A note on the words: thali is an Indian platter featuring a selection of curries alongside bread, rice and condiments served together on a large tray. Saag refers to pureed spinach or greens cooked down with spices, and keema is a curry of spiced minced meat. In this article, an Indian Special Thali pairs rich mutton curry and sweet pumpkin chicken curry on a platter with naan, saffron rice and tandoori chicken.
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MOTHER INDIA Hanzomon ekimae ten on Tabelog (English) — opening hours, payment details and the Japanese address are kept up to date there, not here.
Hello, this is Hangover Meshi. Wandering around Hanzomon Station in search of lunch. After wondering what to eat, I settled on a curry shop near the intersection called “MOTHER INDIA”! When it gets warmer, sitting outside looks like it would be quite nice.
Inside, there wasn’t a single Japanese member of staff, which made it feel like somewhere abroad, ha.
The interior is kept very clean and tidy, which earns high marks too!
It somehow gives you the feeling of being on a trip, so when you’re looking for a change of pace, it might be pretty great!
Indian Lunch — 990 yen
Mother’s Biryani Plate — 1,181 yen
Indian Special Thali — 1,136 yen
The sign says “Salad and ■ included!” but I wonder what was originally there, ha (apparently it used to come with lassi).
From orthodox curries to multi-curry combination sets and biryani. The takeout menu is well stocked and looks tempting.
After pondering the options, I decided on the Indian Special Thali this time.
You choose two curries from the options below.
- Today’s special
- Chicken curry
- Mutton curry
- Vegetable curry
- Saag chicken curry
- Keema egg curry
- Mixed seafood curry
It feels like they have a wider variety of curries to choose from than other curry shops. Hard to choose!
Today’s special was “pumpkin and chicken curry.” So I chose today’s special and the mutton curry.
You see places called Thali-ya and such, but wondering what “thali” actually means, I looked it up, and apparently it just means a large platter.
I see, so because multiple curries are served together on a big platter, that’s why it’s called a thali.
Looks delicious!
Taking a bite of the naan, it’s piping hot, crisp on the outside, and delightfully chewy inside. It has a gentle sweetness and tastes great. It pairs wonderfully with the curry.
With the Indian Special Thali, saffron rice comes with it too, so you can enjoy that as well!
With saffron rice, the curry takes on a lighter, cleaner feel.
And apparently you can get naan refills.
Also, sitting on top of the naan is tandoori chicken. The seasoning has soaked all the way through, yet it’s very easy to eat.
It’s quite a substantial set.
The distinct aroma of mutton combined with the acidity of tomato. Because it’s simmered slowly, the mutton has no gaminess and is very easy to eat.
In truth, I have quite a weakness for mutton curry. If it’s on the menu at a curry shop, I can’t resist ordering it.
The spicy, fiery curry and the mutton make a stellar match.
A curry where the sweetness of pumpkin comes straight to the fore. Sweet like home-style simmered kabocha, making a delightful contrast against the mutton curry, ha.
With generous volume and delicious curries, it’s a place I’d love to visit again! Recommended!
It’s easy to peek in from outside to see if seats are open, which is another plus. Even if you miss the initial lunchtime rush, it feels like an easy place to slip into! Next time I might try takeout.
MOTHER INDIA Hanzomon ekimae ten (Indian / Hanzomon Station, Kojimachi Station, Nagatacho Station)
Tabelog lunch rating ★★★☆☆ 3.4
I ate here and paid for it myself. Nothing on this site is a comped meal.
One more for the road?
