Pathway to good Indian food

Pathway to good Indian food

DESPITE rival claims to the contrary, there is only one Passage Thru’ India in Penang, and it is located smack in the heart of George Town at 11A Leith Street.

Having operated in Tanjung Tokong and Penang Road previously, it shifted to its present location two years ago, serving the same brand of authentic Indian food it has been famous for since its establishment at the turn of the millennium.

Over the years, it has garnered its fair share of best Indian restaurant awards from the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Asia, among others.

According to director R. Vijaya Kumar, there had been instances of rival Indian restaurants claiming to be branches, or affiliated to, Passage Thru’ India.

Quick to point out that it was not the case, he stressed that his establishment was a singular entity in Penang with their other branches both located in Kuala Lumpur.

An arch greets patrons at the driveway, with several cabanas — ideal for those who enjoy alfresco dining — located within the compound. Step inside the heritage building itself, and one finds an elaborately decorated, air-conditioned dining area.

Most of the trinkets, collectively giving the place a rustic feel typical of an Indian home, were specially imported from India.

Vijaya gives the assurance that the tastes of the 100-over items in the menu were as original as could be, thanks to a team of chefs brought in from various parts of India.

In addition, there are also many unlisted items that the chefs can prepare upon request.

“We’re renowned for our quality of food, which we never compromise on.

“If it’s not up to par, it doesn’t leave the kitchen,” he said, adding that the ambience made it a complete dining experience.

The Chicken Pakora and Madras Bajji are great as starters, or as snacks to munch on over drinks like refreshing Banana and Mango Lassi.

If a heavier meal is desired, you can’t go wrong with gravy-based items like the Mutton Roghun Josh, Chicken Chetinad and Andhra Fish Curry, paired with Briyani rice.

Tandoori lovers would find the vast selection of crispy and thin Naan breads much to their liking, a perfect complement to delightfully baked Tandoori Chicken. As it’s only cooked upon order, the meat remains tender and juicy.

For desserts, there’s Kulfi, a rich, homemade ice cream flavoured with saffron and almonds.

The meats used by Passage Thru’ India are sourced from halal-certified suppliers.

On Mondays to Fridays between 11.30am and 3pm, the restaurant serves a quick and affordable Set Lunch priced at RM11 and RM13 nett. Students with valid ID only need to pay RM10.

Options include the Kashmiri Set, Dhum Briyani, Marina Meen, Tandoori Set and Persian Set, inclusive of drink. For every 10 pax, one gets to eat for free. There are also vegetarian sets available.

The restaurant, which seats up to 80 pax, also caters for in-house and outdoor functions. Takeaway is also available — simply place your order and pick it up 30 minutes later.

Opening hours are from 11.30am to 3pm, and 6.30pm to 11pm daily except for Sundays when they are only open for the evening.

For reservations, call 04-2624644 or visit www.passagethruindia.com for more information.

-News courtesy of The Star-