There is no doubt that Pattaya (and Jomtien) is a dynamic
area as far as dining out is concerned. In the past few months there are at
least six new restaurants opened between South Pattaya and South Jomtien.
One of these is the Accha Indian Restaurant.
Accha
is on the left, going from Pattaya towards Jomtien and is about 20 metres
past the Thepprasit intersection. A large illuminated sign will draw your
attention as the double shop-house is partially hidden by foliage at the
front.
Inside, the Indian theme is indicated by the ‘mosque’
shaped table lamps and some other hanging lanterns. The dining area is
air-conditioned and split-level. The tables are covered with good quality
linen and the cutlery is heavy bronze. There is also an Indonesian (?)
Buddha head near the entrance, but little else. The decor does tend to be
‘minimalist’.
Being an Indian restaurant, which always means a hefty
menu, we asked to see the wine list first. This is not large, but has enough
choices with the most expensive being B. 840, with most under B. 600. I
chose the house white, which came chilled correctly and was pleasant enough.
Beers are in the main menu and includes the Indian Kingfisher at B. 150 or
local beers at B. 65 small bottle.
If you are unsure of yourselves in an Indian restaurant,
Accha offers a “Thali House Special” for two people at B. 640 which
includes several mains, rice, naan, tandoori chicken, desserts, tea or
coffee. There is also a vegetarian thali for two at B. 490.
The menu proper, for those not uncertain, begins with
snacks with various pakoras (B. 70-130), samosas (B. 60-85 for two) and
cutlets (B. 60-70, two per plate, vegetable aloo or dahl).
Vegetarian dishes are in a section by themselves (B.
75-120), with the vast majority under B. 85. The menu then goes into
sections according to the meat, with 18 mutton items (B. 175-185) including
all the Indian favourite ways of preparation (masala, korma, rogan josh, and
others I was not aware of, such as boti dopezia or sagwalla).
From there it is chicken (B. 115-125), fish and prawn (B.
160-190) and the tandoori items (B. 145-300 for large plates). Of course
there are also all the rices and breads to go with Indian food.
We went as a group, which did include two gentlemen of
Indian extraction. Our first dishes were samosas and we had a vegetable one
and a mutton. The vegetable was more to my liking as the mutton had the much
stronger taste. What we did have with these was papadum masala, with the
spicy masala sprinkled on top and this was different and delightful.
Another dish was the mixed tandoori plate, which gave us
choices of mutton, fish, chicken and prawns - something for everyone! Others
included a butter paneer ghobi (cauliflower and cottage cheese in a thick
butter sauce) which was sweet and one I enjoyed very much. Another which was
to my taste was the bindi gost, a mutton curry with ladyfinger vegetables.
The portions as brought out were certainly more than adequate, and there
were no complaints as far as that was concerned from anyone at our table.
Accha’s owner, I was told, is involved with the famous
Indian restaurant in Bangkok, Himali Cha Cha, and it is significant that the
Palek Paneer in the Accha menu is described as Cha Cha’s own cottage
cheese in a green spinach sauce and the Mutton Shah Jahan uses Cha Cha’s
special formula and many dishes are described as Himalayan blend. This may
explain the rather unique tastes in some of the items.
Accha definitely presents another Indian alternative for
the lovers of this cuisine, and at the prices asked, it is not going to cost
you much to see if this restaurant is to your liking. Well worth a try.
Accha Indian Restaurant, 315/158 M12, Thappraya Road (just past the
Thepprasit junction, on the left hand side), telephone 038 252 161-2. Hours
11.30 a.m. - 3 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. for dinner. Street
parking. Take away with free local delivery.
