Midtown Lunch

In March I enjoyed the chaat at the Desi Chaat house in the Bellevue food court. Commenter Spikyone reminded me that Minar Palace had chaat on their menu, which I had totally forgotten about. (Chaat = combo of chickpeas, yogurt and tamarind sauce mixed with crunchy dough) I visited Minar last a year ago and was very impressed by their lamb rogan josh so when I had a craving for yogurt and tamarind, I made the return trip.

I ordered the papri chaat; papri are likes a less greasy version of those fried chinese noodles that come with your take out order.  It also came with chickpeas and potatoes, so this was a very beige affair. While it was less colorful than Desi’s, I have to say, their yogurt sauce was more delicious, I couldn’t stop eating it.

I ordered a side of poori that was nice for dipping, but it deflated before I even unwrapped it. Does anyone know where to find the perfect puffed up poori in Philly?

The chicken tikka masala ($9) along with most of their main dishes served comes with a tin of fragrant, clove studded rice. While the masala sauce was nice, I have to say I preferred the lamb rogan josh from my visit last year, which was spicier plus the lamb was more moist.

I also got a little crazy and got shrimp vindaloo, which is a bit over the price range at $11. I don’t think I have ever had Indian style shrimp before, but this preperation made sense. Their vindaloo is not extremely spicy, so some could be dissapointed, but the tomato flavor went well with the shrimp.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Delicious Chaat
• Lots of entree options

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• A few more pieces of shrimp or chicken couldn’t hurt
• I like eyes-watering, mouth scorching spice

Minar Palace, 1304 Walnut St (@ 13 St), 215-546-9443