My Choice: For big eaters who love curry

My Choice
20 Wharf St, Tauranga
Ph (07) 578 5533
mychoiceindianbistro.co.nz

Indian good on a wet evening ... there's nothing like it, and the curry at My Choice Indian Bistro and Bar did not disappoint.

The menu at the Wharf St restaurant was extensive. It offered the standard fare of butter chicken, rogan josh and korma plus a range of other dishes I had never heard of.

We started off with onion bhaji, which was not quite what I expected but delicious all the same. It was three small, dense onion fritters bound with chickpea flour and seasoned with an array of spices. The dish was served with salad and a sweet, smoky sauce that added moisture to the fritters, which would have been a bit dry on their own.

For our mains we opted for a chicken vindaloo and a beef pasanda, both medium in heat.
On first taste, the vindaloo didn't seem too spicy but the heat built. It was hot but tolerable, exactly what you'd expect from a dish known for its fiery flavour.

The pasanda was a sweet, creamy curry and exactly what I was hoping for. It is a yoghurt-based curry with onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes with spices, and crushed almonds. I usually avoid beef at Indian restaurants as it can be tough and fatty, but the chunks of meat were tender and tasty.

The food came quickly and was served in traditional metal bowls, which were deceptively big. The meals would satisfy even the largest of appetites.

The restaurant was decorated with Indian ornaments, which gave it an authentic feel and the atmosphere was upbeat, thanks to the Indian pop music being played.

It was only a short walk around the corner from The Strand and the front windows opened right up so we could still enjoy the balmy Bay weather and be out of the rain.

The staff were friendly and helpful although the service could have been slightly faster.
Overall, it was a great night out. The food was excellent; the atmosphere was enjoyable; and it was affordable _ at only $20 a main.