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2014-09-21
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Where to bring family for dinner has always been a struggle. They have had enough all-Chinese 'foodstyle', so it was time to try something new.Trying to fit in, most Indian restaurants has their traditional cuisines changed because of our preference for milder taste. However, we were curious about the authentic Indian recipes. Of course, the Chunking Mansion is a great option. Basmati was the place we decided to go for at last because we felt like to dine in a more decent restaurant.Basmati is l
Trying to fit in, most Indian restaurants has their traditional cuisines changed because of our preference for milder taste. However, we were curious about the authentic Indian recipes. Of course, the Chunking Mansion is a great option. Basmati was the place we decided to go for at last because we felt like to dine in a more decent restaurant.
Basmati is located in the heart of Sheung Wan, Connaught Road. A catchy neon sign indicated the entry. 'A taste of India', we hoped the food could bring us gustatory delights.
The instant we stepped into the restaurant, we knew it was the place perfect for family dinner or group gatherings. It is spacious where you can enjoy quality family time without elbows touching.
Indian restaurant usually presents complimentary appetisers. Same here, we got Papadum & Onion Bhajee accompanied with two sauces: mint chutney and tamarind one. The papadum is crispy but not oily with faint taste of pepper. Love the sauces particularly. The mint chutney I had in other Indian restaurants were often too one-sidedly emphasised on the minty flavour. But I found this the balance quite right. For the red sauce made with tamarind, it was slightly sweetened, a bit like the sweet and sour paste we use in Chinese dish. Both sauces go well with the papadum and bhajee.
Mango Lassi has always been the signature drink in any Indian restaurants. Yet it is difficult to master the skill of making a good one. This Mango Lassi ($36) is thick enough. Even the ice melted later on, we did not find it too watery, still retained the sweetness of mango and creaminess of yogurt.
Young Coconut ($42): refreshing and a healthier option if you want drinks low in sugar. However, I don't suggest getting this in a fine restaurant because it is always a lot more expensive than those you can get in fruit markets while tasting equally good.
Saag Paneer ($78) spinach with cottage cheese.The spiciness of this is not too overwhelming. I believe this is still acceptable to most Hong Kong people. This is so different from Chinese style of cooking spinach that it is more like a spinach puree. Thick in texture and the flavours were completely blended in. Sometimes, Paneer with spinach is made with full fat cream or cheese. The choice of cottage cheese used here is a healthy alternative.
Nan, again, another must-order Indian dish. They never goes wrong with curry. Basmati offers cheese, green onion, plain and garlic nan. We chose the Garlic Nan ($24). Nan, in my previous experience, has always been made too oily. To my surprise, the Nan here was not. Yet, the garlic taste was not strong enough.
Cucumber Paita ($36) It is under the category of salad therefore we were not surprised to find it to be a cold dish. Taste of cucumber dominated, combined with yogurt, a very refreshing appetiser to have. The pinch of spice and mint leafs added complication in flavours, which succeed in transforming it to a less dull one.
Lamb Masala ($92)It was well-presented in a small pot. Lamb was cooked perfectly. It was again not too spicy. The curry was divine. We licked our plates clean with the help of Nan bread. I must say, this was the best dish of the night.
While Chunking Mansion provides equally good Indian cuisines, I personally prefer here for their service. Water was provided in the midway. Waiters making sure if everything was okay from time to time. They even asked us for feedbacks to their food! Lastly, a spice box was provided to freshen your breathe.
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