Indian

'Curry' is one of those fascinatingly flexible dishes that adapts its 'best sellers' to suit the home market.   Those expecting to have the traditional chicken tikka massala found in their country of origin may be pleasantly surprised at how different it is.  There are clearly international variations - curry is different wherever you happen to be.  The same cannot be said of Engand's fish and chips, or the shawarma for example which replicates itself exactly wherever it goes.  To experience Jeddah's translation take your pick from the following:

 

Fawarah Restaurant (H8) Tel: 699 2212 ext 66302

Sheraton Hotel, North Corniche

Located on the Lobby Level of the Hotel, beside the Al Waha Restaurant, you can enjoy choices from the exquisitely prepared a la carte Indian delicacies.  Lunch is served from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm and dinner from 7.00pm to 1.00am.

 

Kandahar (S7) Tel: 647 4444

The Trident Hotel,

This is an exclusive restaurant whose décor and attention to detail with the authentic Indian food, copper and silver Indian tableware and scented towels assures a unique experience in a traditional atmosphere.  The cuisine originates from the northern frontier of India with the emphasis on food prepared in the Tandoor - an Indian clay oven.

 

Maharajah (O6) Tel: 655 6558

Shubukshi Street, turn right off Palestine Street, just before Sofitel

Excellent 'Mogul' Cuisine from the North of India in this light and airy restaurant, divided by wooden latticework.  A la carte and takeaway are available but the restaurant is famous for its lunch buffet.

 

Marhaba (O7) Tel: 667 5174

Off Al Andalus Street

Very popular restaurant serving Pakistani, Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisine with splendid lunch and supper buffets at very good value.

 

Raj (M6) Tel 221 2848

Tahlia Street

Raj introduces its ‘fusion concept’ – the meeting of two distinct culinary worlds, a ‘marriage of East and West: Mystical Indian Cuisine with a European Sense of Style’.  Just off the westbound carriageway of Tahlia Street (same side as BHS) turn right after the Jewellery Centre and it will be on the left hand side, behind American Standard. www.rajrestaurant.com

 

Shadab (N3) Tel: 673 3173

Muallafeen Street, Azizia District

An excellent Indian restaurant offering Moghlai and Tandoori dishes and home catering services.

 

Shehrazad Tandoor (P7) Tel: 650 0483

Al Azizia Mall, Ship Roundabout, Al Andalus Street

A wonderful combination of traditional favourites in a modern setting - watch the chefs at work preparing nan bread in the authentic oven and dishes bubbling away in the tureens they are to be served in.  Copious quantities of delicious food at slightly over average prices, for example Chicken Tikka SR 30, Plain Biryani SR15, Shrimp Biryani SR25, Lamb Rogan Josh SR35.  You can also order a takeaway meal.

 

Shezan (O7) Tel: 665 6040

Next to Gulf Royal, just off Al Andalus Street

Another great curry house, very popular with all nationalities, the menu is comprehensive to say the least, borrowing slightly from other cultures to include samosas and chips!  The menu and prices do have a habit of fluctuating slightly, so be prepared to make another choice if your first is not available.  If you don't fancy going out, they will deliver if the order is more than SR100 - and, handy hint, most dishes freeze very well!

 

Student Café (Taj Mahal) (M4) Tel: 673 4819

Tahlia Street, East of Madinah Road

This restaurant is also listed in the Budget Meals section but just in case there are readers that for one reason or another skip the Budget Section, if they are lovers of curry then they would be foolish to miss this eaterie. Humble but not meek, this restaurant serves up delectable curry by the (plastic) platterful on open air tables with well-scrubbed plastic tablecloths.  The Student Café also does outside catering, perfect for low-cost, impromptu gatherings.

 

Taj Mahal (M6) Tel/fax: 232 4222 or 232 4111

Philipino Souq, Prince Abdullah Street

Cheap and cheerful curry in pleasant surroundings, this restaurant is highly recommended.

 

Also try Kohinoor Tel: 667 0540 at Al Harithy Hotel, eastbound on Palestine Street, near the junction with Madinah Road; Spinzer Tel: 651 0562, off Madinah Road southbound near the Hyatt Regency (P6);