Where to Eat in Eastwood: Royal Indian Curry House (R.I.C.H.)
There’s nothing quite like Indian Food. A gastronomic world of spice-packed, flavourful, and aroma-filled food. A delightful world I have rediscovered during my recent visit to Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood. Authentic Indian eats brimming with a pandora of rich flavors, exciting textures, and the freshest ingredients. Chalo khaate hain (Let’s eat)!
Ambiance at Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood
I visited the Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood around 4 PM. Which was perfect because I heard crowds come in around lunch and dinner time. RICH Eastwood is located just beside the Eastwood Citywalk Plaza.
The first floor has an alfresco dining area and a sitdown area inside with plush interiors. I chose to dine at the second floor because a) the area has better lighting b) interiors are more casual 3) more private and has a better view of the citywalk. Not to mention, the exciting promos they have for RICH Eastwood customers who chose to dine at the 2nd floor:
- #Thursday80‘sReminise: 1 Free Local Beer below Zero (welcome drink)
- #Wednesday90‘sFlashback: 1 Free Cocktail Drink for the ladies
- #ThursdayTopHits: 1 free Cheese Samosa Per Table
And the service? Excellent! Servers were polite, knowledgeable, and quick to respond.
What To Eat at Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood
Cheese Samosa (New Dish, Php 149.00)
I’ve had samosas in both my visits in Sri Lanka and India (including my amazing Old Delhi Food Tour). But they’ve always been filled with vegetables, which could be very heavy at times. So this new Cheese Samosa introduced by Chef Surat Rana of Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood was a standout. It was light, creamy, and appetite opening!
Pani Puri (Php 199.00 – HTD Favorite)
Ah, the nostalgic Pani Puri! One of the things I enjoyed eating back in India was the classic Pani Puri. A hollow deep-fried crepe (puri) filled with tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion or chickpeas. Then smothered with a mixture of flavored sweet-sour sauce.
It sounds quite exotic but it’s a medley of savory yet interestingly refreshing flavors. Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood’s version made me feel like I just had some handed out to me fresh by a pani puri vendor on the very streets of Delhi. I do need to take note that RICH only serves this dish during weekends.
Chollay Bhature (Php 389.00)
A traditional Punjabi dish, the Chollay Bhature is a combination of chana masala (spicy chickpeas curry) and bhatura, a fried bread made from maida (refined flour). I loved the semi soft-semi crisp texture of the bread mixed with the spicy savor of the masala.
Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani (Php 639.00 – HTD Favorite)
My love for rice certainly goes beyond borders. So indulging in some good biryani is always a treat for me. And the version by Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood certainly did not disappoint. Well-seasoned lamb chunks mixed in richly-flavored biryani served in a traditional claypot and baked with a pita on top to seal in the flavor and aroma. Superb taste and very filling!
Palak Paneer (Php 419.00 – HTD Favorite)
Not to be missed at the Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood is their Palak Paneer. It’s basically paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked with spinach and spices a creamy and flavorful curry. I certainly indulged in the contrast of the paneer’s creaminess and the curry’s intensity. Best paired with RICH’s all-time favorite Butter Naan (Php 169.00).
Drinks: Sweet Lassi (Php 179.00 – HTD Favorite), Shikanji (Lemon Soda, Php 129.00), Spiced Masala Tea (Teapot at Php 199.00)
After the explosion of flavors and spices, comes the sweet part: refreshments! And Indians without a doubt have a unique way to quench their thirst. Take for example my personal favorite, sweet lassi. An easy Indian Summer Drink made with yogurt. It’s flavored with cardamom powder and sometimes, rose essence. Perfect compliment for spiced dishes we all devoured.
Another crowd favorite is the equally refreshing Shikaji or Lemon Soda. It’s a traditional Punjabi drink that mixes Lime/Lemon, Soda/Carbonated Water, and Masala. Honestly, this drink takes an acquired taste to be enjoyed because of the kick of spice brought by the masala. But I personally love its unique taste.
Last but not the least on meal enders is the famed Spiced Masala Tea by Royal Indian Curry House Eastwood. It’s about time we deviate from the common milktea. Instead, go for a richer and underappreciated version: the Masala Tea (Chai tea). A spiced, sweetened black tea mixed with milk that not only promises delight to your palate but also a drink that soothes the nerves and warms the heart. Just like how I felt when I had my cup of spiced chai tea while overlooking the beautiful chaos of Old Delhi’s Spice Market. 🙂
I can’t wait to go back and bring family and friends here. And so should you! One of the best, if not the best, Indian Restaurants in Metro Manila, indeed. Thank you Ms Bubbles and Chef Surat for the warm hospitality. Special thanks to Erica or TheGirlWithTheMujiHat and Marky of NomadicExperiences for sharing the feast with me!
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