Indian Mahal

Whilst any Indian food lover worth their salts is familiar with the delights of Indian Mahal in Baxter this one whilst one of their offshoots with a same name was an unknown quantity.
Knowing the many great eats that I have had at Baxter I trusted that something with the namesake of its original Baxter destination would be something equally impressive.
Whilst the exterior do little to entice one to enter this was all abandoned when we were greeted with a cheery welcome and a speedy plate of pappadums and dipping sauce.
My wife and I went the 38 dollar a head banquet consisting of 3 entrees of spring rolls, chicken tikka and vegetable samosas all very flavourful and nicely spiced.
This was followed by a main of vegetable curry, lamb korma and butter chicken. All very nicely cooked the meat tender and the spice just nice without being overpowering.
This was accompanied with a plentiful side of rice and naan.
And for dessert which we had to take home… mango ice cream a nice accompaniment to round off the meal.
My children with me had butter chicken rice and rice which they lapped up before I had a chance to even see it served.
With my customary Kingfisher beverage it was a gem of a meal in a most unsuspecting part of the peninsula in Dromana.
Easy to drive by do so at your own peril as like its famous counterpart it is the real deal and is a welcome addition to the many fine establishments popping up all along the Mornington Peninsula.
All up for the banquet for 2 and to feed the kids plus drinks and beers it was a reasonable 130 dollars which was more than worth it and then some.
As I said dont let the décor put you off as the true champ the food is some of the finest you will eat on the Peninsula bar none.
With handy parking around the corner in designated areas off the main highway or beach side parking don’t leave it too long to sample this definite diamond in the rough.

I’ve been heading down to the peninsula for years and whilst the area is known for its food and wine international cuisine has been slower to take off.
This is the second time I’ve visited this venue and it was just as good today as the first time.
We discovered it on out last trip down, being hungry and not being sure where to eat we decided to go for a curry. Now that may not seem like a big deal but when your dining companion is Indian and a massive foodie who only prefer eating curry cooked by family you know you’ve stumbled onto something good!
Tonight’s special of tandoori mushrooms served on a hot plate was definitely noteworthy. We’ve tried spinach curry with both chicken and paneer (cottage cheese) peneer masala and a goat curry. All were super tasty and portions very generous. The freshly cooked Carlos naan is an excellent accompaniment.
Looking forward to going back next time I’m down this way and trying a few more things.