C[omp]ute

From: andrew cooke <andrew@...>

Date: Sun, 17 Jul 2011 11:50:04 -0400

There are only a handful of Indian restaurants in Santiago.  The Majestic has
been around for years, and Soul of India in Vitacura has a good reputation,
but those are both pretty expensive, so I thought Salaam Bombay in Rancagua
(Providencia) was interesting.

I have to say - I liked it.  I say that with more reservation than normal
because I've been reading reviews on the 'net and they seem to be pretty
negative.

We had aloo matar, a dal, lamb korma, rice, and a gralic nan.  Nothing was
"hot" (in the spicey sense), but it was all very tasty, freshly prepared (by
which I mean, for example, that the potatoes and lentils weren't very mushy),
and each plate has a distinctive flavor.  The lamb was pretty gamey, which was
a surprise, but not a bad thing (and the sauce wasn't too heavy, with lots of
almonds).

Addressing the criticisms I've seen elsewhere: the service was fine (neither
excellent nor bad); the nan was pretty good (it could have been fluffier, but
it wasn't "sad" and it was made with lots of fresh garlic); I can't vouch for
the authenticity of the food (one comment suggests that the owners are
southern Indians, preparing northern style food), but it seemed to me like it
was "toned down" for Chilean taste buds (which are not generally accustomed to
spicy food).

The entire meal (with beer for me and a coke for Pauli) came to a shade under
20.000, including tip.  That's the same as an expensive starter at Soul of
India...  I think it's worth visiting, when you have the curry urge.

Andrew