There must be an Indian option on almost every other block in TST and as an avid Indian cuisine enthusiast, I have every intent of trying them all. While I've made a habit of bouncing around from spot to spot, one of the only places I've made multiple trips back to is Tandoori Nights, which is easily among the most underrated Indian establishments in all of Hong Kong.
The space is massive for HK standards and the decor is semi-grand but in a subtle way. There are pillars, a wall statue of ganesh, and even a small stage for entertainment. Compared to the hole in the walls at nearby Chung King Mansion, this would be a big time establishment. What I've noticed is that they're either really empty on most days or completely packed with Indian only patrons (possibly Indian tourists?). They're also really big on delivery but with little reviews on just about any platform, I have a feeling this place is largely undiscovered.
They're also among the only restaurants that serve a daily lunch buffet and not just any with little skimpings, but a serious spread of food ranging from various meat + veg options, along with a dedicated dosa station. The variety is not only vast with different options each day, but the food is also good if not great. It was only $88HKD for a awhile, but the price has since gone up to $100HKD even.
I haven't had a bad choice yet. Their salad options are fresh and the chutneys are light without being overly sour / sweet. They have fresh fruits also available such as canteloupe, watermelons, and papaya, along with a dessert of the day. Buffet versions of samosas are typically dry and unappealing, but their version is crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. They've done a remarkable job with their meat tikkas (be it fish or chicken), by keeping it soft and tender. The literally fill the bottom with naan bread, onions, and generous coatings of cilantro to keep the aromatics and moisture intact. Brilliant.
Their curries and veggie options are outstanding. The palak paneer has plump chunks of paneer cheese swimming in a very rich sea of palak spinach. Chana masala has always been a favorite of mine and the chick peas are perfectly cooked. I even enjoy smothering my pullao with their daal, which is not something I've ever really indulged in any Indian buffet setting but I'll happily do so here.
I can't pick a favorite from their awesome array of curries. Their version of goan fish curry is super tasty but I also really enjoy their original chicken curry for its well seasoned, clean after taste. Butter chicken will have any Indian food newbies doing a palate dance, but I'd be hard pressed to ignore their lamb vindaloo, which was spicy but superb on every level. There isn't a lot of room for curry for anyone's stomach, so there is a true battle of trying to maximize my time here when I'm in feast mode.
Their dinner service is a slightly different feel -- the ambiance is intimate and sometimes there might be a band playing some traditional music in the background. The a la carte menu is equally fantastic, though the portions are smaller (naturally) and the bill does add up. Most importantly, folks are getting a quality Indian food experience in a place that doesn't see much traffic due to its hidden nature. That in itself makes Tandoori Nights one of the more exceptional spots for indulging in Indian fare. read more