The brand recall of the name Moti Mahal is as crisp as the famed tandoori fare that the restaurant chain offers. Moti Mahal has been around for a while,with a substantial presence in Delhi and beyond. Its foremost owner,Kundan Lal Gujral is acknowledged as the initiator of tandoori chicken. Given how the latter is a best-seller in the region,the launch of Moti Mahal Delux in Chandigarh seems like a good move. On the flip side,Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine isnt a novelty in the city. So how would this new restaurant fare? We decide to find out. Barring the colourful artwork on the walls,the ambience is plush and the large open space has been given private attention (pun intended) with partitions. The staff is quick,polite and the menu is handed promptly. Speaking of which,its a multi-cuisine spread of Mughlai,Tandoori and Chinese fare. The inclusion of Chinese menu might seem odd to those not familiar with the peculiarities of the Chandigarh diner but here its bound to win the restaurant brownie points. The plump menu,however,has a predictable temper. Paneer tikka,Mushroom tikka,Murg Malai Tikka,Murg Seekh,you get the drift. The Murg Malai Tikka,we ate,was succulent and cooked tender and the Seekh kebab wasnt overly spicy. The main course offers options such as murg korma and mutton in various avatars. Its always a good idea to try a new restaurants version of the dal makhani and butter chicken. The latter is well done but the showstopper is the garlic naan paired with the raita and the dal. With its smoky flavour,delicate tadka and silken consistency,it is the surprise element in our meal. Meal for two: Rs 750-800 Location: SCO 20,Sector 7,Madhya Marg
