Indian mainstay gets a make-over
by Miss Terry Diner
It is actually very surprising that there are not more
Indian restaurants in Pattaya. It is not as if there are no Indians (several
hundred tailor shops would attest to this) and of course, Indian food is
apparently the most popular cuisine in the UK (Birmingham Balti Curry being
considered the national dish) and there are many Brits living here too, let
alone holidaymakers.
However,
the Ali Baba restaurant has been the mainstay of Indian cuisine for many
years, and following a recent refurbishment, the Dining Out team was
interested to see just how Ali Baba was faring these days.
The restaurant is in the same well known site, at the Beach Road end of
Central Pattaya Road, opposite the also well established Nova Lodge. We did
not find parking to be a problem, even though it is roadside.
The “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves” concept has been maintained, with diners
entering a series of cave-like grottos, but the lighting has been improved,
and with light colored tiles on the floor, the atmosphere is no longer dark
(or oppressive). The improvements have been carried right through the
restaurant, with better glasses and cutlery, and even a wonderfully clean
toilet. There are also private dining areas, seating up to a dozen diners.
The
menu is a sparkling new one as well, though with the usual Indian favorites.
A little history at the front, showing the origins of Mughalai dishes and a
note to say that all dishes can be ordered mild, regular or spicy.
Eighteen starters (B. 60-170) lead you in to 14 kebabs, all around B. 250
and then five Tikkas at the same price. Nine tandoori items with most B.
150-350, then some masalas (B. 240), curry chicken (B. 120-190), and so it
goes on through seafood, lamb, vegetarian, paneer, rice (eight styles),
innumerable breads and accompaniments. However, for the non-Indian exponents
there are two Thali plates on the back cover. A vegetarian one (B. 450) and
non-vegetarian (B. 650). These have around 18 items and have been selected
as good examples of the cuisine.
Wines are offered from a mobile carousel and are not expensive. Our waiter
also knew how to present the wine cork and other niceties.
We tried several dishes, including a wonderful Baingan Ke Kachare, which is
deep fried thinly sliced Brinjal vegetable, with Amritsari masala. This was
a new experience for me, and it is certainly the snack to have with a beer.
Salty and savory.
I also enjoyed the Aloo Chat, which is made from diced potato in a tomato
‘sweet and sour’ sauce with just a hint of coriander. According to the menu
this was done Punjabi style.
As with all Indian meals, there appears to be a bewildering array of dishes,
but the samosas were excellent (the chicken ones have a red dot on the
outside, while the vegetable ones do not, so you can choose wisely). I also
enjoyed the butter chicken dish, and using my bread I was able to scoop out
the remaining curry from the dish. In fact, I enjoyed everything!
Although I went with an Indian guest, who could suggest dishes, I found the
idea of the individual Thali plates, which provide a whole range of dishes
all at the same time, made life easy. There was more than enough food, and
more than enough choices. The addition of our garlic nan bread meant there
was a complete Indian feast to enjoy, without having to know which dish
would go with what. If you are not completely au fait with Indian food, the
Thali plate is my recommendation.
The Ali Baba Indian restaurant has definitely moved itself up-market (as has
much of Pattaya) and is an excellent venue for entertaining in the grand
Indian manner. I enjoyed it, I am sure you will too. By the way, we finished
the evening with an after-dinner drink at the new Oliver Twist English pub
next door.
Ali Baba Tandoori and Curry restaurant, 1/13-14 Central Pattaya Road
(opposite Nova Lodge Hotel), Pattaya City, telephone 038 429 262, fax 038414
464, email grover@ loxinfo.co.th. Open seven days 11 a.m. till half past
midnight. On-street parking.
