One of the most awarded restaurants

By Bobby Brill (bestfoodinchina.net)
Updated: 2008-10-15 15:32

After a restaurant wins several magazine awards a diner is prone to expect great things and this local Indian favorite fulfills that order by becoming the standard that other Indian restaurants are judged by. Starting out seven years ago, the Haidian branch is the original; Ganges has now blossomed to three locations with Chaoyang and Lido on the list. Ganges offers very traditional, reasonably priced, excellently prepared food in a relaxing environment. From its humble beginnings the owner has paid particular attention to the clientele by listening to homesick patrons and Western food fans who are looking for more than a plate of yellow curry with a side of rice. I have been a fan of this restaurant for close to year and was anxious to see what the “expanded” menu had in store. I was not disappointed.

Originally focusing on northern cuisines, Ganges has expanded their offerings with a section dedicated to Mumbai “street food” or finger foods and lighter dishes from Chennai. Following the owners advice I sat down to dig into a wide selection of house specialties. The lamb raan, an extremely tender leg of lamb marinated in yogurt and spices then finished off in the tandoori oven, is a great main course for two. The super spicy chicken chili, a lightly breaded appetizer that had a great kick that was a good reason to order up a Tiger from the tap, I strongly recommended as well. Don’t worry about spicy here, all tastes are catered to and can even be made extra spicy by request. Following that is an amazing chicken bhuna, a curry of roasted onions with a sweet and smoky taste, perfect with a cooling and tangy raita. Even better are the generous portions, enough for that late night snack or lunch the next day.

For the vegetarians or those of us who are reminded to eat our veggies, Indian food is the go-to food and here you have a lot to choose from. The batata wada, a crispy fried mix of potatoes and chickpeas, were totally addicting. Now my new favorite, a vegetable achari from Mumbai, is a mix of tangy pickles, paneer, peppers and spices that is one of those simple home-style dishes that absolutely must be tried. Order up some warm chapattis or naan (and a second plate of batata wada, trust me) and you are set. Be sure to leave enough room for dessert and order up the carrot pudding, my second new favorite. This warm and creamy dish with aromatic spices is a real treat; I can’t think of a more perfect way to eat my vegetables.

Indian food, like its China counterpart has a deep and rich variance in styles and tastes. By doing “their homework” the owners of Ganges have built a menu that caters to the new converts and those looking to expand their palates. The Chaoyang location also offers a buffet for those needing a quick curry fix or wanting to sample Indian for the first time. All three locations offer the same high quality food at reasonable prices in a warm, professional environment. All three also deliver; something that makes life that much easier, thank you Ganges!

Ganges Indian Restaurant

Location: B1/F 138A, The Place,9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel:(010) 6587 2999, 1326 1922 309

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