Spicy Bollywood, Indian Restaurant in Chiang Mai

The Dining Out Group

Coordinated by Paul Schoenkopf

Our next event is on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 7:00PM at Spicy Bollywood. This is an Indian Restaurant...All reservations must be sent to diningoutcnx@hotmail.com only 

Taxi Chiangmai:  call Patrick 081 617 2116

  

Review by Chiangmai Mail:

Spicy Bollywood: by Brian Baxter

Friendly Indian restaurant in the heart of town.
Last week I was mulling over the fact that a number of major cuisines (or countries) were under-represented in the City. This included Indian food and I was soon urged by a friend to try a comparatively new place not that far from Thaphae Gate. It is called, quite amusingly, Spicy Bollywood after the movie notion, but the decoration is not given over to stars or aspects of their silver screen but to a ‘garden’ or mini jungle atmosphere. Don’t worry it is not obtrusive and the venue is comfortable, not noisy and the service is friendly and attentive.
It is situated in a quite narrow but not claustrophobic building facing the street and moat, about 300 metres along from Taphae Gate. When I went there recently it was getting quite busy with farangs, mainly visitors I imagine since it is in the centre of the tourist area, but there were no Thais in evidence. I know it is not their favourite alternative to Thai food despite the fact that both can be spicy. The menu is printed only in English which will hardly encourage Thai diners or people with Thai friends to encourage them to visit it and seek out the intriguing tastes.
It is not large, perhaps big enough for a couple of dozen diners, with tables mainly in fours. The menu is simply printed listing the food without a single word of description. Not daunting for the many people (especially the English who have hundreds of Indian restaurants to choose from) but perhaps for some. Luckily the owner is on hand to help out and one of the waiters, at least, is Thai which could prove useful. Prices are very reasonable and the drinks list including Thai beers and soft options including lassi are between 40 and 90 baht (for a large Singha beer).
The highlight of our meal – at least for me – was the ‘starter’ of Fish Tikka, very well spiced and perfectly cooked chunks of white fish, steaming hot from the oven.
My companion opted for one of the ‘sets’: the one with meat. There are two of these and for around 150 baht you get a large dish, with little sections containing rice, yoghurt, nan bread, spicy chicken and so on. There is a vegetable option with two choices of veg. from the wide selction on the menu.
I went for the prawn biryani and this was fine except that the portion (especially since I had asked for a vegetable dish – chick peas) was far too much for me to eat. Portions seem large so be warned about that. Not a criticism for many people I appreciate but no one likes to waste food. Since much Indian food is slow cooked and prepared ahead of time (the opposite of many Thai dishes) there is little wait so even when it is busy or full, don’t worry.
Expect to pay between 200 and 400 baht a head depending on the choices and drinks. Most main dishes are under a hundred baht. Spicy Bollywood, 70/19,sompetch gold place. It’s across the moat from Sompetch Market.
Paul’s Ratings                                                                                                       Food Quality    7                                                                                    Service                8                                                                                  Ambiance              8                                                                                         Value                    7                                                                                    Average cost per meal excluding alcohol    300 baht    

Directions: From the northeast corner of the moat go south down Chaiyaphum Rd. to the pedestrian traffic light. On your left you’ll see a small shopping center. There’s an Italian Restaurant out front called “A. Dominique”. Spicy Bollywood is in the back.

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 Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand: Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call +66 81 617 2116)
 เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613(จากต่างประเทศ +66 81 498 0613)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com