Overlooking the rear gardens of the Taj West End Hotel in Bangalore and based in the main building, the contemporary Masala Klub could not be more different from your average Indian restaurant.
Forget chicken tikka masala and heavy, greasy food; here one can enjoy intense flavours without the calories that normally accompany them. 1930’s-style coloured lights hang, offsetting the stylish and modern lines of the other decor. One may choose to sit in the air conditioned inside, the carpeted veranda open to the outside, or in the pretty garden lit only by candlelight.
The tamarind sorbet is not to be missed. Brought to your table with liquid nitrogen billowing forth, one is tempted to imagine that Heston Blumenthal is hiding in the kitchen (don’t try this at home; a German chef blew both his hands off in 2009). A phulka trolley with attendant chef means that your bread is prepared for you straight from the tava. There is a huge list from which to choose and if eating light is not your intention you can opt for the likes of dal makhani – black beans tempered for 24 hours with lashings of cream (just remember the three hail Marys afterwards).
Service is professional and efficient and the food is extremely good. They carry a comprehensive wine stock but remember European wine is expensive here. Rather, opt for the Indian beer and excellent cocktails – both with and without alcohol.
Racecourse Road , Bangalore, India
Cost £50 per person
Useful links
Taj Hotels
