Celebrating Holi in your belly with good cheap Indian food in Manila

If you happen to see a bunch of people running around, merrily throwing colored powder at each other in India or in Indian communities around the world on March 8, join in! The Holi festival occurs only once a year.

 

On this last full moon day of the month of Phalguna in the Hindu calendar (around February/March), the coming of spring is celebrated as it promises new harvest and flowers in full bloom. Bonfires are lit as Holi legends are told in this often two-day festival.

 

One popular legend is that of the demon-king Hiranyakashyap, who ordered his own son Prahlad to enter a raging fire. Prahlad was saved because of his devotion to the gods. This triumph over evil, as is the theme of most Holi legends, is remembered during Holi.

 

Another legend says that the lord Krishna started the tradition when he playfully put color on his beloved Radha's face. After some time, the people in their entire village enjoyed this as a pastime.

 

In Manila, where chances of being rainbow-kissed are low, you can opt to celebrate the grand festival of colors right inside your tummy–without costing an arm and a leg.

Here’s a rundown of some of the places where you can enjoy good reasonably priced Indian food.

 

Little India in Manila

If you ask a local where “Little India” is in the Philippines’ capital city, you will most likely be led to a street in Paco lined with Indian groceries and the Indian Sikh Temple. One particular place invites you to stay a while: Assad Cafe.

 

While this restaurant does not have an extensive menu, they serve all the popular Indian dishes and even dared to include meals with beef. Their Indian ingredients are fresh from the mini mart a few doors down with the same owners as the 8-year-old café.

 

Two unique fusion dishes that were surprisingly okay in taste were the slices of Chapati Quesadilla and the plate of Shrimp Pakoras. The former sandwiched seasoned mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and cheese in between two layers of chapati bread. This is quite heavy for an average diner as chapati is made of whole grains. It is therefore recommended for sharing.

 

The cooking process for the Shrimp Pakora is akin to that of calamares but instead of using all-purpose flour in the batter, it makes use of chickpea flour or besan and several herbs. Dipped with sweet and sour sauce, this finger food is worth a shot.

 

Average price per dish: P150 

Contact: (632) 404-0319

Location: Midtown Executive Homes, 1268-D United Nations Avenue, Paco, Manila

 

The New Bombay buzz

Who hasn't heard of New Bombay restaurant? More than a decade's worth of hard work by Meenaxi Khanchandani and her family has sprouted six branches (going seven) in Metro Manila. Authentic Indian food became more affordable and widely available with the presence this chain back in the day. 

 

Almost all their dishes are priced at P200 each on the average, and are already good for two people. A colorful plate of Masala Fry Pappadum is a good way to start the meal. The crispy snack is garnished with chopped onions, tomatoes and coriander and gives you a hint of how the rest of your meal will taste like.

 

Their Chicken Biryani stands out: fried basmati rice mixed with chicken bits, cashew nuts, green peas, white raisins, bell peppers, all topped with a fine layer of grated cheese. Think Indian paella. This and their curries all have a distinct smoky flavor that keeps you wanting to eat more.

 

I'm not a fan of lassi or homemade yogurt shakes in general but New Bombay's mango lassi had a balanced mixture of sweet and sour flavors—I didn't notice I downed the whole thing. They also offer flavors such as buko pandan, strawberry, ube and rose.

 

For dessert, the Kulfe is always a must-try in Indian restaurants. New Bombay's version has bits of saffron, cashew and a variety of other nuts. An alternative is Gulab Jamun, or ‘sweet’ balls made of powdered milk; fried and served in syrup.

 

New Bombay's atmosphere is more relaxed than high-class and is an ideal place to grab a quick bite with friends.

 

Average price per dish: P200

Website: http://www.newbombaycuisine.com/

Contact: (632) 635-8907; 09278751865

Locations: Inside malls: Glorietta 3, Glorietta food court and Greenbelt 2 in Ayala Center, Makati City; The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Sagittarius Bldg III, 312 H.V. Dela Costa St, Salcedo Village, Makati City

Tower 1 The Columns, 6821 Ayala Ave. cor Gil Puyat St, Makati City

 

This has to be mom's

Entering Swagat Indian Cuisine is like being let in on a secret. It's a clean, small place that's within walking distance from the busy malls of Makati. In fact, when you visit Swagat, I advise you to walk or bike going there. It would be a good time to catch up with an old friend or get to know your date.

 

Swagat exudes an aura that would make you feel right at home. The walls and ceiling are minimally decorated with distinctly Indian cloths and other ornaments. Save for the faint sound of Indian music coming from the TV, the place is usually quiet.

 

A quick browse of the menu would reveal that the prices are way cheaper than other Indian restaurants. You can get Roti (whole wheat dry bread) and Pappadom (crisp lentil wafer) for P10. It is also the place where Chola Bhatura (garbanzo beans in onion and tomato masala and served with bhatura fried bread) is readily available. The serving sizes are relatively smaller too, but still good for two people.

 

Swagat is also the place where you can try the famous South Indian delicacy Dosa and not hurt your pocket. It is akin to a crispy crepe made of rice and lentils and is served plain or filled with potatoes. Their Aloo Paratha (layered bread stuffed with potatoes and other spices) brought me back to my stay in Agra, India where everyone would have this every day for breakfast.

 

The presence of Komal Khanchandani, the owner, adds the finishing touch to this humble establishment. Komal is like a mother figure who was there when this place was still called Sangam Canteen at a commercial building's basement in 2003. While she is now in charge of everything that goes on in Swagat, she still cooks for her customers whenever she can.

