Sharing dishes is best
Michelle Hopkins
Sun
Mahek restaurant’s Harvey Sanghera (rear) with wife and chef, Tara Sanghera, chef Laxman (left) and chef Veerain (right). Photograph by : Bill Keay, Vancouver Sun
Mahek Restaurant & Lounge, on the border of Surrey and Delta, is a restaurant for those who love East Indian cuisine.
We went early on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was half full. By the time we ordered appetizers, the place was filled to the brim, with lively chatter all around us and a line-up at the door.
The polish behind Mahek is obvious in every detail. The décor is a testament to owner Harvey Sanghera’s good taste. The walls are adorned with carved Indian wood-work and a cascading water feature with a lit Mahek sign takes centre stage at the bar. You’ll also noticed this delicate fragrance in the air; it’s infused with a hint of coriander, nutmeg, saffron and other spices you might not recognize.
Servers are friendly and know the menu well. Let them help you select the meal and you won’t be disappointed.
The wine list isn’t long list but you’ll probably find a red or white to suit your palate.
If you favour naan bread, you’ll love the variety here. The breads are fluffy, melt in your mouth and are served with your choice of homemade (secret family recipe) sauces. We opted for the mint chutney and the ‘Papdam‘, which is a red chutney and had to order more; they are refreshingly tangy and, frankly, addictive.
One of the best ways to enjoy Indian cuisine is to order a variety of dishes to share. And that’s just what we did.
The Chicken Tikal Masala ($10.95) is a signature dish, with a surprising onion, tomato gravy. We also ordered the Dhai Balla, ground lentil balls deep fried, dipped in yogurt and served with (yes, more) chutney. ($5.95); prawns Vindallo, in a tangy curry sauce with rare spices (Harvey says it’s a famous fiery Goan specialty and I agree, it’s hot, yet delicious, for $11.95); and finally a few vegetarian selections, the Dal Makahni, lentils cooked with onions and tomatoes ($8.95).
The food is wonderfully flavourful.
The portions are generous, the menu varied and lengthy, and we came home with enough leftovers for two.
Sanghera grew up in England, home to some of the best Indian food.
When he immigrated to Canada a little less than two years ago, he and his wife/chef Tara Sanghera went on the lookout for an Indian restaurant for sale — it was to be his wedding present to Tara.
The couple had dined at Mahek Restaurant & Lounge a few times and were impressed with the food. They approached the owner and seven months later it was theirs.
The Sangheras updated the lighting — it’s soft and creates a warm, cosy ambience — the décor and the menu.
“It already had a very good reputation and we just wanted to put our own stamp on it,” says Sanghera. “Tara is an excellent cook and back home she was constantly asked to cook for family and guests.”
Tara and two seasoned chefs make up the kitchen team.
The prices at Mahek are surprisingly reasonable. The restaurant’s semi-upscale décor suggests a much higher priced menu.
Mahek Restaurant & Lounge is a classy restaurant to eat some well prepared Indian food. One feels an atmosphere of well-being here.
Mahek seats 122 inside. To avoid disappointed, reservations are recommended on the weekends. Phone 604-585-3331 or visit www.mahek.ca.
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MAHEK RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
9470 — 120th St., Surrey
Reservations recommended
604-585-3331
Open: Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. To 10:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m., Sunday noon to 10 p.m.
© The Vancouver Sun 2008
