Pune’s food scene erupted in the past decade as locals tuned their palates on world travel and gastronomic exposure. Cuisines from across the globe were welcomed with open arms and many international restaurants set up shop in the city much to the delight of the epicureans. However, Pan Asian food breached the gastronomic prejudice of Pune way back. We admit, Pan Asian food available today is more refined and authentic as it was years ago and restaurants like ‘Gong’ bores testament to this very fact. Gourmets call Gong one of the best Asian eateries in Pune and it’s trendy location at Balewadi High Street, Cummins India Office Campus, Baner-Balewadi Link Road, Baner, only adds to the charm of it’s high culinary reputation.
A delicious symphony of oriental flavours awaits you at Gong. Regional cuisines of Pan Asian provinces are adapted to create the extensive, scrumptious menu of Gong. Food is a mesh of classic and progressive. Sushi for example. The innovative take given to sushi by the chef is mention-worthy. Variety is truly impressive and there is something for everyone. Although, Gong presents an amiable bar selection, we suggest you order pot of Ginseng Oolong tea for a change to pair the meal. Open the meal with, pork & garlic chive sui mai, crispy vegetable cheung fun, sushi doughnut, asparagus tempura roll, roast duck teriyaki baos, avocado bruschetta and soft shell crab. For second round go with, chicken with roasted chillies, tofu & zucchini lasagne, Vietnamese sticky pork belly, king prawn red curry, honey duck, exotic vegetables in chilli basil sauce, lamb shank and whole betki.
Match your mains with a staple of some sort. Smoked duck & asparagus fried rice or soba yaki noodles has our vote. Finally, you reach the best part of the menu – desserts. Amaze your palate with few Asian-inspired desserts like, forest by night, kaffir lime tart, rose & lychee mousse, rambutan with vanilla ice cream, mango pudding and chocolate dome. Contrary to what you might think, Gong is not all that expensive. You can enjoy a lavish meal for two under 2K. Food is beautifully presented to increase it’s appeal. Décor is a combination of industrial chic. Look is modern, sleek and edgy. They have built this space along the contemporary minimalistic lines. The scaffolding covering the entire upper half of the restaurant somehow works. Table reservation is highly recommended.
Keywords: Baner, Pune, Pan Asian, Medium Pricey, Modern, Chic, Trendy, Edgy, Innovative, Tea.
Summary: While dining at Gong, keep your camera phones on standby for this restaurant is lovely. Scrumptious Pan Asian food plated just as attractively instantly hooks your curiosity. Part of Baner circuit in Pune, Gong is an up and coming name in the city’s fine dining ladder.
