(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-05-08 10:03

Indian food does not have to be complicated or expensive-take new restaurant Masala Art, for example. First, the menu: filled with familiar favorites such as samosas (RMB 28), tandoori chicken tikka (RMB 48), lamb rogan josh (RMB 55) and garlic naan (RMB 20). The prices are reasonable and the food tasty. Second, the service: polite, efficient, friendly, yet unobtrusive-the waitstaff know when to make small talk, and when to remain quietly in the background. Third, the atmosphere: decor is modern Indian, featuring earth tones and a smattering of color (be sure to check out the bathroom); the music is contemporary sub-continental pop.

In sum, MA is quite simply a good restaurant with no pretensions. Which, when considering Shanghai's restaurant scene in general, is rather refreshing.

Location: No. 397, Dagulu, by Shimen Yilu
Opening time: Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. All cards.
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 226
Tel: 021-63273571