THE PASSION OF INDIA

The first thought crossing one's mind when entering food places foreign to the local cuisine is the excitement at the impending chance to please the taste buds with an alternative spice and produce conglomeration, but the second thought wonders about the seriousness and quality of such locations, especially when labeled as a different country’s cuisine. Is it going to be really authentic or a mere attempt to find a culinary niche? How can a local be an expert in a different cuisine? Do they even get the right type of ingredients to prepare the dishes? I, myself, stumbled upon the same obstacle when enthusiastically desiring Hummus, but fell short of the required Tahini. Only a friend from Beirut was able to serve me the special Middle Eastern condiment while visiting Georgia.

A similar issue was encountered by the amazing couple behind Indian Express, a very unobtrusive restaurant in the densely populated Sarbutalo area. Bars, food spots and shops surround the place in a rustic Soviet manner. The variety of shops means this Indian gem might go unnoticed by passers-by, as the communism inspired architecture only allows small individuality of storefronts. 

While traveling through India, I've come across dozens of food places showcasing the art of Indian cuisine; from grandmother recipe-inspired Paneer –a neutral tasting Indian cheese adopting the taste of the spices with which it is mixed – to exquisite wedding feasts filling my stomach with all kinds of delights. In the search for the same quality outside the country, my endeavors seemed impossible, despite travels to Indian food hotspots such as London or New York. Thus, my amazement was even more exaggerated by the accidental find close to my apartment in Tbilisi.

Lacking the extravagant publicity and lavish interior design of many restaurants, the atmosphere in Indian Express is simple and welcoming. The owners, a middle-aged couple originally working in the banking sector, emphasize the passion behind their cooking. They explain how their travel destinations around the globe were planned according to food festivals taking place, as if national cuisine is the non-plus-ultra for a cultural understanding. 

Although the tasks in the restaurant are separated from them, overlaps and swaps happen continuously, so that at times the husband disappears to prepare the Mango Lassi and the wife welcomes the hordes of guests. Apropos Mango Lassi, a small inquire on its preparation reveals the extensive work behind a glass of this flavorful drink. The adamant conviction to only use Alfonso mangos imported from India explains the secret mystery of flavors exploding in the mouth when sipped slowly. This conviction is visible in every meal served. 

If you appear to be struggling to combine the right dishes, the hosts are quick on their feet suggesting curry dishes which blend perfectly. Guests who seem convinced that their order is the right culinary experience are asked twice if they are sure.

The taste, the welcome, the authenticity and the simple fact that the menu changes every three months to pepper up the experience to the current seasonal favorites, are all perfect reasons to pop into Indian Express. Still having doubts? Then let the 53 five-star reviews out of 54 reviews on Facebook convince you. The one person rating the place with 4 stars must have been having a bad day!

By Benjamin Music

ADDRESS 2 A. Kazbegi Str., Tbilisi

TEL (+995) 514 01 11 77

https://www.facebook.com/Indian-Express-Tbilisi-1036217676445509/

OPEN 11 AM - 11 PM