Incredible India right here in Manila

The flavours of India have long allured gastronomers the world over. The quest for spices have considerably shaped European history and Indian holds a bounty of these spices. Indian food has become so pervasive that a variety of cultures have their own version of curry, all inspired by the Indian dish. Britain's national food is absolutely Indian, the Tikka Masala. 


Thankfully, Manila has also a sizable Indian community and a number of authentic Indian restaurants have sprung up around town. One Indian restaurant that the fennel bulbs absolutely love, have always come back to, and would be more than delighted to recommend is Swagat, along Rada Street in Legaspi Village, Makati City. It is a little restaurant on street level. Its interiors are basic and a bit tacky in places. Nonetheless, the food never fails to give the palate a most pleasing experience. 

For starters, pappadom fry (Php50 for 2 pieces) would be a delicious treat. Served together with two dips which you can use as condiments to other dishes - a coriander dip (coloured green) and a sweet and tangy tamarind dip (coloured brown). Pappadom is a paper-thin crunchy bread resembling crackers in consistency. It is light and has a nutty taste. 

Next is the Bhajia (Php110), or onion fritters. This is what would probably pass off as street food in India - and the greatest food finds are actually the ones being sold by hawkers. It is crunchy and spicy, and the flavors of onion blend well with the starches that make it crunchy. We surmise that crushed peas or lentils were most likely blended into this dish. It's meant for sharing, and makes a scrumptious snack. 

The first main entree is the Murgh Mirchi (Php210), chicken in green chillies and other spices. The sauce is most likely yoghurt-based, and the flavors are rich and spicy, without being too satiating. In Swagat, diners actually have the option to choose between mild, moderate, and spicy. Spicy would be too overpowering and leaves the taste buds too dumbfounded to discern flavours. But moderate is just enough to savour the richness of all the spices used. 

Next is the Baigan Bharta (Php110), a dish made from grilled eggplant, tomatoes, and spices. The grilled eggplant is smoky in flavour and blends very well with the sauce made from tomatoes and a host of spices. It is moderately spicy but not too much to overpower the smokiness of the grilled eggplant. It is also a bit mushy in texture since eggplants tend to soften when exposed to heat. 

Last but not the least is Methi Pullow rice (Php170). Pullow is the Indian term for rice cooked with spices and onions. Methi is Indian for fenugreek. Indeed one tastes the flavours of the fenugreek, as well a certain level of nuttiness due to the fenugreek seeds. Basmati rice is used, which due to its low glycemic index is also good for the health. 

Swagat is an absolutely recommendable restaurant. The service is good and the servers are trained well, serve courteously and know their menu. The prices are by all means reasonable and the servings just enough to fill two starving bellies.

Most of all, it offers a hearty sampling of Indian culture through the delicious food that it serves.