If you’re driving near Hero Hypermarket in Bandar Puteri Puchong, it’s hard to miss India Gate and its resplendent, eye-catching facade, which features colourful geometric decorations and faux arched windows.
I’ve ordered some of their dishes through Grab, but have never dined in as there’s almost always a queue. One of the rare afternoons we didn’t see a line, the Hubs and I decided to dine in.
Like its facade, the interior sports some grand touches — I especially like the decorative panels on the ceiling which are made to look like glazed tiles. Servers, dressed in crisp uniforms, are friendly and attentive.
The menu features a wide variety of both North and South Indian dishes. Aside from naan and briyani, you’ll also find other popular favourites like butter chicken, tandoori chicken/seafood, curries, tikka, varuval, vindaloo, and more. Catering to the Hindu community, there’s also a large selection of vegetarian dishes.
Sticking with the classics, N went for the Chicken Briyani, which was served in a handi (vessel). The portion was sizeable, with a whole egg and tender chicken, and accompanying the rice were sides of raita (yoghurt) and gravy.
The rice on its own was excellent – fluffy, great mouth feel, and with the taste of spices coated on each grain evenly; while the chicken was savoury and fall-off-the-bone tender. What really elevated the dish was the raita, as the hint of sourness from the yoghurt helped to cut through the ‘heaviness’ of the briyani, making it more balanced.
I had the Calamari 65, basically a seafood version of the Chicken 65.
No one knows the exact origins of why the dish is called 65. Some legends go that it was introduced in 1965 at a hotel in Chennai; others claim that there are 65 ingredients used in its preparation, or that 65-day-old chicken is used to make it. Whatever the case, the dish almost always features a protein, deep fried and crispy, with a dark red-orange batter. The version at India Gate is also served with onions and curry leaves.
The portion was just enough for me to have with my rice – but no complaining as it tasted great. The squid was fresh and the outside was crisp and flavourful, with a hint of spice. It was a tad dry though without any sauces to accompany it, but everything worked well as I filched abit of the briyani sides to go with my rice.
India Gate has a lot of interesting drinks too, including mocktails (non alcoholic) and lassis.
I always enjoy milk tea at Indian restos because they use fresh, boiled milk which tastes very different from the store-bought ones. N had an unadventurous honey lemon lol.
Overall, loved the food and service at India Gate. A friend has recommended to try their garlic cheese butter naan and butter chicken, so that will be next on a return visit!
INDIA GATE (PUCHONG)
2-G, Jalan Puteri 1/5, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM (daily)
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