During my first visit to the restaurant, I had the pleasure of trying Thakali cuisine, and it was an experience worth savoring. The presentation of the dishes was impeccable, leaving a lasting visual impression. The dal and saag were executed perfectly, while the achars and alu/karela fry added a delightful mix of flavors to the meal. The mutton dish leaned towards North Indian flavors, providing a touch of familiarity.
However, the true highlight of the meal was the rice kheer. The juxtaposition of the chalky texture of milk solids and the springiness of the rice created a delightful balance in every spoonful. This dessert was truly a standout moment that left a memorable mark.
The restaurant's staff added to the positive experience with their cheerful and helpful demeanor. Despite being in an atmosphere that felt somewhat container-like, the service managed to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
On my second visit, which occurred three weeks later, I ventured into Japanese cuisine. Unfortunately, the experience was less impressive. The maki sushi was mediocre, failing to stand out as an exceptional representation of the cuisine. The Assamese pork with potato was reminiscent of Tibetan pork shey-shog, which was a surprising comparison to make.
The one downside during this visit was the rice that was ordered with the Assamese pork curry item. I had been told to expect "sticky rice," but what I received was far from it. The rice was dry and lacked the desired texture, impacting the overall enjoyment of the dish. Additionally, the spaghetti dish was quite average, missing the mark on being cooked "Al dente," a preference that wasn't understood by the server.
It's fascinating how dining experiences can vary so widely, even within the same establishment. The initial enchantment with Thakali cuisine was followed by a less impressive encounter with Japanese and other dishes. Despite the inconsistency, I appreciated the attention to detail and the effort put into presentation during both visits.
Ultimately, the restaurant's potential shines through in moments like the marsi rice kheer, where the blend of unique textures and flavors showcase culinary creativity. While there were certainly highlights, the overall experience leaves room for improvement, particularly in maintaining consistency across different...
Read moreI recently visited Bagaicha with three friends, expecting what they proudly market as a multi-cuisine fine dining experience. The concept of being able to sit anywhere and order from any of their restaurants sounded amazing — until reality hit.
We chose to sit in the Hanaka House section (Japanese restaurant) and had just settled in, taken off our shoes as per their setup, and hadn’t even ordered anything, when a staff member rudely told us we can’t sit there if we weren’t ordering Japanese food. We were shocked. Their whole "sit anywhere, order anything" pitch turned out to be a lie. When I expressed that this was ruining our experience, only then did they reluctantly allow us to stay.
We ordered a Thakali Khana set, priced at a whopping NPR 1980 per plate. What we got was substandard. The rice was poor, green vegetables were missing (something that used to be included on my previous visit), and when we asked for a refill of the buckwheat flatbread, a waiter mocked me, saying “Do you want to order another tandoori roti or Naan from the menu?” and gave me half a bread. That level of sarcasm in a so-called fine dining place is completely UNACCEPTABLE.
When I reminded them that they used to serve green veggies before, the manager came over and promised to bring it — only to return later with potatoes and one single piece of cauliflower, calling that “green veggies.” To make things worse, he returned again and, in a mocking tone, told me: “Nistha Mam, if you come again, please ask for green veggies.”
Honestly, 9335 for four people — for this level of food and treatment? That’s over half the monthly minimum wage in Nepal (NPR 17,300). They refused to refill dessert too and said we had to pay extra if we wanted more. For a place that claims to offer “fine dining,” this was the most disrespectful, overpriced, and disappointing experience I’ve ever had.
Bagaicha is not fine dining. It is pretending to be. There’s no warmth, no hospitality, and certainly no justification for their absurd prices. If you’re looking for real value, respect, and good food — look elsewhere. This place is all...
Read moreI have been visiting Bagaicha since its opening in 2023 and always recommended it to family and friends for reunions. In the beginning, the cocktails were excellent, food was good, and service was acceptable for a new establishment. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was disappointing enough to make me reconsider ever going back.
We went on a Friday evening to celebrate my daughter’s 2nd birthday and my in-laws’ last night in Kathmandu. We had a reservation for seven adults and a child. On arrival, we were greeted warmly and given welcome drinks. Soon after, however, mistakes began piling up. Instead of a margarita cocktail, we were served a margarita pizza. The server encouraged us to keep it, and since my daughter likes pizza, we reluctantly agreed. Later, one of our appetizer orders (saphale) never arrived despite waiting for over an hour.
Our main courses were also poorly managed. The burger was served first, while the Nepali thali and tenderloin steak were delayed the longest. The steak was explained as being frozen, which should have been communicated before we ordered. When it finally came, it was overcooked and not what we had requested.
I raised these concerns with the manager, who was respectful, apologized, and agreed that we would not be charged for the pizza or missing appetizer. Unfortunately, when the bill came, our server argued in front of our guests that we had to pay for the pizza because it was consumed, directly contradicting the manager. The tone was confrontational and unprofessional, and the situation became embarrassing. A colleague eventually had to step in and apologize.
While many staff members were polite, this one interaction overshadowed the entire evening. What should have been a special family celebration turned into a frustrating experience.
Bagaicha once held great promise, but inconsistent service and poor management have eroded that. Sadly, after being a loyal customer since its opening, I will not be recommending or returning...
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