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Mirch Masala Indian Cuisine

Daya,the owner of Masala prides himself on making guests feel welcome and well looked-after. After dining here just a couple of times, he started to call me by name. While i always orders the same combination dinner because i can't resist the value for money (120 yuan for a ...

Daya,the owner of Masala prides himself on making guests feel welcome and well looked-after. After dining here just a couple of times, he started to call me by name. While i always orders the same combination dinner because i can't resist the value for money (120 yuan for a starter,a choice from two main dishes, a mixed vegetable side dish, rice and dessert ), I can't resist trying something new each time, as the dishes never disappoint.

Meals always start with plenty of chips and chutney, delivered almost as soon as you're seated with papadum. I opt for the dal soup, with just enough tangy lemon to cut the density of yellow lentils. Lately I've been stuck on the palak paneer (40 yuan) as my main course, a dish of melt-in-your-mouth home made cottage cheese mixed with the spicy, creamy spinach the Indians do so well. Past favorites have been chicken dish, Tikka Masala and, of course, the Rogan Josh with lamb (ask for it extra spicy!). And who can enjoy an Indian meal without naan? Not me, and mine is always garlic (10 yuan).

I've always loved Indian food, but I'm often put off by restaurants that cover up mediocre ingredients with loads of oily ghee (the clarified butter used in Indian cooking). While the food at Masala is rich with flavor, the dishes don't come drowned in the shiny stuff. I'm no expert, though, and some more seasoned diners might call this restaurant pretty basic (the interior certainly is). But for me, the basic formula of delicious food at very reasonable prices, served by someone who treats me like a guest in his home...well, it works.

Definitely the best Indian food I have ever had. The Lamb Rogan Josh is awesome. The restaurant itself is very nice inside. Service is great. The food is quick and inexpensive. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good night out with partner or friends.

ITS SITUATED AT FIRST EMBASSY AREA IN BEIJING,CALLED YA BAO LU OR JIAN GUA MEN WAI.GO TO GUAN HUA LU TOWARDS RITAN PARK NORTH GATE.MASALA IS JUST BEHIND OF MUSIC BOX KTV AND MUSIC BOX IS JUST IN FRONT OF THE GATE OF RITAN PARK NORTH.

Pure Lotus Vegetarian

Pure Lotus Vegetarian is perfect for those looking to detox or those in search of nourishing, natural tasting food.  Despite the name, the food on offer at the restaurant can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat eaters alike.  Tucked away in a courtyard, the restaurant is owned and...
Pure Lotus Vegetarian is perfect for those looking to detox or those in search of nourishing, natural tasting food.  Despite the name, the food on offer at the restaurant can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat eaters alike.  Tucked away in a courtyard, the restaurant is owned and run by Tibetan monks who use only natural organic ingredients in preparing the dishes.  In addition to fantastically-named dishes such as “hot tears fill the eyes glazed noodles” and “countenance of mercy, words of love stir-fry”, there is a large selection of potent fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
 
The very large menus, works of art in themselves, are written in English and Chinese.  For non-vegetarians, there are mock meat dishes such as “meatballs” and “steak” (made from tofu of course), which resemble the real thing, but taste even better.  After dinner fruit is served in a wooden sculpture flowing with dry ice. Please note that no alcohol is served at Pure Lotus.
 
A second Pure Lotus restaurant has recently opened in the Lido area, and whilst the décor is slightly more ‘upmarket’, the food is equally tasty.  It is impossible to leave Pure Lotus Vegetarian without feeling cleansed and refreshed.
 
A meal for two, with drinks, will set you back about 180 yuan.
 
How to Get There
 
Take the #107, 3000, 420 or 703 bus from Nong Han Guan bus station.  Get off at Tuan Jia Hu bus station.  The restaurant is a few minutes walk from the bus station located in the back left corner of the China Wenlian courtyard.
 
Other Locations
  
Tel: +86 (0) 10 8703 6668