The newest Indian cuisine restaurant in Pattaya has the
wonderfully romantic name of The Raj. Short, snappy, memorable and very
Indian. We had previously made a note to visit The Raj and when we heard
that the local Chaine des Rotisseurs committee was going to evaluate the
fare, we joined their party of top chefs and enthusiastic ‘foodies’ to
do our own review.
It would be difficult to miss this Third Road restaurant
from the outside. The building is painted bright red, with a large yellow
and red illuminated sign as well. Opposite the Pattaya Driving Range and
perhaps 100 metres from the North Pattaya Road intersection, there is ample
on-street parking outside.
Inside it is air-conditioned, with a sit-up bar along one
side and alcoves along the other, with very comfortable padded seating. The
tables are covered with green tablecloths with contrasting bright red throw-overs.
The atmosphere is clean and bright. Crockery, cutlery and glassware were all
of good quality, and the staff dressed in ‘ethnic’ costume, all added to
the authenticity of the venue.
The 122-item menu (in English) has the Indian names for
the dishes, with an English explanation - a good idea for the uninitiated
like Miss Terry. A dozen appetizers range between B. 65-180 with papadums,
samosas and various chicken, lamb, fish and prawn items. Salads and soups
are next, all generally under B. 100.
There are seventeen tandoori oven specialties averaging
around B. 200 in the main, with chicken, lamb, swordfish, king prawns and
various vegetables all done in this style.
Dedicated chicken and lamb curries are next, again
averaging around B. 200 for the seven examples of each one. There are also
seafood curries averaging B. 200.
For vegetarians there are 15 items (B. 95-180) including
the cheese Paneer specialties. Indians love their breads, so there are 12
styles to choose from, as well as many varieties of rice.
Specials (B. 100-180) include an interesting sounding
Chicken Manchurian (flour balls stuffed with chicken cubes), then some side
dishes and a page of Thai favourites (B. 75-180).
We began with the papadums plus the containers with the
four condiments, onions, mango chutney (imported I was told), sweet chilli
and the green mint/coriander.
Appetizers chosen included Aloo Chat, a potato dish
served with a spicy tomato dressing that I found to be decidedly more-ish,
and some very good samosas. After these we tried the Amritsari fried fish
which was sensational - a beautiful light batter and full of oriental
flavours. This was another dish that saw me looking for more.
As with all Indian meals, it seems that it is best to
follow through the menu, so our next foray was into the tandoori oven with a
tandoori chicken, which came on hot plates (I think this is the first Indian
restaurant that has done that for me) and then a Rogan Josh lamb curry and
another I had never tried before, a Gosht Vindaloo, which is lamb and
potatoes in a hot spicy curry, and another I can recommend. By this stage, I
was full of garlic nan bread as well as a full range of Indian food and
called for time out. Mind you, I did manage to slip a sip of the 1992
Chateau a Louviere to round out the evening with a well-rounded wine! (There
is a good selection of ‘good’ wines.)
The Raj has an extensive menu and its management and
staff are enthusiastic and wanting to please (some others should take note).
While again I admit to not being an aficionado of the cuisine, there was
more than enough for me to enjoy, and enjoy very much. The chilli-mint Aloo
Chat appetizer was one that saw me calling for more, as were the samosas.
Another brilliant dish was the Amritsari fried fish, which was flavoursome
and not overly spiced. As an Indian evening out, The Raj should be on your
list if you enjoy this style of food. I found it eye opening and review of
The Raj showed that Indian food does not have to leave you with your mouth
on fire. Highly recommended.
The Raj, 3/110-111, Pattaya 3rd Road (opp Pattaya Driving Range),
telephone 038 370 704.
