Mai Mai has an uncharacteristic calmness for a joint that sits on one of the busiest stretches of Indiranagar. The room’s warm, softly lit, and small enough that you notice the quiet buzz emanating from the open kitchen, cookware moving with a purpose, and a team that pays attention without hovering. There’s something calm and assured about the safe – a prelude to the knowledge that good food’s on its way.
The menu pulls largely from East Asian comfort food, but gives it a gentle, personal twist. The dumplings are silky (the sweet potato pepper variant’s a crowd favourite); ramen bowls bring depth and warmth; bibimbap comes layered with house-fermented kimchi, and the lotus asparagus roll’s got an acidic crunch that keeps you guessing.Service moves calmly but quickly, and the team treats the food with respect – it’s immediately clear the restaurant’s not after chasing trends, but is simply doing what it knows well, and consistently. End with the chocolate and mandarin cake – it has a bright, citrus lift that’s a perfect ending note for a good meal.
Time Out tip:
Ask if they’re doing a nigiri special that night. It’s rarely printed but usually excellent.