Tag: how to enjoy indian food

A taste of authentic Indian cuisine at Annapoorna, Quezon City

For a long time, I thought that Indian food is not for me. Having grown up with an aversion to spicy viands, as well as a strong bias towards my mom’s Pinoy home cooking combined with Western fare courtesy of movies and TV shows, South Asian cuisine to me was as exotic and almost alien as food can get.

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Annapoorna, QC
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Thankfully, I later developed a more adventurous palate, thanks largely to my husband who, over the years, took the necessary pains to introduce me to food items that have a little more kick to them.

It just so happens that one of his favorite cuisines is Indian food.

So when Annapoorna opened its branch right across my office building, I was more than ready to give it a try.

Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity, with each region boasting its own unique culinary traditions and signature dishes. Fortunately, when Annapoorna serves up these diverse options, it makes them fresh upon order so that spice levels can be customized. This way, aside from bringing an authentic taste of home to its loyal clientele of Indian nationals residing nearby, it also allows us Pinoys who are unfamiliar with Indian food to easily expand our culinary horizons with its offerings.

Curious on delicious dishes that await at Annapoorna? Check these out:

Annapoorna, QC
Tandoori Chicken (Php569). Young birds infused with traditional Tandoori marinade that gives it the dish a bright red hue.
Annapoorna, QC
Malai Chicken Tikka (Php399). Tender chicken fillets marinated and cooked in a creamy cashew and cardamon sauce.
Annapoorna, QC
Chicken Tikka Masala (Php425) and Lamb Rogan Josh (Php499), best enjoyed with Naans (Indian flatbreads) such as plain (Php85), garlic (Php109) and cheese (P119).
Annapoorna, QC
Butter Chicken (Php409). Creamy chicken curry with tomato cashew gravy and lots of butter which also goes well with rice and naan.
Annapoorna, QC
Lamb Biryani (Php565). Traditional one-pot dish wherein tender bits of lamb curry is layered with fragrant saffron rice.
Annapoorna, QC
Chicken Biryani (Php509). A deliciously filling rice preparation made with chicken, eggs and spices are cooked in fragrant Basmati rice.
Annapoorna, QC
Ghee Roast Dosa (Php269). Traditional crispy Indian pancake made with ghee and served with Sambar and chutney sauces.
Annapoorna, QC
Pani Puri (Php250). Hollowed out crispy-fried puff ball with potato, chickpeas, onions and spices to be filled tamarind flavored water before popping into your mouth.
Annapoorna, QC
Gulab Jamun (Php155), fried dough balls in sweet syrup, and Gajar Ka Rishta (Php145), carrots stewed in milk, sugar and condensed milk and topped with nuts to bring a sweet end to the meal.
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A sumptuous array of flavors at your fingertips at Annapoorna!

From personal experience, exploring new and unfamiliar cuisines may seem daunting at first, but, if my foray into Indian cuisine at Annapoorna is anything to go by, the delicious discoveries you’re bound to make are definitely well worth the effort!

Annapoorna, QC
Annapoorna, QC
Annapoorna, QC
Annapoorna, QC

Here are some tips to prime you up for this extraordinary gustatory experience and make your dining journey at Annapoorna even more memorable:

  • Start mild. Indian food may be known for its myriad of spices but it does include milder dishes like Butter Chicken and Malai Chicken tikka to get you started. Ask the staff for recommendations or request for milder versions of the spicier dishes.
  • Use your hands. Annapoorna’s naans are great for scooping up meats and dipping into flavorful sauces.
  • Enjoy the accompaniments. You’ll notice that most of the dishes are accompanied by dips and sauces that add a whole new dimension of flavors to the dishes.
  • Bring your friends and fam along. Most of Annapoorna’s dishes are good for two to three people so go ahead and share the experience with your loved ones.

Head over to Annapoorna’s branches for a taste of delicious and authentic Indian cooking, open for dine-in and orders from 11am to 1am:

  • Unit 4, Gateway Regency, Robinsons Pioneer, Mandaluyong (Tel: +63 966 1443154; Follow on Facebook and Instagram)
  • Mother Ignacia Avenue across ELJ Communication Center, Quezon City (Tel: +63 977 0642263; Follow on Facebook and Instagram)

Photo Credit: Selected individual food shots courtesy of Glenn of The Adventures of Jogpen.