MANDIR - by Matthew Booth

I have to admit that this is one of my favourite Indian Restaurants, not just in Basel, but of all the ones I have eaten in. Why? Simple really, a good choice of quality food, well cooked and well presented, and all for a reasonable price (certainly when compared to other Indian restaurants in the area).

Let’s start with the food - I find the starters a tad bland, but to be honest, rarely have one as the main course portion size is generous and filling. A small basket of Popadoms is provided free of charge to keep you busy while pondering the fairly extensive menu, which of course being Indian, caters well for both Vegetarians and Carnivores in equal measure.

Unlike the UK, ordering a Korma is not the option for those who do not like curry, the Korma dishes here are actually quite spicy, but certainly not overpowering. I am normally torn between ordering the Lamb Korma Hot or the Lamb Gosht Kastoori (both dishes are also available in Chicken) from the Ayurvedic Menu, they are both milder in heat, but full on flavour and spice. The Chicken Murg Gazala is quite unique, as the sauce is slightly hot, but tempered with lots of fresh mint leaves, which provides for an interesting and tasty alternative to the more common ‘British’ offerings.

My Fiancé, Siobhàn, is vegetarian and tends to alternate between the Bhindi do Piazah (Lady Finger) and the Baigan ka Bhurtha (Roasted egg plant), both of which are relatively mild but well cooked using fresh ingredients which are cooked well in order to preserve their original texture and flavour.

The menu is full of other treats, and as you would expect contains numerous vegetable side dishes, and a few varieties of rice. Plain Basmati rice is served with your meal at no extra cost, but other rice options carry a surcharge. To be honest, the curry is so nice, I resist the urge to experiment with different rice dishes, as I find this to be a waste of money.

Nan Bread for me is a must, and I usually go for the Murg Kultcha (stuffed with Tandooried Chicken pieces and served with a selection of typical Indian sauces, or the Keema Nan (filled with spiced lamb meat). I even had the pleasure of trying a new Nan that will appear on the revised menu shortly, which is stuffed with Chillies and Garlic, but the name escapes me at the moment.

Kingfisher beer is available in small bottles, or a draft beer of Kronenburg 1664 for those with a bigger thirst or smaller budget. A decent selection of wines and spirits is also available, even whiskeys that feature in a special Whiskey and Food menu.

Moving to service now, this in general is good and attentive. I sometimes get the feeling that the owner is so keen to please his diners by squeezing another table in, that as a result the staff get spread a little thin, and on occasions the wait for food from the kitchen can be a bit longer than it ought to be, especially at peak times (7-8pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights).

Final verdict, great VFM, good food and nice atmosphere. Booking not essential, but definitely advised for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, especially in the cooler months when demand increases. Lunch menu starts from CHF12.50 and comes with soup or salad and some fresh Indian bread. Main courses in the evening start at CHF20, with the majority being around CHF28 (with rice included).