to their Indian Restaurant Jamavar. We were invited for a preview of the ‘Dim sum Evenings’ that’s running this entire month at Zen – featuring a new menu of delectable new creations designed and curated by Chef Mir Zafar Ali and his team.

Night View

Chef Mir Zafar Ali and his team

We were served various dim sums – paired with sauces, and the beautiful flavors and unique tastes were amazing. There were selection of 6 vegetarian and 6 non vegetarian variants – starting with the Steamed Asparagus and Steamed Chilean Sea Bass Dumpling. The latter was a simple, yet phenomenal – simmered ever so slightly, and served in a steamer – absolutely loved this. Highly recommended! I have never been too fond of Edamane, especially the texture, but the Truffle and Edamane Dumpling here realigned my preferences, very nicely chopped edamame blended with truffles, very well done. The Golden Fried Prawn Puff was another stunner, the fusion of butter and eggs giving the outer layer a nice and crunchy texture, while leaving the soft prawn hot and delicious inside. I had two helpings of this, really couldn’t resist it!

Assorted Dimsums – Chilean Sea Bass, Lamb with Black Pepper, Schezwan Chicken

Golden Fried Prawn Puff

The Tofu Dumplings were very well done – braised slightly with soy and sesame, giving the right bit of spring to it. The Baked Char Sui Pork Puff was one of my favorites as well, a nice hot crisp puff with hot and sweet pork filling, very well made. We especially liked the Chili pumpkin sauce with which the initial dim sums were paired. There were other dishes with chicken, mock meat and lamb as well, some saucy and spicy dim sums too. The meal continued to some main course, which I managed to merely try – Thai Styled Chicken Green Curry and Jasmine Rice should definitely not be missed if you have space left! The Prawns in Black Pepper Sauce were a little too chewy for my liking.

Puffs, Bao’s, Braised Tofu and more !!!!

And more dumplings – Pumpkin and Corn, Chicken Dim Sums !!!

After the dinner, Chef was kind enough to show us around the restaurant and to their Teppanyaki and Yakitori kitchens – to see some of the live showmanship. A meal for two excluding alcohol for the dim sum trails is about 2500, and this special a-la carte menu is available until the end of September. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Zen Leela Palace Kempinski!

And the desserts!

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