Taste of India re-launches with special lunch, dinner buffets

Craving for naan bread, tandoori, and curry dishes? Check out the Taste of India, the only Indian restaurant on Saipan, now under new management.

Restaurant manager Aji Thomas Mandumpala said that Taste of India is now owned by Thommenchandy Thomas, who came up with the combination of island and Indian themes in reintroducing the restaurant.

Mandumpala said the new restaurant owner wants everyone on island to savor authentic Indian cuisine—which is fast becoming popular worldwide—by making it accessible and affordable.

“Now that Taste of India is under new management, our customers can expect and enjoy not just our menu items at significantly reduced prices but also our great customer service,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Taste of India has come up with new and exciting offers for its customers, starting with its Saturday dinner buffet.

Mandumpala said this is the first time that Taste of India decided to offer a Saturday dinner buffet, launched only a week ago.

The Saturday dinner buffet features the famous Tandoori dish, which is marinated overnight in a combination of mughlai Masala and sour cream cooked in a clay oven, and other Indian fares that are not usually offered in a regular buffet. The spice index for buffet is between mild and medium.

The buffet costs only $10—inclusive of one glass of any wine or a bottle of any beer—and is available from 6pm to 10pm. Children 8 years old and below are free of charge.

Mandumapala said the Saturday dinner buffet is intended for those who are not able to try their lunch buffet for lack of time. The buffet is also good for families who want to spend time together over dinner as it also includes dishes that even children can enjoy.

“We’ve already received a lot of good comments from our customers since we introduced the Saturday dinner buffet,” he added.

For its lunch buffet, Taste of India serves eight different Indian dishes, Indian bread, fresh salad, assorted fruits, and refillable iced tea for only $9.99. The buffet is available Monday to Friday, from 11am to 2pm.

Taste of India also has a wide selection of a la carte fares that cost between $2 and $12.95.

Start your meal with appetizers such as Masala Papad, crispy fried and spicy Indian appetizers ($2) or the Samosa, pyramid-shaped Indian pastry stuffed with lamb, chicken, beef or vegetables and served with sauce ($5).

For the main course, try any of their Tandoori treasures—curry, lamb, beef, pork, seafood, and vegetarian specialties.

End on a sweet note with Gulab Jamun, an Indian specialty dessert served with a scoop of ice cream and fruits ($5) or Lassi, a yogurt-based Indian drink available in three flavors: mango, sweet, and salt & plain ($4.50).

Taste of India also has an extensive bar selection that includes whiskeys, brandy, domestic and premium beers, wines, and popular cocktails.

“We have happy hour everyday from 5pm to 8pm. Beers are only $2 per bottle while cocktails are just $3.50 each,” said Mandumpala.

He said they are also giving away discount cards that offer 5- to 15-percent discount rates to cardholders, depending on the frequency of visits.

Besides Mandumpala, Taste of India staff includes Dinesh Thomas Kachappilly, Saratbhal Panikkasery, Radhika G. Itani, and Liza Comon.

Relish authentic Indian cuisine only at Taste of India, located along Middle Road next to IT&E. They’re open 11am-2pm and 6pm-10pm. All major credit cards accepted. They also accommodate reservations for meetings and parties. For more information, call 234-8448 or email tasteofindiasaipan@yahoo.com.