Matar paneer is one of northern India's great comfort foods: sweet peas and cubes of fresh cheese in a fragrant, spiced tomato gravy. This version keeps the rich gravy (also known as a masala) but swaps in tofu, baked until crispy and golden. The tofu is almost entirely hands off, leaving time to prep and cook the gravy, which builds flavors in layers — whole cinnamon lends sweet warmth to complement the peas; onions brown slowly in oil; tomato paste, fresh tomatoes and ground spices are cooked into a jammy concentrate. While many versions get their richness from cashews ground into a paste, here, store-bought cashew milk supplies a lovely nutty creaminess, no blender needed. Feeding a crowd? Two blocks of tofu fit on a single pan without much extra work.

The Indian Cafe Racer, a Birmingham-based restaurant that has grown from a small, hidden spot behind a pub to a 65-cover establishment on Bristol Street, is celebrated as a positive development for the local food scene. Originally operating behind a curtain at the Duke of Wellington pub, the restaurant quickly gained popularity for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a Royal Enfield motorcycle, chequerboard floors, and a psychedelic Indian soundtrack. Its expansion reflects a shift in Birmingham's culinary landscape, where the Balti triangle once boasted 30 restaurants but now has only two remaining. The new venue offers an ever-changing menu with dishes like shaktiman and salad, gol gappa, chicken pepper fry, and farzi steak, drawing inspiration from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. The restaurant also serves Indo-Chinese small plates such as gobi manchurian and chilli chicken, alongside signature cocktails like Angry Young Man and Red Carpet. The dining experience is described as elegant with small dashes of eccentricity, featuring paper menus, wipeable tables, and functional hospitality. While some of the original 'silliness' has been tidied away, the warm welcome and diverse menu cater to both spice enthusiasts and those who prefer milder options, with dishes like paneer makani for the less adventurous. The restaurant's name pays homage to the cafe racer motorbike culture of the 1960s, with a Royal Enfield motorcycle once made in nearby Redditch, now produced in Chennai, closing the circle of cultural exchange. Despite the expansion, the restaurant maintains its appeal, opening daily and offering a welcoming environment for groups of all sizes. The menu, priced from around £30 per person, includes a variety of dishes that balance traditional Indian flavors with modern twists, making it a noteworthy addition to Birmingham's dining scene.

The article discusses a top chef's advice on which dishes to avoid at Indian restaurants, highlighting specific items that are often overcooked or poorly prepared. The chef emphasizes that certain dishes, such as onion bhajis, are frequently served with a lack of freshness and can be disappointing. Additionally, the article mentions that curries, which are often perceived as a safe choice, can sometimes be overly processed or lack the authentic flavors expected. The chef advises diners to be cautious with dishes that are commonly ordered but may not deliver the quality one would hope for. The article also touches on the importance of understanding the nuances of Indian cuisine, suggesting that some dishes are better left to the experts. Overall, the piece aims to guide readers toward making more informed choices when dining at Indian restaurants, ensuring a better culinary experience.

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Spice Waala is an excellent Indian street eatery here in Seattle. Even if you’re not hungry for lunch they have incredible soft serve ice cream! I almost always get the chicken tikka Kathi roll, but the lamb is also very good. Rolls are flavorful and juicy with a nice amount of heat. I really love […]