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A CLASSIC INDIAN RESTAURANT IN LOS MONTESINOS

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Staff Reporter / 2010-06-17 14:32:47

The Royal India has been a mainstay of the Los Montesinos eating out collection for a couple of years now with both dining in and takeaway meaning it is popular with those wanting a night out as much as with those either on their way back from one or enjoying a quiet evening in.

The venue, just off the main road on the western edge of this popular town, is well signposted and easily accessible with on street parking directly outside. It has been recently modernised and the contemporary feel fits in with the new-look menu. The décor is extremely bright and very tasteful as is the restaurant layout with its comfortable and well spaced furniture.

There is a good atmosphere which is helped with Indian music and trendy lighting panels on the wall. This is a restaurant that gets fairly busy on most evenings of the week particularly with those many diners who have already discovered the amazing 4 Course Special.

Although the menu is as extensive as anything in the area the Special is absolutely superb value for money. Four courses including any starter and a main dish of your choice together with rice or naan bread and a sweet or coffee to finish. In these times where most of us are watching our wallets you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere that provides better value. 

My colleague and I decided to try the main menu. We both had a papadom to start with a selection of chutneys and pickles. The papadoms were light and crispy while the dips were really fresh tasting so, with our taste buds tempted, we both ordered starters.

I chose the sheek kebab and he went for the malai chicken tikka — chicken marinated in yoghurt with mixed spices and mint. The portions were just the right size. There was a short wait for our main course but we enjoyed sampling the Indian beer, Cobra, which perfectly complemented the meal while we waited.

For the main course I had the Lamb tikka — boneless pieces of lamb cooked in tandoori spices served with pilau rice. Andy opted for the fish bhuna — a fish curry cooked with a thick sauce of tomatoes and onions. The dish originates from a region in the eastern South Asia which is now divided between the Indian state of West Bengal and the independent country of Bangladesh.

For my part, being less than adventurous, the lamb tikka is my favourite Indian meal and I can easily say the Royal India does the best version I have ever tried. The sauce is delicately spiced while the lamb is tender and the pilau rice perfectly complements the meal. Despite feeling full I had to finish as it was so delicious.

To accompany our meal we shared a garlic naan bread. The bread was lightly toasted and the garlic was well cooked meaning it was not too overpowering.

Throughout the meal the staff, managed by the effervescent Anna, were friendly and attentive and very quick to clear the table and check we were OK for drinks.

As the food was so filling we both decided we couldn’t manage a dessert so opted instead had a filter coffee each which was served with cream – a very indulgent end to the meal!

The Royal India would be an ideal venue for a birthday or anniversary celebration and I am sure we will visit again and I look forward to trying out some of the other tempting dishes on the menu. Maybe even the tapas menu, which at euro 6.95 for two, including a drink, is absolutely superb value for money.

The restaurant is open from 1-3.30 pm every lunchtime and from 5.30 to midnight in the evening. More information from Anna on either 966 70 906 or 600 744 591.
 

Tags: The Royal India, Restaurant