Special thanks to Rasa Ria Resort & Spa for extending this food review invitation.
Naan – Flavours of India is an award-winning Indian restaurant in Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa. Specializing in North Indian cuisine, the restaurant spares no expense in using the finest spices from the subcontinent. Taking helm in the kitchen is Executive Sous Chef Shantanu Seth, whom I had the pleasure of meeting back in May 2014.
For first-time customers, Shantanu’s Signature (RM207.00) is the recommended choice. The course meal, which consists of starters, several main dishes and a dessert, has been specially formulated to reflect Chef Shantanu’s forte in regional Indian cuisines. Take note that the Shantanu’s Signature requires a minimum of two diners.
Before the course meal begins, diners are served a basket of papadum (पापड़) to keep the appetite up. These crispy crackers are made from black gram flour. Several condiments are provided; be warned that one of them is extremely spicy!
Commencing with appetizers, Gilafi Seekh Kebab (सीख कबाब) is essentially minced lamb mixed with cheese, fresh herbs and spices. Made into cylinders, the delicacy is then grilled on skewers. Meanwhile, Chana Dal Aur Palak Ki Tikki (चना दाल आलू पालक की टिक्की) are croquettes that are made from split chickpeas (chana dal), potato (aur) and spinach (palak). Mint chutney serves as the dipping sauce.
As for the main course, we are served garlic naan, steamed basmati rice and four individual dishes. Vegetable Korma is a Mughal dish prepared from braised potato, carrots, cauliflower, peas and beans. Next, Prawn Balchão is a spicy-and-creamy seafood dish from Goa. Hailing from Kashmir is Lamb Rogan Josh (रोग़न जोश), a dish of braised lamb with tomatoes, onions, ginger and garlic. Last but not least, Dal Makhni (दाल मखनी) is a Punjabi dish that comprises of black lentils, kidney beans, tomatoes, butter, cream and cumin.
Moving on to the dessert, Gajar Ka Halwa (गाजर का हलवा) is a popular sweet pudding that is enjoyed throughout India. To prepare this dish, grated carrot is cooked with milk, cashew nuts and raisins. The pudding is then dusted with grated coconut. I appreciate the carrot’s soothing sweetness in a manner that does not overwhelm the palate.
Gajar Ka Halwa goes particularly well with Naan Masala Chai Tea (RM35.00). Black tea is infused with aromatic Indian herbs and spices, making the brew gratifying sip after sip. The drink is served in a brass teacup that has been preheated. This allows the tea to stay warm and carries its aroma further.
The Pineapple Coconut Lassi (RM26.00) is a refreshing yogurt drink that is blended with pineapple juice and Monin coconut syrup. Meanwhile, Ginger Cardamom Mojito (RM39.00) is elegantly concocted from Captain Morgan dark rum, mint, lime juice, cardamom and ginger.
Name: Naan – Flavours of India
Address: Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Pantai Dalit, 89208 Tuaran, Sabah
Contact: 08-879-7888
Business hours: 6:30pm-10:00pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 6.15341 N, 116.14785 E
Directions: Driving along the main road from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud, turn left to Jalan Norowot near Tuaran. Continue driving for another 11 kilometers until you see the signboard for Rasa Ria. Turn left and drive to the end of the road. Naan is located one floor below the Garden Wing lobby.