North Indian & Pakistani Food @ Balestier Market
October 18, 2014
Some of the best Indian food can be found in coffee shops or small restaurants, where the food itself is the star. North Indian & Pakistani Food at Balestier Market is one such example. I didn’t think much about it when the makan kakis met suggested to have lunch there. But when the naans arrived at my table, I wanted to grab a bite almost immediately.
Naan is just like pizza, it’s best when eaten fresh, straight out of the oven. I didn’t have a high expectations for the naan but was very surprised at how good the quality was (and they have a tandoor oven in their kitchen). We ordered the simplest form – plain naan that is served hot. Painted with melted butter, it’s puffy with air bubbles and some smoky charred parts. The naan has a crisp base and we peel open, it reveals an airy and slightly chewy bread. It’s so good on its own that I don’t have to pair it with anything else.
Sorry to disappoint, it’s not palak paneer, it’s palak tofu. But it works for me because I prefer tofu anytime. It is spicy and green, and the softer tofu makes for a wonderful panner substitute.
Anyone familiar with Indian cuisine will agree with me that chole (or chickpeas masala) is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes. Here, their chole comes in a wet style to pair with the naan. It’s good, moderately spicy and aromatic with fresh spices. Just personal preference, I prefer the dry version more.
The Spicy, red, grilled tandoori chicken was enjoyable but not exactly a blow out dish. I thought the tandoori chicken will be dry but look at the shiny surface and is a standout of deliciousness. The mint & coriander chutney is tangy yet refreshing.
Overall, the strength with this place is its price point, as it offers fair value for money meals (even though the staff don’t really smile a lot). A plain naan with vegetables costs $3 while a plain naan with tandoori chicken is only $6.50.
North Indian & Pakistani Food
Address: Balestier Market Food Centre Stall #4
411 Balestier Road (S)329930
