Gurgaon Foodie group is committed to encourage and support deserving small food entrepreneurship startups. Also given that all of us are constantly looking for the next new taste, when Gurgaon Foodie Himanshu Malik of Obento, gets in touch with me, I agree to taste and review his food, even though it is completely vegetarian.

Himanshu’s concept is simple – and has been tried before. He serves vegetarian Asian Bento boxes (and hence the name Obento). So you go on Zomato or download an app, choose the type of noodles (there are many varieties from regular, to wheat, to Udon, to flat rice noodles etc), then the sauce from the nine choices given, then four veggies and then the toppings (extras range from one rupee to Rs 40 for asparagus). So I order two different types of Bentos (Rs 230 each as the base price).

Bento 1: Base is Udon Noodles; Black Bean Sauce, Veggies: Button Mushroom, Broccoli, Tofu, Green Zucchini. Add Ons: Shiitake Mushroom, Oyster Mushroom, Snow Pea, Water Chestnut, Burnt Garlic, Spring Onion.

Bento 2: Base is Rice Stick noodles, Black Pepper Sauce. Veggies: Button Mushroom, Broccoli, Green Zucchini, Spinach. Add Ons: Pak Choi, Thai Brinjal, Green Zucchini, Snow Pea, Bamboo Shoot, Water Chestnut, Burnt Garlic, Spring Onion, Thai Basil, Coriander, Crushed Peanuts, Fried Onions.

In addition I order the three dumplings on offer – Mixed Veg Dumplings (Beans, Caulliflower, Carrot, Mushroom, Babycorn, Broccoli, Onion, Ginger, Coriander; Wheat based), Pak Choi, Corn & Mushroom Dumplings and Siu Mai Dumplings (Beans, Caulliflower, Carrot, Mushroom, Babycorn, Broccoli, Onion, Ginger, Coriander, Cottage Cheese, Bell Pepper,  Wheat based) each of whom is priced at Rs 165.

                   Mixed Veg Dumplings                        Siu Mai Dumplings

The order arrives on the dot of time, and is hot when it is delivered. The packing however may need more thinking by Obento. The choice of green as a colour does not give the packaging a very appetizing look, and since the box is too small, the noodles get compacted and emerge from the packaging in a brick shape.

Coming to the taste, both the bento boxes are yum. I personally love black pepper, and so enjoy that more but the other one is equally delicious.

The dumplings get overshadowed. The wheat based wrapping, though admittedly much healthier, does not deliver the right texture. While the first two dumplings are still enjoyable, I am not sure the same can be said for the open faced Siu Mai Dumplings since the veggies dry up there.

Obento can be a big boon for the good food starved vegetarians as well as those wanting good vegetarian food to order for a change. I am sure they will improve their packaging, and I look forward to them doing well.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from Obento to taste their food, and when the food was sent to the author’s home, no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the extra care and attention the food samples got before being sent for review.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.5 | Delivery: 4.0 | Packing: 3.5 | Value: 3.5 | Overall: 3.5

Meal for two: Rs.600

Order: Download app or through Zomato

Tel: +91 9811667071