I have no idea why many people are too timid in the palette to dive into some Indian food face first. Indian food is so complex and delicious. Those who haven’t eaten it have no idea what they are missing out on. Similarly, those who enjoy Indian food and haven’t eaten at Gandhi Mahal on East Lake Street are missing out on a whole new level of Indian food deliciousness.
Perhaps I’m doing this review wrong, because at Gandhi Mahal instead ordering something new that I had never tried before, I ordered my favorite Indian dish, Delhi Tikka Masala with chicken. I couldn’t help it! Such an amazing combination of flavors in general–chicken in a spicy tomato and yoghurt sauce–the dish at Gandhi Mahal went above and beyond my already lofty expectations for this particular meal. Served in a bowl that holds much more meal mass than meets the eye, the dish comes with some very aromatic basmati rice. In addition to the Delhi Chicken Tikka Masala, I ordered a glass of their house white wine and, to start, some of their tasty seasonal Fish Pakora.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and welcoming. The walls are decorated with colorful tapestries that look especially enchanting at sunset. There is a small stage near the front door where live music is played during evening hours, Wednesday through Sunday.
Hidden around the corner of 27th avenue from Lake Street, Gandhi Mahal might be my new favorite restaurant for slightly special occasions, or maybe just for payday dinners. However, although the prices don’t seem low enough for daily dining–my dish cost $14, and our love of Tandoori bread set us back $12 (it’s so good)–the portions will leave you with enough food for dinner at the restaurant and lunch the next day at work.
Everything was delicious and delightful, down to the owner and Executive Chef, Ruhel Islam, surveying the scene with a smile on his face, waving Goodbye to us after our meal as we left.
Aside from how delicious their food is, I can offer you the following two pieces of important information about Gandhi Mahal: there is a lunch buffet between 11:30am and 3pm, and yes, they deliver.
Gandhi Mahal
612.729.5222
3009 27th Ave. South, Minneapolis 55406
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