A Taste of India
For many of us, a trip to India – with its intoxicating mix of colours and flavours, history and culture – is on the top of our travel wish lists. Some of us may indeed one day be caught up in the heady mix of daily life in one of India’s bustling cities. But until then, a trip to The Raj Indian Restaurant is like being transported straight to Northern India, complete with a mouth watering array of authentic Indian cuisine and the warm greeting of “namaste” as you arrive.
With a selection of branches ranging from fast food outlets to restaurants, to the jewel of the crown – the Raj Michelangelo Towers, a fine dining restaurant in the heart of Sandton – The Raj offers patrons a multitude of opportunities to get better acquainted with the ancient culinary heritage of India, from Tikka Masala and Vindaloo to Khorma and Boona.
For connoisseurs of Indian cuisine, the Raj promises some of the most authentic North Indian cuisine in the country – lovingly prepared by an army of master chefs, all from India. But for those who are new to the spicy flavours of the North and have yet to differentiate their roganjosh from their saagwala, the very experienced restaurant staff is more than happy to walk you through the menu and to make suggestions based on your personal tastes.
For starters, you can’t go wrong with Punjabi samoosas – a little chubbier than our local variety and bursting with delicious spiced potatoes and peas. Picking a main dish is a far harder prospect, however, with over 30 delicious options to choose from. These range from succulent lamb dishes and spicy chicken, to the freshest of seafood curries. The lamb vindaloo (a hot and spicy Goanese curry) is the perfect choice for those looking for a little “heat”, while fans of more creamy flavours will be delighted with the chicken korma (chicken pieces cooked in a creamy cashew nut and yoghurt gravy).
Vegetarians are also well catered for, with a large variety of veggie offerings ranging from different types of lentil dhal, to homemade cottage cheese (paneer) cooked in creamy sauces. Of course no North Indian meal would be complete without side orders of sambals, melt-in-you-mouth naan bread and fragrant basmati rice.
Top off your meal with a creamy bowl of saffron scented ice-cream (kulfi), or with one the Raj’s signature cocktails (the Raj Rose Petal is a must). Thus, your trip to India will be complete… until the next time you have a craving for a little more of the spice of life, that is!
The Raj has restaurants in Johannesburg (Sandton, Rivonia, Fourways and Kyalami), Sun City, Bloemfontein and Cape Town. Its fast food outlets can be found in Midrand and at OR Tambo International Airport. For more information, call +27 11 468 1861, email rajind@icon.co.za or visit www.therajrestaurant.com.
Story by Rebecca Johnson
