Bhatti Pasal
Well, it certainly has been a while since the last review, or since my last visit to a restaurant in Amsterdam. Bhatti Pasal was my first stop after returning from Thailand. Getting over the flavours, the spices, the smells and the variety of Thai food is not easy, so I thought there’s only one thing that can soothe my pain: dumplings.
Bhatti Pasal has been on my list basically since it opened. First time around, I was put off by a one hour waiting list, and I had 3 other hangry people with me. Second time around, I was still put off by the 1 hour waiting list, but I knew it was now or never, so I stuck to the plan.
After an hour, as promised, we received a phone call that our table was ready. This was about 15 minute before closing, thus we were one of the last orders. The restaurant is small – and when I say small, I mean S MA L L. 16 people can sit down at once, max. No reservations – first come, first serve.
The place is owned by a couple of friends who joined forces to bring fresh, authentic Nepalese food to Amsterdam. Shortly after opening, Bhatti Pasal became number 1 on TripAdvisor, and stayed there for a while – currently at number 3. An overwhelming success for this tiny place hidden on a small street. People are raving and raving about their momos (the Nepalese form of dumplings), curry soups, chowmein and mixed platters. Ingredients are fresh, thus some things tend to run out throughout the day.
Hayden and I started with the famous steamed Chicken Momos, a nice portion of 10, with a tomato & coriander sauce. I could spend the rest of my life eating these, to be fair, but I do have an unhealthy obsession for everything associated with dumplings. The dough is very light and easy, and the filling generous. Hayden was not that impressed, but I think he would have preferred the pan fried ones. We shared these, but next time, I’m getting my own whole plate. Maybe 2.
Next, I got the Chowmein, wok noodles with chicken. I absolutely loved the chicken, it probably goes very high in my top of quality meats. Perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor. By far the star ingredient of the dish. As for the noodles and veggies, they were lacking some spices and were a bit too salty for my taste.
Hayden had the Thukpa, a Sherpa noodle soup with pork. Similar to my thoughts, he was in love with the crispy and very tasty pork, but not with the rest. However, I stole his leftovers for my next day lunch, and I have to say that (as most soups…), the flavor was much stronger then. The ingredients and spices had time to all mix together, the pork left all its juice in the soup, and everything came together beautifully.
Bhatti Pasal makes simple food, with fresh, high quality ingredients. The menu is small and they dedicate everything to being authentic. While neither of us were blown away by some of the dishes, I do have to say that we are not very familiar with the Nepalese cuisine.
I will return to Bhatti Pasal, if not for anything else, but for their momos. I have my heart set on the Jhol ones. I’d recommend a visit here, and I was satisfied with my food, more so than in many, many other places – just not certain it was worth a one hour wait, and not sure about it being Amsterdam’s 3rd best restaurant. To me, it’s an 8. To Hayden, it’s a 7; but this is my blog, so it’s an 8.
Value for money: 8
Food Quality: 8
Location: 9 (Voetboogstraat 23)
Service: 9
Website: https://www.bhattipasal.nl/index.html
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