Birmingham’s vibrant food scene is about to get even more exciting with the arrival of acclaimed chef Abhi Sainju at The Pizitz Food Hall. Known for his innovative Asian cuisine at Bamboo on 2nd, Chef Abhi is bringing a brand new concept, MoMo, to this bustling culinary hub. Food lovers are invited to experience a unique blend of flavors as MoMo introduces its fresh take on Bahn Mi and Nepalese Momos, adding another layer of delicious diversity to the Pizitz Food Hall experience.
Abhi Sainju’s journey to becoming a celebrated chef is as flavorful as his dishes. His story begins in Nepal, with formative years spent at a Jesuit boarding school in India. While he cherishes memories from his school days, the institutional food wasn’t among them. Instead, monthly trips to town were eagerly anticipated for the explosion of Indian flavors and delicacies they offered. This early exposure sparked a passion for cooking that Abhi nurtured both at home and within the school setting.
His culinary adventure continued when he arrived in the United States in 1996 for college. While studying at UAB and tending bar at Surin in Birmingham, Abhi was captivated by the art of sushi making. Observing the chefs and brainstorming menu ideas ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and culinary ambitions. Even after graduating from UAB in 2003 with a degree in Information Management and Systems, the allure of the kitchen was undeniable. He continued bartending but dedicated his free time to culinary experimentation. Friends became his first patrons, eagerly bringing Tupperware for servings of his growing repertoire, including favorites like goat curry and chicken biryani.
In 2011, an unexpected opportunity arose – learning sushi at a local Target store. Initially envisioned as a short training period for efficient sushi roll preparation, it turned into a fast-track to becoming “the sushi guy” after the previous chef’s departure. Armed with the basics, Abhi’s creativity took over, and he started crafting original sushi rolls, initially for friends, then expanding to catering, private events, and bars under the banner of Everest Sushi.
Everest Sushi found a home in 2013 at the Red Zone sports bar in Southside, marking a significant step in Abhi’s culinary career. This platform allowed him to refine his sushi skills and experiment with other dishes, most notably Nepalese dumplings, hinting at the culinary direction he would later pursue. In 2014, Everest moved to the Blue Monkey, a pivotal moment where he connected with future partners for his groundbreaking restaurant, Bamboo on 2nd.
July 2015 marked the debut of Bamboo on 2nd, and it quickly became a Birmingham dining destination. Garnering accolades from prominent publications like AL.com, What to Eat in Birmingham, and Southern Living Magazine, Bamboo on 2nd was recognized by AL.com as the best Asian restaurant in Birmingham in 2016. As Executive Chef and a founding partner, Abhi curated a menu that draws inspiration from diverse Asian cuisines, creating a truly unique and acclaimed dining experience. Fan favorites from his Everest Sushi days, such as the Wham Bam Birmingham Roll, found a place alongside new creations like Nepalese Dumplings, the flavorful Nepalese chicken soup Thukpa, the refreshing Tako (Octopus) Salad, savory marinated beef skewers, and the popular KFC: Kathmandu Fried Chicken.
Now, Abhi is set to bring his culinary expertise and innovative spirit to The Pizitz Food Hall with MoMo. His concept for MoMo is a delightful fusion of creative Bahn Mi and authentic Momos. Bahn Mi, the iconic Vietnamese sandwiches, are served on light and airy baguette variations unique to Vietnam, typically featuring grilled meats, fresh herbs, and pâté. MoMo’s Bahn Mi will offer exciting options like rich pork belly, fragrant lemongrass chicken, and vibrant seasonal vegetables, catering to a range of palates.
Momos, the namesake of the stall, are Nepalese dumplings, a dish close to Abhi’s heart and heritage. Among the Momo offerings will be Abhi’s Nepalese Momos, filled with ground turkey and vegetables and served with a distinctive Alabama tomato vinaigrette – a light and flavorful tomato-based broth. Adding a personal touch, “Abhi’s mother’s special” will also be featured, showcasing seasonal mixed vegetables with a special Momo sauce, a testament to family recipes and authentic flavors.
The arrival of MoMo at Pizitz Food Hall adds another compelling reason to visit this dynamic culinary space. With Abhi Sainju at the helm, MoMo promises to be a must-try for anyone seeking exciting and authentic flavors within the bustling atmosphere of the Pizitz Food Hall. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey as MoMo opens its doors and brings a taste of Nepal and Vietnam to the heart of Birmingham.
