LOCATIONFirst floor Manuka Court in the heart of the Manuka shopping district
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIASituated atop the Manuka Court shopping plaza in the leafy suburb of Manuka is the modest gourmet Indian restaurant, Jewel of India. Although partially obscured (a diamond amid the rough of trendy fashion stores and jewellers), this restaurant is an oasis offering traditional Indian cuisine with an emphasis on delighting customers of all dietary desires. Jewel of India boasts chefs versed in both North and South Indian cuisine; the result being a hearty, but not haughty, menu. The owner Venkatesh Ramachandran is himself an accomplished chef in his native India and provides exceptional quality control to assure the most authentic product.
While there are no surprises on the entree list (all the favourites are there), you can be certain that the tandoor dishes, particularly the chicken tikka and tandoori lamb cutlets, are delectable and the perfect opening to an Indian feast. In fact the entree platter for two is a more than generous serving of highlights from the starters section, if not a meal unto itself! The mains selection works its way through velvety yoghurt or coconut curries, both spicy and mild, with a variety of meats and vegetables. The Hyderabadi lamb masala and Madras beef are favourites among visitors. However it’s hard to go past the vegetarian offerings. Jewel of India’s signature dish is the
dal makhni – black lentils cooked in a creamy garlic and butter gravy. To quench the thirst is a fine collection of beer and wine or, for the young or young at heart, lassi – a traditional yoghurt drink in mango or rose flavours. Of course if your eyes are too big for your stomach there is always the option to doggy bag.
Nick Hadland, November 2009