Shenzhen has few Indian restaurants, and out of those, even fewer are worth visiting. But Kabir’s Indian Restaurant has managed to make a name for itself quickly, its reputation growing largely by word of mouth.
People living in Shekou are likely familiar with the former outlet on Haichang Lu. Kabir’s new branch is a step up, bringing the restaurant to a second-floor location in the trendy Sea World area.
The rooftop seating provides the perfect place to catch a cool breeze while digging into some hot eats at Kabir’s, which is named after the owner's son. Along with the name, an Indian identity has been embedded into every detail of the restaurant, from the deep-red decor to the dishes that can be cooked to four levels of spiciness by Indian chefs.
“Come to our restaurant and give it a try. If you don't like the food, I will sing a song for you,” says manager Dave Pechay. Challenge accepted.
We begin with the vegetable salad (RMB68), a colorful mix of yellow pepper, red pepper and broccoli. It is served with crushed nuts on the top and is a clean, fresh starter.
Next we bite into deep-fried cheese spinach cups (RMB68), served with a green sauce made from yogurt, chili and ginger. It’s a strange range of tastes, but Kabir’s manages to make it work.
Lamb chops (RMB88) are cooked in curry sauce and served with fresh vegetables. Pair them with cheese naan (RMB25) or vegetable pulao (RMB30), an Indian rice dish.
To cool down after the hot eats – you’ll need it if you opted for the spiciest option – Kabir’s drink selection focuses on in-house specials, including a beverage simply named ‘special’ (RMB50). It is served in many flavors, including a zesty strawberry number that comes in a glass rimmed with sweet, pink sugar. The Tokyo iced tea (RMB50), like its Long Island cousin, is strong enough to skip you through several steps on the road to inebriation.
Spirited live music is played every day except Monday by the Philippine house band, so Pechay really could have busted out in song if his food wasn’t up to snuff. But we leave, begrudgingly, satisfied. Perhaps Pechay will sing another day.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: Indian food buffs, family meals
Good for: spicing up an evening, challenging the boss to karaoke
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