The original Queen’s Tandoor opened in Seminyak in 1986, becoming the flagship for Indonesia’s most successful chain of Indian restaurants. The secret of their success is tasty and authentic cuisine prepared by Indian chefs. We visit the newest addition to the family, Queens of India, which opened in Tuban in 2008.
Occupying an attractive and contemporary building, a mere stones throw from Kartika Plaza, Queens of India provides a modern North Indian dining experience. The restaurant is brightly lit and minimalist, with a range of seating areas including a terrace peppered with sofas and water features, a fan cooled interior and a more formal air conditioned upstairs dining room. Indian art work adorns the mustard coloured walls and there are ceramic elephants, statues of multi armed deities and antique brass tea pots scattered throughout. Beyond a glass window we watch the chefs weaving their spicy magic, it’s the first time I have seen a show kitchen in an Indian restaurant.
The drinks list includes well priced cocktails, aperitifs, beers and an interesting selection of juices. I enjoy the B12, a mix of carrot and coconut with a unique flavor and texture, and follow it with the quintessential Indian beverage, a Mango Lassy, which is perfectly rendered – thick, sweet and deliciously creamy.
There is nothing quite like Indian food to tantalize the taste buds, and the menu is extensive and filled with evocative words like Tikka, Masala, Kashmiri and Vindaloo. There are curries, sizzlers, kebabs, plenty of Tandoor dishes, soups and dhals, snacks and a wide selection of vegetarian options. We eventually settle on some starters, fat spicy Samosas and Kashmiri Kebab, a truly superb dish of deep fried capsicum stuffed with potato, cheese, dried fruit and spices. The accompanying Pappadam is highly spiced and condiments include a delightful mango chutney.
The taste is authentic Indian, but owner Puneet Malhotra tells me that they use less oil than in traditional Indian food and some of the dishes are made with olive oil, which explains why the food is quite light. He adds that they have seven Indian chefs working at their two Bali restaurants which further explains the original taste. I have long held the notion that you can tell a good Indian restaurant by its Nan bread and Queens is no exception, the Nan is light, well cooked, slightly chewy and imbued with that unmistakable Tandoor flavor. We also try a Phulka, puffed up bread that is buttery and flaky. Both are great accompaniments to the range of dishes we choose for our main course: a very good Palak Panneer, creamed spinach loaded with garlic and homemade paneer (cottage cheese); a tasty, aromatic Chicken Masala with tender and spicy chicken, a very hot Sheekh Kebab (Minced Lamb kebabs cooked in the Tandoor) and an excellent Chicken Tikka. There is also a Kashmiri Pulao, soft and fluffy rice with cashews, pear and raisin.
Indian desserts tend to be overly sweet and are not for everyone, so we opt for the Sizzling Chocolate Brownie, it is served at the table on a sizzling hot plate and the waiter drizzles chocolate sauce over the top which steams and bubbles releasing a rich chocolate aroma. It is hardly traditional, but who cares, the taste is exquisite. We finish up with a Masala Tea, in real Indian style it is bitter, strong, milky and aromatic with rich spices.
As is often the style of modern Indian restaurants Queens of India is highly functional with prompt and professional service, a place to enjoy excellent food but not to dally. Queens is also available for functions, and provides a very popular catering service as well as home delivery. AB
QUEENS OF INDIA
Bali Dynasty Resort
Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kuta
Phone 0361 765 988
www.queenstandoor.com
Opening Hours 11am – 11.30pm
Seating 200
Ample parking
Kuta Map A - 4
