Times Of India

The Verdict

There's something incredibly intoxicating about Indian food—all that wonderful spice, smoke, and intense flavour. And the latest spot to get us fired up over this mouthwatering cuisine is Times of India, a hot new restaurant from the owners of 1947 (aka one of Auckland's most beloved Indian eateries).

Found on Graham Street in the former Major Sprout spot, it's immediately apparent that Times of India is something spesh. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous fit-out (think glitzy chandeliers, boujee suede seating and an intriguing feature wall plastered in copies of the Times of India—one of India's largest daily newspapers, and the restaurant's namesake) before settling in for a feast, proper.

These guys aren't holding back when it comes to the menu (again, printed on the back of a Times of India newspaper—the first edition following India's independence from British rule in 1947, in fact), so buckle in. Though, loosening your belt buckle is probably a more appropriate course of action—read on to see why.

Authentic Indian cuisine with a creative twist is the order of the day here, encompassing everything from street-food favourites to exquisite dishes that wouldn't be out of place in the royal Mughal kitchens of old. Expect plenty of colours, plenty of flavours, and yes—plenty of heat.

To start, we recommend whetting your whistle with one of this spot's signature cocktails (or mocktails, if that's your poison). These vibrant creations come in almost every colour of the rainbow and are guaranteed to brighten your day. Sip on a sweet 'n' spicy Bombay Mule, treat yourself to the tropical flavours of the Angry Birdy, or get acquainted with our new fave tipple, the Passion. Laced with lemon-infused Amaretto, passionfruit puree and vanilla-steeped vodka then topped with a floating lemon and rose garnish, this drop is dreamy with a capital d.

Next up, the grub. We believe any Indian eatery worth its salt should have dahi puri on the menu—which of course, these guys do. And let us tell you, their version doesn't disappoint. Not only are these puri on the larger side (half the fun is trying to fit said snacks, traditionally eaten in one bite, into your mouth)—they're beyond delicious. Combining a crispy, wafer-thin shell with a spicy mash filling and lashings of tangy yoghurt, mint chutney and tamarind, there's really no way they could be anything but.

Apparently, these treats are designed to share—so at the risk of looking like a COMPLETE glutton in front of your table, why not add a couple of other snacks and small plates into the mix? We're thinking the honey-chilli sticky wings, which for the less seasoned spice eaters, will have you low-key breathing fire—or perhaps the mixed veg manchuriyan, featuring pillowy soft koftas smothered in a thick, peppery sauce. Tell us you're not already drooling.

That's not to overlook the tikki—plump little vegetarian patties coated in your choice of fried sago or sesame, served with a refreshing beetroot and green apple chutney. Take a moment to ooh and aah over the gorgeous presentation, before putting them in their rightful place (that would be in your gob).

This brings us to the mains—a hearty selection of tandoor-style dishes and curries. If you want dinner and a show, be sure to order the tandoori chicken on the bone. This baby will arrive at your table beneath a literal cloud of smoke, released only when the glass cloche it's hiding beneath is lifted in a rather dramatic fashion by your waiter. An absolutely magical experience, not to mention incredibly delicious.

The achaari paneer and saffron chicken tikka (featuring saffron all the way from Afghanistan) may not have the accompanying theatrics but are just as tasty.

And while some might consider curries pedestrian, that's certainly not how we'd describe those coming out of the kitchen here. The tandoori chicken masala is especially moreish and features generous chunks of tandoor-roasted chicken drowning in a gloriously tangy sauce. Soak up said sauce with a naan or two (choose from five different flavours including plain, garlic, and cheese), and you have yourself one of the best curries of your life, period. Shout out to the wonderfully aromatic bhuna gosht, too.

Desserts take a more delicate approach, and as such provide the perfect foil to a menu dominated by big, bold flavours. We're all about the carrot pudding—a sort of Indian spin on the classic carrot cake that comes topped with a scoop of Kapiti Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and a maraschino cherry.

Head along to Times of India during the day for express and business lunch options along with sharing plates, or swing by in the evening to experience the full menu including cocktails and dessert. Either way, be sure to arrive with an empty tummy and the expectation of truly delicious things.

Image credit: Anna Goh, Times Of India.