Masala, Jalfrezi, Pani Puri and Vindaloo.
If your menu boasts any of these, I’m all over it. As far as I’m concerned, the spicier the samosa the better.
And after travelling through parts of India (wanker alert) I’ve since been on the hunt for the perfect paneer, the best balti and the dreamiest dhansak.
But I’ve had no luck…
Until now.
I had the distinct pleasure of dining in Clanbrassil Street’s beautiful Konkan last night.
Tucked away in Dublin 8, with another hidden gem in Dundrum, this gorgeous little venue is as deadly as it is affordable.
And it’s INCREDIBLE for vegetarians.
With mains starting from €12.50, and tasting menus at €25 or less ahead – you can’t really go too wrong.
Chef Balakrishnan Nayak and his team use the best of Indian spices, the freshest of Irish vegetables and the finest cuts of meat and fish around.
What more could you want?
The spices and flavours are overwhelmingly present, with exclamations of joy, taste and delight wafting around the restaurant repeatedly. And for those of you with varying levels of spice, don’t worry – every spice level is adhered to.
We tucked into everything.
And it was off the chain.
This is truly authentic Indian food – cooked with delicious homemade (they make their own paneer – and it’s top bloody notch) and Irish products.
A match made is taste heaven.
And oh, the Chana Masala.
Portion sizes are generous without being overbearing, and tempting enough to lead anyone astray of any diet.
We finished things off with light and fresh desserts made with caramel, mango and cardamom ice-cream.
Needless to say, they were out of this world – and I’m already looking forward to the doggy bag of leftovers I took home with me.
So, there you have it.
Simply incredible dishes made with fresh ingredients, divine flavours, out of this world spices and headed by a team truly passionate about delicious Indian food.
Sounds like a winner, alright.
For those of you who’ve ventured to the subcontinent, you’ll know the joy of finding the perfect Indian dish – and for those who haven’t, Konkan will only make you crave the country even more.
Oh, and do yourself a favour and get the Paneer Achari Tikka. Just trust us.
Konkan is located at 46 Upper Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8 and 1 Upper Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14 .
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