Mint Keeps It Fresh

Inside Mint

Tonight, I was invited to try Mint, an Indian restaurant by Restauranteur/Chef Gary Sikka in Midtown East. As soon as I walked in the door, I was met with a cool waterfall and a hip lounge area. From there, I entered the dining room and was immediately immersed in a modern, colorful experience.

The meal started with an array of appetizers. The first were the vegetable samosas filled with potato and peas. My favorite way to start any Indian meal.

Vegetable Samosas

Next, I sampled the Aloo Tikki- potato fenugreek cakes (think crab cakes) served on a bed of chickpeas.

Aloo Tikki

The next dish, Jhinga Balchao were shrimps served in a spicy pickled sauce. Has a good kick to it, so I would avoid it if you are not a spicy food eater.

Jhinga Balchao

Next up were two chicken dishes. The Chicken Malai Kebab was very lightly seasoned with some fresh herbs. This dish would be great for anyone who thinks they don't like Indian food to show them that it's not all spices and curries.

Chicken Malai Kebab

The second chicken dish was the Chicken Seekh Kebab. Ground chicken also lightly seasoned into little sausage-like skewers.

Chicken Seekh Kebab

After sampling from the appetizer menu, it was time for the main course. So many dishes came out, that I decided it would be easier to show them all on one plate. In the background of course you have the garlic naan (left) and basmati rice (right). Here is the breakdown of the main dishes:

Front Row (left to right): Chili Fish (spicy!), Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Pasanda
Second Row (left to right): Saag Paneer, Yellow Dal (lentils), Navratan Korma

Main Dishes

For dessert we were served the Gulab Jamun. I've had gulab jamun before, but always thought it was a cake based ball soaked in honey, I never realized that it is a cottage cheese and milk ball. Either way, it's a perfect way to end a meal- two or three bites of sweet without being too filling.

Gulab Jamun

The modern flavor of the decor was carried throughout the menu. All the dishes were updated to have all the aspects of traditional Indian cooking without being overpowering. Mint would be a great place to bring someone trying Indian for the first time!

*My meal was provided by the restaurant as part of a Press Dinner.