TANDOOR

An old favourite in Hong Kong, lording it over the intersection between Lyndhurst Terrace and Wellington Street, is Tandoor — a glamorously classy establishment serving excellent North Indian fare. Statues greet you at the street level entrance then you are swept upstairs and into the opulent world of a maharaja’s den. A separate bar, spacious white-linen tablecloth-ed dining room and two private rooms make this restaurant a popular choice for corporate functions, but with its subtle lighting and atmospheric music, it’s a good date spot too. Tell the manager it’s your birthday – you wouldn’t want to miss the Indian rendition of ‘happy birthday’ performed by the traditional band. As for the food, vegetarians are well looked after with options including subzi mela (mixed vegetables in a spiced masala tomato gravy), dal tarka (yellow lentils slowly cooked with ginger, chillies and coriander) and baingan bhartha (eggplant gently roasted in the tandoor, mashed and sautéed in a rich blend of fresh spices). Meat lovers will enjoy the gosht do piazza (boneless lamb prepared in a special blend of spices and herbs sautéed with sliced onion rings) and plenty more on the extensive menu.