Restaurant of the Month – Rang Mahal

During the Moghul period the Rang Mahal was the part of the Indian Palace where the Kings would relax and enjoy the finest Indian cuisine. The grandeur and lavish style was the inspiration for this restaurant, Fine Dining Indian style.

Add to that the view from 26th floor its easy to see why this is constantly being voted the best Indian restaurant in Bangkok.

The tables are set with white linen, tasteful silver wear, crystal and bone china, a royal touch without being excessive.

To start I enjoyed succulent Tandori prawns, Tandori Chicken on the bone and their signature starter marinated leg of young lamb. The meat is marinated in rum and Indian spices, oven roasted in a slow oven for four to five hours, then barbequed over charcoal to order.

For a main course I had the Jheenga Kadhai (Shrimp Curry), Rogan Josh Kashmiri in rich sauce with a subtle aftertaste, a fresh creamy cottage cheese with spinach; Baigan Bharta, charcoal smoked aubergines with onions and tomatoes; Dal Maa Rang Mahal and saffron rice. What makes the difference is the services. Rather than place dishes in the center of the table as is common in many Indian restaurants, the waiters place a small portion of each dish around the edge of each plate with saffron rice in the middle. Prior to putting the serving onto the plate the waiter announces the dish. This allows each taste sensation to be enjoyed individually. The service is very attentive without hovering or intimidating the plates are re-plenished almost without noticing.

For dessert I never can resist their Kulfi Falooda, saffron favoured scattered with pistachio.

During the meal I had a couple of glasses of the Jacob's Creek Chardonnay.

The reason I keep going back to Rang Mahal is the attention to detail, personal recognition, effective service, an elegant environment and great Indian food. This is Indian gourmet and not the place for someone just looking for a curry and beer.

Rang Mahal,
Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18, Bangkok 10110
T 0-2261-7100.