MANILA, Philippines – I love Indian cuisine, but I also get the struggle of wanting to try multiple dishes at once but hesitating to do so, because of the typically large serving sizes and hefty price points at most Indian restaurants around the metro.
Indian cuisine is often associated with large portions and family-style dining, which can be a challenge for solo diners like myself craving variety.
Here come Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar’s new Thali Lunch Sets, which are a godsend and available exclusively at Ayala Malls Vertis North since August 1.
Each curated lunch set is good for one, with different North Indian specialties at friendlier prices. Mantra said that these sets were made to cater to office-goers in the area looking for a filling and convenient meal on their lunch breaks.
A thali lunch set is a traditional Indian meal that features a variety of dishes served on a single platter. “Thali” translates to “plate” in Hindi, and it typically includes a selection of small portions of different dishes.
“They are a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern convenience. Our goal is to provide a dining experience that brings the rich culinary heritage of Northern India to the heart of Quezon City, all at an affordable price,” Mantra’s head chef Kumar said.
All ‘set’!
It’s an ideal, value-for-money solution for solo diners who want to try a bit of everything, without feeling overwhelmed both by the serving sizes and prices.
You can also dine with a companion and order two lunch sets, and share the different viands among yourselves for even more variety!
Each Thali Lunch Set comes with an assortment of authentic Northern Indian dishes, served with basmati rice, lemon, lentil curry, pickled onions, and papadum (India’s thin, crispy flatbread). You also choose between a small naan (soft, fluffy bread) or roti (thinner and whole wheat). It also comes with a glass of Mantra’s Signature Iced Tea.
The seven Thali Lunch Sets highlight several Mantra’s bestsellers: from creamy Butter Chicken to Mutton Seekh Kebabs. The Butter Chicken isn’t to be missed out on – it’s a comfortingly hearty curry that’s buttery, creamy, and balanced in spices, with the chunks of super tender chicken cutting like butter.
The Non-Vegetarian Set 1 of Butter Chicken & Mutton Seekh Kebab costs P659, and so does the Non-Vegetarian Set 2 of Chicken Tikka (boneless chicken in a spiced yogurt marinade) & Rogan Josh (Indian lamb curry).
All lunch sets also come with your choice of Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani — the former is made from yellow lentils, while the latter is a buttery stew made with whole black lentils.
We also tried the Vegetarian Set 1 (P559), which features Palak Paneer (a vibrantly green and creamy spiced spinach curry with melt-in-your-mouth cottage cheese cubes mixed in) and crispy Makki Kebab (corn patties). Even at a lower price point, it was just as filling as the non-veg option.
Vegetarian Set 2 (P559) combines Butter Paneer & Paneer Tikka, while Vegetarian Set 3 (P559) combines Roasted Eggplant Mash & Green Pea Tikki.
Pescetarians are not forgotten — Mantra also offers Seafood Set 1 (P759) with Tandoori Mahi-Mahi & Rogan Josh, and Seafood Set 2 (P859) with Prawn Curry & Tandoori Fish.
For a minimal fee, you can also upgrade to India’s yogurt-based drinks like the Sweet Lassi or Mango Lassi, either of which are good to pair with a heavy meal.
Curried away
It’s easy to get “curried” away by Mantra’s other dishes, and rightfully so — if you have room for more, try out the Green Pea Tikki (P425), which are crispy green pea and potato patties filled with melty cheese. It may be vegetarian, but it feels like an indulgent, savory treat.
Kids might be fooled to enjoy okra with Mantra’s Kur Kuri Bhindi (P425) — spicy, crispy, fried okra fries with gram flour and spices that are addictive to snack on. They’re cut really thin, so the okra taste isn’t too strong; it’s subtly there, along with a mild spice. A squeeze of lemon on top adds a zing to the experience.
Both dishes are good for sharing among two.
Mantra’s Vertis North branch opened in December 2023, succeeding its first two branches in The Grand Midori, Makati City and Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang.
The Thali Lunch sets are available at Vertis North from Monday to Friday, 11 am to 3 pm. For more information, you can check out Mantra on Instagram. – Rappler.com