The dishes at Yo-Yo Ma's Indian restaurant are rich in layers, and from appetizers to main courses, they are all satisfying. The cashew chicken curry is rich and smooth, the lamb leg curry is tangy and refreshing, and the naan is chewy with a strong aroma.
The restaurant's atmosphere is filled with rich aromas of spices and exotic flair, with warm-colored walls and Indian-style decorations creating a vibrant environment.
Located on Zhongxiao East Road, "Yo-Yo Ma Indian Restaurant" is one of the chain stores in Taipei. Upon entering the restaurant, the warm yellow lighting, Indian-style decorations, and totem wall art create a strong exotic atmosphere. From appetizers and main dishes to sweet drinks, there is something for everyone, whether you are a beginner trying Indian cuisine for the first time or a seasoned foodie looking for layered spices.
"Vegetable Samosa" features a crispy outer shell with a warm filling of mashed potatoes mixed with spices, offering a texture reminiscent of Indian-style curry croquettes. Paired with the standard sauces - green cilantro spicy sauce and dark tamarind sauce, the salty, sweet, sour, and fragrant flavors intertwine, making it a great introductory choice.
"Kolkata Dahi Puchka" consists of small crispy balls filled with yogurt and spices that are refreshing, crunchy, and subtly spicy upon biting into them. This dish showcases both visual appeal and varied textures.
For the main courses, two curry dishes each have their own highlights:
"Chicken Korma" is based on a cashew sauce, thick and creamy, with rich aromas that are not overly spicy. The chicken is served in large chunks and is tender, with a heavy sauce that is best paired with plain or garlic naan.
"Lamb Roganjosh" is based on mildly spicy tomatoes, offering a tangy and refreshing flavor. The lamb is simmered to be extremely tender and devoid of gamey flavors, making it the most memorable dish of the day.
"Tzatziki" has a refreshing taste that balances the rich spices, with notes of fennel and yogurt intertwining, making it suitable for dipping with bread or enjoying on its own.
"Fattoush" Mediterranean salad performs adequately, being a relatively safe choice that is unlikely to disappoint.
"Plain Naan" has a chewy texture and is versatile.
"Garlic Naan" is aromatic but not overpowering.
"Cheese Naan" is generously filled with cheese and has a more pronounced cheese flavor compared to others, offering a thick and satisfying texture that can be enjoyed on its own.
"Mango Lassi" is on the sweeter side, but it effectively balances the spiciness and lingering spice notes of the meal.
Overall, Yo-Yo Ma Indian Restaurant stands out among the many international cuisines in Taipei, not only for its affordable prices but also for its mastery of layered spices and delicate ingredient handling. It is recommended to order various dishes for sharing, as this allows for tasting more dishes at once and reduces the heaviness brought by rich sauces. If you want to step into the world of Indian cuisine with a meal, this restaurant is definitely worth a try.
Located near the Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT station, Ma Youyou Indian Restaurant is a well-known establishment in Taipei's Indian cuisine scene. Upon entering the restaurant, the aroma of spices hits you, with rich notes of cumin, turmeric, and curry creating a familiar yet enchanting atmosphere. The warm-colored walls and Indian-style decorations create a passionate and exotic dining environment.
This time, we sampled a variety of dishes from appetizers to main courses and sweet drinks, reflecting a rich complexity of flavors.
First up was the "Vegetable Curry Dumplings." The outer crust was pleasantly crispy, but the filling was somewhat bland, lacking distinct seasoning; it's best enjoyed with sauce for added flavor.
Another appetizer, the "Spiced Exploding Crispy Balls," stood out with its unique characteristics. The shell was crispy, and the yogurt-based filling offered a refreshing bite, followed by a fragrant spice aroma, presenting layers in both texture and taste.
For the main dishes, the "Cashew Chicken Curry" had a rich flavor profile, with a notable cashew aroma, a smooth texture, and succulent chicken pieces. However, the thick cashew-based sauce can feel heavy if eaten in excess, so pairing it with naan is advisable to balance the flavors.
In comparison, the "Lamb Leg Curry" was even more surprising, with a mildly spicy base infused with tomato's tangy aroma, which made the overall flavor more refreshing and layered. The lamb was tender and flavorful, completely devoid of any gamey taste—it was one of the highlights of the day.
The "Indian Spiced Vegetable Yogurt" was one of the few refreshing options, combining the tanginess of yogurt with spice flavors. While not light, it serves as a palate cleanser amidst the heavier curries.
The naan selection performed consistently well. The "Plain Naan" was soft and elastic, making it a versatile basic option; the "Garlic Naan" had a rich, roasted garlic aroma without being overpowering; while the "Cheese Naan" was a favorite for cheese lovers, with plenty of stretchy cheese, providing a satisfying thick texture.
As for drinks, the "Mango Lassi" had a relatively high sweetness level, but the balance of sweet and sour was reasonable. The rich mango aroma combined with the smooth texture of yogurt effectively neutralized the richness and heat of the curries.
Overall, Ma Youyou Indian Restaurant excels in the use of spices and control over the tenderness of meat dishes, particularly making a lasting impression with the lamb curry and garlic naan. If you're looking to experience authentic and multi-layered Indian flavors in the East District, this place is worth a visit, especially for sharing among friends to truly appreciate the diverse charm of spices!