Jewel of India 29-3-17

Diners: John, Megan, Jim, Karen, Ron

Entrees:  Chicken Tikka and Tali Macchi, Pappadams

Mains: Prawn Curry Goanese, Dum ka Gosht (lamb), Malai Kofta Kasmiri (cottage cheese dumplings), Dal Makhni (Black Lentils), Rice, Naan, Raita

Desserts: Gulab Jaman, mango and pistachio kulfis

Our most recent Wednesday night dinner was at the Jewel of India in Manuka.  The service and food were excellent – yet another good Indian restaurant in Canberra (who knew we would have so many!) 

For entrees, we started with Chicken Tikka (boneless tandoor chicken) and Tali Macchi (Fried Perch fillets flavoured with carom seeds and black pepper).  The chicken tikka pieces were beautifully moist and charred nicely on the outside.  The fried fish was also good – perfectly cooked fish coated in a deliciously spiced batter. 

The mains were all fantastic and we couldn’t pick a favourite dish.  We all enjoyed the Goanese prawn curry whose mild lime coconut curry sauce complemented the sweet delicate prawn meat. Our only meat dish (Dum ka Gosht ) was  also divine.  Described as meat “napped” herbs and spices and simmered in a smooth gravy over a slow fire, the meat (lamb) was so tender, it just melted in our mouths. 

We ordered 2 vegetarian dishes – the Malai Kofta (Cottage cheese dumplings in a cashew nut gravy) and Dal Makhni (black lentils with tomatoes, garlic, butter and cream).  The kofta were very nice but similar to other dishes we’ve had. The black lentils were more unusual and these REALLY yummy – the butter and cream gave the dish a nice mouth feel which worked a treat with the more robust lentils. 

We were all very full with the rich food but as usual, could still fit in dessert – Ron ordered Gulab jaman (with icecream), Jim had a mango kulfi and Megan and Karen shared a pistachio kulfi – standard dishes but all done well…a great way to end the meal!