Sit Down to a Meal From the Heartland of Tibet

By Visy Valsan

Bangalore, Mar 14 : Amdo Corner may not seem inviting to anyone venturing in its direction for the first time. Tucked away in Austin Town, there’s just enough space for the waiters to move around this crammed joint. But forget the ambience, it’s the authentic Tibetan food which is the major draw here. And why not? Its owner Amdo Tsering hailing from Amdo city in Tibet ensures that each dish has a bit of Tibet in it.

Cooking comes naturally to him and he owes it all to his mother. “My mother worked as a full-time labourer in a farm owned by the Chinese. Her work took all day; she hardly found time for cooking. So, she taught me how to cook,” says Tsering.

The restaurant displays on its walls Tsering’s devotion to his motherland — a large, colourful poster of Tibet and a photograph of Tsering’s home (and the origin of the ingredients he uses at Amdo’s). He’s brought to India, literally, scoops of Tibet, through the original flavours contained in the manchurian gravies and momos. “Tibet is a very cold place and what we eat there cannot be eaten here, considering the hot climate of South India. So, even as we use the same ingredients, we tweak the recipe so your tummies are in good shape,” smiles Tsering who continues to source the ingredients through the Tibetan-Bhutan-Ladakh route.

The long list of Tibetan dishes on the menu may confuse you. But ask Tsering for help and he’ll gladly assist. “Well, you could try the Thenthuk thick noodle soup or take the Saptra if you are looking for something meaty,” he told us and signalled to the waiter.

The restaurant serves vegetarian, chicken and beef; with noodles being the main draw. Momos too, are hot favourites. However, try the Pale of Amdo (yes, named after Amdo).

Ibnul Muttaquee, a frequent customer says: “The food reminds me of what we used to eat in Tibetan restaurants in Assam. This place brings back memories of those places and I love to drop in just for that.”

Where: Amdo Corner Restaurant, 1st cross, Yarappa Garden, Opposite BDA complex, Austin Town –47, Bangalore
When: 12 -10pm
How much: Rs10 to Rs100
Call 9886173890 for home delivery