 

It is interesting to find out that Komal gets her spices from her hometown of Hyderabad, India where her father makes masala fresh for her. She also shares that the posters of Swagat were actually made by her 18-year-old son. There is so much heart that is put into this restaurant and you can feel it just by being there. The experience is very soulful and delicate—like a much-awaited homecoming.

 

Average price per dish: P150

Website: http://www.swagatindiancuisineph.com/

Contact: (632) 501-5079 / 752-5669

Location: 119 FCC Bldg, Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

 

A corner treat at The Fort

An offshoot of Swagat, Namaste India in Taguig City is the new restaurant managed by Komal's husband, Sanjay Khanchandani. With only over a year and a half of experience, Namaste India does not show any signs of incompetence as it serves good quality food like Swagat.

 

Perhaps the main difference between the two sister restaurants is that Namaste India is a little more upscale and caters to the office crowd more than intimate meetings. Prices are higher than Swagat too but still cheaper than most Indian restaurants.

 

It takes a while to find Namaste India. It is surrounded by other restaurants around Burgos Circle but a little hidden in view from the main driveway. Once you discover this corner, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that can only be rewarded with food.

 

Some of the unique deep-fried dishes they offer are the Paneer Kurkure, Dahi Kabab (both made to order) and the Harhabara Kabab. They all go well with naan bread or biryani. The Paneer Kurkure is perhaps the most innovative as, instead of using regular breadcrumbs to envelope the paneer (cottage cheese), it uses crushed Kurkure or a popular Indian snack ("chichirya" in Tagalog). Dahi Kabab is also a tasty treat that utilizes yogurt with mashed potatoes and paneer. The last one, Harhabara Kabab, is a mix of mashed potatoes and spinach.

 

While a 1-hour lunch break will leave you longing for more, it is enough to open your taste buds to another dimension that you thought impossible on a busy work day. Namaste India makes Indian food accessible and affordable to those in the area and is the perfect hideout from daily stressors.

 

Average price per dish: P200

Contact: (632) 403-6088

Location: Kensington Place, 1st Ave. cor 29th St., Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

 

Unlocking the mystery

Found along Jupiter Street in Makati is Gateway of India (formerly Indian by Nature). It is situated inside a private building with only orange tarpaulins hung outside, showing the restaurant’s name. Inside, however, is totally different. It is well lit with a bar area that looks to impress.

 

On a weeknight, the place is deserted and the only sounds heard are from the TV tuned in to Zee Cinema, a popular Indian channel. Other than that, one could almost hear the small talk made by the servers in the corner. Perhaps on another day, the place would have more excitement.

 

Gateway of India is the newest Indian restaurant in town with only a year's experience. The decorations are not as elaborate as one would expect in an Indian restaurant. Rather, they went for a classic red-curtained, yellow-lighted theme. Simple and meek. They also have a special area for parties and other reservations.

 

The food was toned down as well. The mashed potatoes that filled our plate of Vegetarian Samosas could have been seasoned more but it was easily fixed as they had salt, pepper and other condiments available on each table. The Chicken Curry was brimming with herbs and spices that can be individually tasted, but it did not come together even if it was eaten with Garlic Naan. It missed the mark.

 

The best part of the meal was dessert: good old Kulfi. They were cut in cubes, a unique presentation that was easier to eat. It was very milky and delicious in rose syrup.

 

While I would not say this was the best meal I had, Gateway of India is still a place to watch out for as it continues to develop into a bigger, livelier establishment.

 

Average price per dish: P250

Contact: (632) 519-2966

Location: 2nd floor, Jupiter Place, Jupiter Street, Makati City

 

But wait, there’s more

Just when I thought I had uncovered all the ‘best-kept Indian restaurant secrets in Manila,’ I meet 60-something year-old restaurant owner Motilal Dewani, whose current motto in life is probably “Hakuna Matata!”

 

You will not be able to spot New Delhi Restaurant along Quirino Avenue. There are no signs at all that indicate a so-called “restaurant” exists unless you ask the people in the area. This once-famous drinking hotspot for Indian bachelors back in the ‘90s has been watered down in a location surrounded by factory outlets and offices. Even so, it still does not stop them from serving good-quality, cheap food–the cheapest thus far.

 

The masala-coated Aloo Tikki with Chola (potato cutlets with garbanzo beans) is one of their best-selling vegetarian snacks and rightfully so. A plate with three big pieces is even better when eaten with one of the many types of bread they offer, all at low prices. Their tangy Butter Chicken Curry is also relatively cheap at P150. In fact, the most expensive items on their menu are the P275-per-order mutton dishes.

 

It is an enthralling experience to walk into a seemingly strange, displeasing restaurant only to come out wanting to tell your friends about it. The owner and servers were very friendly and accommodating. They offer free training to anyone who wants to learn a thing or two about Indian cuisine.

 

Average price per dish: P120

Contact: 562-9160/ 0915-9687799

Location: 1418 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner South Superhighway, Paco, Manila

 

 

An unknown scholar has been quoted to say: Holi is a festival of radiance (teja) in the universe. During this festival, different waves of radiance traverse the universe, creating various colors that nourish and complement the function of respective elements in the atmosphere.

 

With all these affordable Indian treats in the metro in time for Holi, one can’t help but imagine a whole universe inside each of our bellies just waiting to experience the different shades and textures of food. –KG, GMA News

 

Like the upscale Indian restaurant in a separate feature, all restaurants featured in this article accept catering, delivery and other special orders.