When you know your order without even looking at the menu, it means familiarity, plain and simple. The only downside is that eventually it becomes impossible to imagine ordering anything else. I face this particular dilemma when I visit The Royal Afghan. It is justifiably one of Bangalore’s greatest restaurants. They serve sumptuous North West Frontier food and they pay homage to the history and diversity of this unique cuisine reviving, the tales of roasting meat around a roaring fire and the aroma of charcoal grilled meats. The piquant aromas wafting from the numerous Tandoori ovens close to the dining area is bound to leave you tottering even before you are seated for the feast.
The ambiance is one of the highlights, which is at the poolside barbecue against the imposing backdrop of the Manor and amidst lush greenery. The atmosphere is one of serenity and natural splendour, which is amazing since the place is a stone’s throw away from the searing grind of the adjacent buzzing city street. The place is normally packed with choc-a-block of expatriates and foreigners brought in by local hosts and accordingly the spiciness level is catered down to their yearning. However, this does not play spoilsport to the gamut of food on hand as it only augments the taste to a new level.
The menu comes on a flat timber of pure rosewood and in an instant you would be disappointed as the selection is limited. Yet, the clipped menu provides the chef ample room to perfect his art and also provide you with fresh food tossed right under your nose. It is a tough ask to single out dishes here as all of them are superb, however, the dishes to look out for are Tandoori Jingha(aided by an excellent marinade, which has an interesting and compelling flavour), Reshmi Kebab(not the ubiquitous chemical green you get elsewhere), Murgh Malai Kebab(soft and juicy), Murgh Tikka, Tandoori Machi(laced with copious amount of Ajwain), Tandoori Gobi(ideal for the greens), Dal Bhukara, Boti Kebab and I particularly love the delicious Sheekh Kebab, the meat ground and marinated to perfection certainly the best I have had anywhere. The Lamb Kurma(I do not remember the exact name of this dish) is another stellar dish, tender morsels of lamb cooked with onions, tomato sauce, almonds, and raisins.
The Murgh Makhanwala(Butter Chicken) in a rich, buttery sauce is perfect in taste and texture, it simply explodes with flavour and they go well with the assortment of breads on offer. The portions are generous and they do not penny pinch on the portions as other upscale joints normally do. Wallet factor is on the higher side since the restaurant is nested in the 5 star endowed Windsor Sheraton Hotel. A meal for two with drinks would set you back by around Rs. 3, 500/-, quite reasonable given the inspired grub you get for the loot. It’s great value for money.
Inept service is one of the few missteps of this eatery but this is kitted out once you gulp in your first morsel. This restaurant should not be missed. Book a table to impress your date tonight. You’ll be glad you did.