Are you craving Indian cuisine but donโt know where to find it?
Photo: Crizelle De Guzman/WhenInManila
A common misconception about Indian cuisine is that every dish is a curry dish or that it’s too spicy to handle. However, Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, offering an extensive range of flavors that can also suit the Filipino palate. From rich and creamy meat dishes to delightful vegetarian options, thereโs something for everyone to enjoy.
Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar, which opened in 2016, has become a go-to Indian restaurant in the Metro that showcases an authentic and fulfilling dining experience! Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance. However, itโs their dishes that truly stand out, showcasing exceptional skill, passion, and the rich heritage of Indian culture.
While they are known for their wide selection of Indian cuisine and generous servings perfect for families or large groups, they have also introduced their Thali Lunch Set, which brings together their best-selling dishes on one large plate.
Thali Lunch Set: everything you want on a plate
Mantra’s Thali Lunch Set is a satisfying array of classic Northern Indian dishes that are designed for solo diners, busy office workers looking for an affordable yet satisfying meal, and customers who have yet to experience Indian cuisine.
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Their Thali Lunch Sets are inspired by “Thali,” a traditional silver plate in India where carbs and viands are served together on a single plate. This platter features a variety of small dishes served at once, offering a well-balanced and flavorful meal.
Coming in three options: vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and seafood sets, their lunch sets come with a generous serving of Basmati Rice, pickled onions, lemon, papad, a choice of small Naan or Roti, and a glass of their new signature iced tea.
We’ve tried one of their non-vegetarian sets, which includes Murg Malai or Chicken Tikka, Rogan Josh, and Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani. The serving size is undeniably generousโperfectly satisfying for those with a long day ahead. Beyond the generous portions, what I loved most about this meal was how each bite was packed with rich, bold flavors. The meat was also incredibly soft and tender, making every bite even more enjoyable!
Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar’s Thali Lunch Set (Non-vegetarian lunch set 1) | Photo: Jia Bote/WhenInManila
We’ve also tried the seafood set. This set, which comes with Prawn Curry, Tandoori Fish, and Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani, is the perfect feast for seafood lovers. The fish and prawns were soft and perfectly cooked, making you crave for more.
Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar’s Thali Lunch Set (Seafood Set 2) | Photo: Crizelle De Guzman/WhenInManila
For those who want to elevate their lunch sets, add-ons are available! Customers can upgrade to India’s vegetarian sides and a veggie samosa, or pair their satisfying meal with a refreshing Mango or Sweet Lassi.
Irresistible Bites and Sips
Apart from their Thali Lunch Set, another standout dish from our dining experience was the Papri Chaat. What surprised us the most was how the crackers remained crispy despite being covered in a rich and flavorful sauce. Itโs a great appetizer that pairs perfectly with their drinks.
Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar’s Papri Chaat | Photo: Crizelle De Guzman/WhenInManila
We were also given the opportunity to take a quick tour inside their kitchen, where we saw how Indian breads such as naan, roti, and paratha were cooked in a large tandoor oven.
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Seeing how these breads were made was an amazing experienceโbut having them served fresh? It was absolutely delicious, especially when dipped into their curry dishes.
For the drinks, we’ve tried four different varieties: their Signature Iced Tea, Mango Lassi, Watermelon Shake, and Lychee Mojito.
Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar’s Lychee Mojito and Mango Lassi | Photo: Crizelle De Guzman/WhenInManila
While these drinks are guaranteed to quench your thirst, a standout favorite was their Watermelon Shake. It was refreshingly fresh, naturally sweet, and completely guilt-free, as it contained no added sugar.
Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar’s Watermelon Shake | Photo: Crizelle De Guzman/WhenInManila
The Thali Lunch sets are available at Molito, Alabang from Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 pm.
Currently, Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar has three branches: The Grand Midori in Makati City, Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang, and Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City.
