Cash and Curry

Welcome to the future. Beep boop beep.

Over the years, I’ve nursed a secret love-hate relationship with Bollywood movies. Bombastic, over-the-top, and always packed with cheesy song and dance numbers, I lack the willpower to watch an entire film in one go, preferring instead to take things piecemeal. At Swagat, for instance, a low key Indian diner in Makati, the sari-clad staff will let you mull over roti and curry while watching an endless stream of Bollywood clips: From break dancing Sikhs to weepy princesses to mustachioed matinee idols. (You can also rent Bollywood DVDs and buy jewelry.) You’ll get the same treatment at Swagat’s younger, more upscale sibling, Namaste in Burgos Circle. The tandoori might come from an authentic clay oven, but the atmosphere is just as homey. Owner Komal Khanchandani hovers around like a doting Indian mother, gently prodding diners if they want seconds of crackling papadom.

Roghan Josh at Namaste

Currently, I’m still reeling from Enthiran, Bollywood’s biggest billeted film ever. Equal parts Transformers, The Matrix, and I Robot, it’s the Indian action genre at its most outrageous. Dr. Vaseegaran (played by Asia’s second highest paid actor after Jackie Chan), builds a super-smart robot that looks like him called ‘Chitibubu’ because, you know, it’s a kick ass name in Hindi. When not programming Chitibubu to do the Hammer dance or beat up his lab assistants, Dr. Vaseegaran still has time to flirt with Aishwarya Rai’s character. What a horndog.

Eventually Chitibubu goes rouge, rampaging across a three-hour film filled with exploding cars, smoldering looks, and musical numbers. Suspension of disbelief does not begin to describe Enthiran. Especially so when Chitibubu rides a policeman like a surfboard then multiplies into mean, leather-clad Oompa Loompas who merge into a giant cobra, and gun down dozens more of Indian officers. Throughout most of the climactic battle scene, you’re left shaking your head at how a loveable Indian robot could graduate from break dancing to large scale destruction.

It’s the perfect popcorn flick, but since it’s Bollywood, samosas might be a good substitute. The thing is Indian cuisine continues to fascinate and confuse me: I’ve gawked at aerodynamic wraps of dosa in Singapore’s budget terminal, double-dipped my bread in masala sauce at a Bangalore food court, and hoarded biscuits from the local Indian grocery just because the child on the packaging is adorable. 

Who can say no to those eyes? Those eyes!

In a way Indian food and film keep crossing paths: Couples ply each other with fruits as they playfully chase through forests, weddings are always a feast, and action stars tear through kebabs with relish.   

I have yet to finish Enthiran, but from where I left off, Aishwarya Rai survives, although most don’t including my fragile mind. Somewhere along the way, even before Chitibubu magnetically turns the policemen’s machine guns against them, I lost track of time. It may have been the desert courtship scene. Here, the lead actor who is well over 60, wears a thick toupee. Hiding his gut under layers of scarves and jackets, Dr. Vaseegaran sways his hips to the singsong tunes of Tamil music. There, frolicking amid the sand dunes with his leading lady, I realize I’ve gotten more than what I had bargained for. -- Gastro Boy

This is what all women fantasize about.

Craving for curry? Head to these outposts of Indian cuisine right in Makati and Manila:

Swagat Indian Cuisine

For close to 8 years a mainstay along Rada, you can chow down on your chapati next to Indian expats and AIM students. Swing by during Diwali season to see Swagat decked out with colorful lights. Beware though; you'll easily lose track of time with all the Bollywood DVDs they play.

119 FCC Building, Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

(632) 501-5079 / 752-5669

Everyday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Namaste India

Fairly new, Swagat's upscale sibling has a built-in clay oven for an even more authentic feel without charging an arm and a leg. Look for favorites like the Roghan Josh, Chicken Rashmi, and Malai Kabab. There's burfi to be had too - a coconut-based sweet that's just like our bokayo.

Unit 1A, Burgos Circle
Forbestown, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

(632)  403-6088
Everyday 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Assad Mini Mart

I just love Assad. From wacky snacks to piping hot samosas over the counter, this is the place to go if you want to dabble in cooking Indian at home. Should the exotic offerings puzzle you, the staff's on hand to explain what goes with what else. There are two branches: UN Avenue in Manila and along Jupiter Street in Makati.

Eurocrest Building, Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati City

1268-IJK Midtown Hotel Executive Homes
United Nation Avenue, Paco, Manila

(632) 5261349 / 5265034

Everyday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Posted in: cuisine, food, Indian, restaurant, travel