Sunday, January 14, 2007

V^3 Food Review: Maya Masala 2 Indian Brasserie - Northbridge, Perth

These days, when people eat out, usually the Chinese and Japanese cuisines are quite popular with various circles. In an attempt to break that trend as of late, I decided to step out in discovery of newer more exotic foods in Perth. Feeling quite in need of some good curry, I wanted to venture into Northbridge and try a restaurant I had been keen on reviewing. I present to you, Maya Masala 2.

Although this is an Indian restaurant chain, don't be fooled, the food is authentic and Maya Masala 2 is quite a popular eatery amongst Indian locals.

We ordered an assortment of dishes for variety.

One dish that is quite popular at this establishment is the Thali dish. For $15 you get an assortment of three curries, Dahl, Rhoti, Papadam, Rice, Chutney and sweet rice porridge for dessert.

The Curries included in the Thali (from left to right) Zucchini Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken.
I am not fond of zucchinis, however, this curry was done well and actually gave the zucchinis a very soft density that would melt in the mouth. I think it is an excellent vegetarian dish.

Lamb Rogan Josh is a traditional curry that originated from Northern India, the dish is quite popular and I have tried it at other eateries before. Maya Masalas' offerings are definitely above par. The lamb was tender but did not break apart and the curry was not greasy. The dish is quite aromatic and is definitely a recommendation.

Butter Chicken is a definite favourite in Indian culinary. This example was splashed with sour cream to give it an extra smoothness that went especially well with the rice. So nice, it was ordered as a main dish too.

Lamb curry was ordered and this is a combination of lamb and spices marinated in a vinegar. To simply define it, it was "scrumptious", just the right amount of spice.

Chicken Korma is a popular curry that has a very nutty and creamy flavour. This particular one was extra nutty and extra creamy, making it extra delicious!

Rhoti was served with all curries and is a flat bread that is oily, designed to be saturated with the curries when dipped. It was exceptional and enhanced the flavour of curries instead of weakening it like rice did.

All dishes were also enjoyed with pappadams, which were light and crispy and a real contrast to the texture of the curries.

One dish that I have failed to mention until now is the Dhal. This vegetarian dish is made of lentils and has a starchy texture that is quite nice.

Finally, we move onto dessert. This eatery is quite famous for its wide varieties of desserts. We tried the sweet rice porridge. To say the least, it was very delicious. The creamy coconut milk balanced the starchiness of the rice. Served cold, it was a nice neutraliser to the hot curries. I would definitely recommend trying this dessert, as it was a favourite amongst our table.

If you would like a change from the regular Chinese and Japanese food that Perth has to offer on every street, try Maya Masala 2, it's a nice change and safe for me to say, that despite the caution to Indian foods, I did not walk away with a stomach ache. For $15 you could walk away feeling highly satisfied and experience something more exotic.

$6 for entree
$15 for mains
$5 for desserts
BYO

Maya Masala 2 located on the South West corner of Lake and Francis and is a fine place to dine with friends for a change of pace.
V^3 gives Maya Masala 4/5

5 comments:

Lord Dianabol said...

Maya Marsala serves very good food. They are amongst the upmarket Indian eateries here in terms of quality even though Indian food is on the whole a costly affair.

The Thali sounds pretty fair dinkum, and Maya Marsala is a place I'd bring a date to :oD

From memory, their desserts are over the top.

Anonymous said...

damn i do like a good curry.

Anonymous said...

i as one was fortunate enough to have dined at this indian restaurant and found the experience to be most rewarding. i think the desert mikey had mentioned was underdone in his description as he forgot to included its SCRUMPDIDILLYUMPTIOUSNESS!!!

Unknown said...

I have eaten at Maya Masala Northbridge a number of times.
The food USED to be good. Now it is terrible and like gutter water.
We live in Karrinyup so why not try Maya Masala at Karrinyup city? No - very poor food here also. They were looking at my wallet so greedily. The curries are all gravy and the rice is like chinese takeaway jasmine rubbish. So we thought, why not try Maya Masala Whitfords? Must be the same chef because their food is even worse.
Pleas patrons, stay away from Maya is you don't want rat in your soup or Delhi belly in Perth.

Anonymous said...

Maya Marsala have always been very true to the indian taste and havnt tried to modernise it for us. I have been to India a few times and think maya masala has the best indian to offer in perth especially karrinyup shopping centre. The masala dosa is delicious...yumm,, my mouths watering writing about it..