There's an authentic Indian restaurant here in Bali and it's quite full on most evenings. I've never tried Indian food before. Interested, I asked my friend to tell me more about Indian cuisine; he described it as “challenging.” How can a certain kind of cuisine be described as “challenging”?

Curious, my friend and I headed out to Abimanyu Street (formerly known as Dhyanapura) one balmy Sunday night. Since the first experience is always important, I felt that I needed to bring my friend along, so he could at least guide me through the Indian cuisine. Gateway of India first opened its doors to Bali diners in August, 1999. Within the past 7 years, it has opened two other outlets; one in Pantai Kuta (Bemo Corner) and another in Danau Tamblingan, Sanur.

Gateway of India is actually a simple and airy food joint with no over-the-top interiors. Its Tandoor provides diners a view of naan making and a display of naan breads, Prawn Koliwada (marinated prawn), and local favorites such as Martabak, Akbari Kebab, and Chicken Tikka.

My friend, an Indian cuisine aficionado, suggested that we order various dishes and share these between us so we could truly savor the taste of Indian cuisine. We ordered Masala Papadam (spicy crackers served with vegetable toppings) and Surkh Tamatar (lightly spiced tomato soup) for entrées. I found both simply tasty, with just the right amount of spicyness. Our main course was Butter Chicken Tikka (served in rich buttery sauce), Mutton Kathiroll, and a bowl of Fish Head Curry.

A regular patron of the restaurant who has also traveled extensively across Southern Asia, my friend explained that the Getaway of India prepares, serves, and delivers dishes as they would back in India… even its not-too-prompt service is part of the authenticity! Moreover, Getaway of India doesn't serve any beef dishes, just like any Indian restaurant.

The Mutton Kathiroll was split into half, so we could share the dish. A Kathiroll is either meat or vegetables with Mazedor spices rolled in thin Romali bread and deep-fried in tin foil. Here, the restaurant serves 3 kind of Kathiroll; vegetables, chicken, or mutton. We had the mutton version and it was delicious! Although it's fried, there's no oily aftertaste. For Indian cuisine newbies like me, this is a must-try dish!

Having tasted the Kathiroll, I must say that the Butter Chicken Tikka goes in second place. My friend said that the chicken is marinated overnight in a special yoghurt and spice (ginger, lemon, lime, pepper, coriander, chili, methi, and garlic) mixture. Then it is either baked or roasted. The spicy sauce added a punch to the dish.

Maybe it's time to give your palate an introduction to Indian cuisine; it is one “challenge” worth conquering.

Getaway of India
Abimanyu (Dyanapura)10, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 732 940