Shalimar

Description:

• Many have walked right by this unpretentious, downstairs restaurant due to its small outdoor sign. Being among the first Indian restaurants in the city, it has reinvented itself a number of times, but it remains a perpetual award winner in Budapest culinary competitions. What you find on the menu are typical items from Mughlai cuisine, from northern India. They are typically rich meat dishes in various sauces, grilled meats using an enormous array of spices cooked in a tandoor along with different breads. Newly redecorated with false backlit stenciled windows, it has a fresh new appearance. We have been here so often over the years that we have sampled almost everything on the very extensive menu. Pork Vindiloo is served in lavish red gravy made with a coconut milk base. Shahi beef korma cooked in a cashew and almond cream gravy is excellent. Order different nan breads to enrich your meal; they are baked in a tandoori clay oven, fired with charcoal. For awhile the portions shrunk, but they are doggie-bag size once again. Fixed business lunch specials are now available.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010