Batgung

Considering that most of my experience with club food in Hong Kong has been indifferent at best, I was very surprised recently when having lunch at the United Services Recreation Club (on Gascoigne Road in Jordan) to find that they've got really excellent south Indian food on offer -- including dhosas, idlis, and so on. If you know anyone who's a member, try to wangle an invite!

Mr B - The CWB one is called Aladdins. Quite good but they confuse things by asking when you ask for, say, a madras, whether you want it mild or hot. I mean, madras id madras and part of the fun is finding out if the place is a hot curry place or not.

But I always go to JoJos in Wanchai or, for lunch, a hole in the wall place called Shokra Kebab or something like that just down from the walkway between Lockhart and Hennessey ($35 for a chicken curry and rice).

[quote="Jack"]Mr B - The CWB one is called Aladdins. Quite good but they confuse things by asking when you ask for, say, a madras, whether you want it mild or hot. I mean, madras id madras and part of the fun is finding out if the place is a hot curry place or not.

But I always go to JoJos in Wanchai or, for lunch, a hole in the wall place called Shokra Kebab or something like that just down from the walkway between Lockhart and Hennessey ($35 for a chicken curry and rice).[/quote]

I've walked past there a couple of times & the smell has been appealling. How's the curry taste though :?:

Yesterday the Batgung Editorial committee met for lunch at a new curry restaurant, the "Bhet Ghat" at 151 Jaffe Rd in Wanchai. Well, new to us anyhow, though they say they have been open there for 9 months, and previously had a restaurant in Stanley.

Their signs says they serve Nepalese and Indian curries so, thrill-seekers that we are, we stuck to the Nepalese selection. The fact that the menu item for one of the dishes we chose wouldn't be any more specific than "Red meat", and ended with the description that it would "exercise your gums" should have warned us off. But that time the curry-house bravado had set in ... "How hot do we want it ? Ho, ho, ho...."

I won't be ordering it again, though it was definitely interesting to have tried. Not so interesting that you need to try it - you can just take my word. Turns out the main constituent was dried water-buffalo meat. We wondered if it was part of a government campaign to stop traffic jams on Lantau, but it had been flown in specially for us from Nepal.

I'll happily eat there again, afetr all I guess that is how dried water-buffalo is meant to taste. Though next time we'll stick to the tried and tested Indian favourites, maybe adding just one from the Nepalese list for the story-telling opportunities it provides.

MrB

my best friend is nepalese and i LOVE that dried buffalo meat....i've not had it in a curry merely presented in dried state with a sticky sort of marinade? deeeeeeeeeeelicious

i still like good ole Gunga Din on Wyndham Street....

Quite like The Curry Pot in Wanchai/Stanley. Also a fan of Bombay Dreams in Hollywood Road.

Veda is great but more nouvelle cuisiney than trad curry house. Still can't beat my old 1989 fave of the worryingly named 'Deep Mess' in Chungking Mansions though. Not sure if its still around.

By the way, I tried to go to the JOJO's in Causewaybay and it is down for remodel and the one in wan chai has closed. I think it moved somewhere else. Anyone know where? the web site has no clues.

Khana Khazana's is great - particularly the buffet, which includes Masala Dosa.

Not sure about spelling of Shokra Kebab, but it's all great there - been eating once a week for four years. Owners are delightful Pakistani brothers, so help a brother out.

:P

Last week I was in Stanley on the restaurant strip. Went into a western looking restaurant called Bayview.. or Bay shore... haha.. anyways, right at the very end of the strip. I had a red duck curry which was just sensational. I was very surprised because I'm always doubtful of places which serve a whole bunch of different cuisine under one roof - but this one's a keeper.

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- CityDweller -

There was a change of management at Khana Khazana recently and the food, service and the ambiance has greatly improved.

They keep the restaurant as vegetarian but added some nice Tandoori dishes (exotic names: Paneer Afgani, Paneer Ajwaini, Vegetable Hungama and so on) which go very well with beer and wine.

They now also have a decent selection of draught beers (Carlsberg, Boddingtons and San Miguel) and wines.

Good food and quite reasonably priced. South Indian fare is as great as ever.

:A

Try Masala, a very nice little place in Sheung Wan. Sorry I don't have the address, but it's on the road behind the Wing Lok Street MTR exit. The couple that own and operate the restaurant are a pleasure.

Shalimar is very nice too - particularly the decor, which makes you feel as though you're in someone's home (faux brick walls, white shutters, ceiling fans).

Hi, Any current recommendations for Indian restaurants in Causeway Bay? Thanks.

Thanks MrB. I am aware of the curry buffet, however, it is a bit pricey, I made some research over the internet and found out that Mirsch Masala and Aladin Mess are in the vicinity of Causeway Bay. Any idea if they are good for me to bring customers there to eat? Thanks.

Hi MrB, Thanks for your advice again. Would select the venue base on the suggestion above! Thanks.

Had a FAB lunch at Aladin Mess today.

Was a real surprise. I'll be going back (again and again). Samosas were spectacular.

Basic place, but the food is good, and portions generous. Also didn't feel bloated or tired afterwards. Mango Lassi also good.

Unbelievable value for money (standard set lunch is $32!)