August 6, 2025

MadCo, an intimate speakeasy in Chennai, is about to offer something fresh and exciting as Chef Mathangi Kumar hosts a special Asian pop-up this weekend. Known for her innovative approach, Mathangi seeks to bring intriguing flavors to the palate, drawing inspiration from her travels and love for layered flavors. "There are many great Asian restaurants in Chennai, but they often miss the fun elements," she shares. The pop-up promises to deliver intriguing tastes and textures. The five-course menu is designed to be umami-rich and playful, reflecting Mathangi's belief that food is about experience. The chef explains how the concept of this Asian menu initially evolved from the introduction of beer cocktails at MadCo, which are known for being light and refreshing, a perfect accompaniment to her dishes. Lunch starts with a Japanese-style sesame salad, crafted with seared romaine and crunchy Wai-Wai, all doused in a delicious sesame dressing. Following this, diners will be treated to two dim sum courses, showcasing options like Thai green curry chicken, truffled mushroom, and asparagus filled dumplings, or a refreshing water chestnut offering. As the meal progresses, guests will have the opportunity to choose three small plates, allowing for flexibility in selecting favorites. Exclusive choices include Tangra-style Chinese chaat, silken tofu prepared with Sichuan panko, a creative fried chicken trio, and lotus stem with curry leaves, offering a blend of flavors and textures. For main courses, Chef Mathangi revisits her beloved Mala noodles, which she initially created during the pandemic, giving them a new twist for this pop-up. Alongside, there’s a luxurious truffle beef fried rice, served with delicate jasmine rice topped with a perfectly runny egg. Finally, the dining experience culminates with tempting desserts. Guests can indulge in warm French toast garnished with matcha mascarpone crème, a refreshing ginger panna cotta, or a warm upside down miso caramel apple cake, each thoughtfully created to tantalize the taste buds. Reservations for this special lunch experience can be made by messaging MadCo on Instagram. The pop-up lunch is available from noon to 4 pm at a price of ₹2,500 plus taxes. Join in on this culinary adventure at MadCo and savor Asian-inspired dishes reimagined under Chef Mathangi's unique flair.

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Tags: Asian cuisine, Pop-up, Chennai, Chef mathangi kumar, Dumplings,