You may be asking yourself why on earth an Indian restaurant would open in the countryside; but a mere 10-minute drive from the Ring Road, the location is both accessible and extremely relaxing. Most importantly, the Indian food served at Chandra Mahal is worth the trip.
Signature Items & Dishes Sampled
Signature items include the Murgh Tikka Makhani, commonly known as Butter Chicken, and the Kashmiri Rogan Josh. Fiery spice lovers will enjoy the Lamb and Chicken Vindaloo.
The best thing about Indian cuisine is the sharing aspect, so we ordered several dishes and dug in splitting plates between several friends in order to taste as much as possible. Loaded copper pots, and pans of steaming, deliciously spiced offerings filled the table. The Kashmiri Rogan Josh comprises of melt in your mouth lamb chunks cooked with aromatic spices and a delicious sauce begging to be dipped into. Our absolute favorite Indian dish, the creamy Murgh Tikka Makhani, arrived next, and exceeded any expectations. Juicy chunks of perfectly cooked Tandoori chicken in a to-die-for sauce, we are already planning a repeat visit to enjoy some more! Kashmiri Pulau, fried basmati rice, was the perfect pairing for all the dishes on the table, and grilled Seehk Kebab Jehangiri hit the right note – lamb koftas marinated in garlic, ginger and an assortment of Indian spices.
For vegetarians, Indian cuisine is always a favorite and there are many options on offer at Chandra Mahal. We sampled the Dal Tarkiwali and Makhani, along with the Tandoori Parantha and Tandoori Roti breads. Delicately seasoned lentils simmered over a gentle fire for hours, the spices seep into the dish and can be enjoyed either plainly with butter or in a rich, fresh tomato sauce with cream.
Other Menu Items that Appealed & Beverages Available
We will definitely be back, and there are many choices we would love to sample next. Our eyes are set on the Shrimp Bhuna Masala, a stir-fried shrimp cooked in dry curry with spice, and the Murgh Jalfrezi, chicken strips cooked in onion, sweet bell peppers and aromatic spices.
Beverages available are soft options, as well as hot beverages.
Photos
Décor & Ambience
Chandra Mahal is set within a gorgeous Hassan Fathy designed compound, which houses an Oriental cuisine restaurant, Chez Dawlat Hanem, and Farid Bec, a private dining hall, along with an outdoor café on a huge terrace for shisha and nibbles. There is also a Kidzania on the premises to keep the kids entertained while the adults indulge in some relaxation.
Price range: Above average, but worth it due to the quality.
Clientele mix: Groups of friends and families can certainly make use of the space.
Contact Information
Opening hours: 12 pm – midnight
Tel: 0111 341 1143 – 02 37709055
Address: 3 Km from the Ring Road on the Maryotia Road, pinned on Google Maps
Facebook: Dawlat Hanem Restaurant
Instagram: @chezdawlathanim
