Exploring the Depths of Himalayan Cuisine: Spice, Flavor, and Comfort

Today we’re excited to take you to a world where every flavorful bite is reminiscent of the majestic peaks and hidden valleys of the Himalayas – introducing the “Himalaya Lanternchen”. As the name suggests, the restaurant has a relaxing ambience with soft lights casting a gentle glow and welcoming its guests with a warm embrace. It specializes in the delicacies of the Himalayan region, encompassing Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Pakistani, and especially Indian influences. Here you’ll encounter many similar ingredients found in Indian cuisine, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric (a yellow spice from the ginger family) and chili, which contribute to the vibrant, unique Himalayan/Indian flavors.

The fiery Indian flavors often call for a cool companion, and what better than a lassi to tame the spices? This time, we strayed from our usual choices of mango lassi and mint lassi and opted instead for coconut lassi. It’s a drink made of smooth coconut milk and velvety yogurt – a blissful blend of richness and tang. The tangy yogurt balances the rich coconut flavor and lends a subtle tartness. Not overly sweet, but with a gentle hint of coconut essence that lingers on the tongue, it gives you a tropical feel while soothing the palate from the heat of Indian spices – it’s both indulgent and refreshing!

To warm up the palate, we ordered the Lentil Crackers, served in pairs with each portion. Made from lentil flour, they have a unique crunchy, chip-like texture and a nutty flavor profile. The ajwain seeds embedded within add a minty, slightly bitter, pungent taste and an earthy undertone similar to cumin. The cracker pairs well with the chutney dip for a sweet tang. But the creamy yogurt-based mint dip is even better, as it provides a cool contrast to the crispy texture while complementing its savory flavor.

Main courses usually come with basmati rice, which is a perfect companion with its subtle flavors harmonizing nicely with the saucy richness of Indian cuisine. But for a truly immersive Indian dining, nothing beats our beloved garlic naan. They’re really well-made at this restaurant – soft, pillowy, and slightly crispy with the golden-brown spots on the surface. Freshly baked, they boast an enticing scent of garlic permeating the air, very appetizing! The natural, subtle sweetness of the bread, with a touch of garlic tang, perfectly balances any bold Indian dish while enhancing the overall taste. They’re perfect for dipping into rich Indian sauces to soak up every last bit for savory combined flavors.

The restaurant offers spice levels from 1 to 5 (lowest to the highest), and we dared to go for the authentic Indian heat, choosing a fiery 5. To play it safe, we ordered a garlic-infused yogurt, a classic raita, to cool our palates. And it turned out to be our savior, swooping in to save our taste buds from a meltdown. So level 5? Proceed with caution. For spice novices, the restaurant recommends starting with levels 1-2, while 3-4 are for the brave. 

Step right up and let’s talk about one of the main course highlights: the Lamb Tikka Tandoori. It’s a dish with roots in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The marinades of yogurt and spices tenderize the meat and infuse it with a rich and complex flavor. While the tangy, sour yogurt complements the succulent richness of the lamb and its slightly gamy essence, each spice builds an extra layer of flavor. We’re talking about garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika and chili powder. With each mouthful, you can feel the pungent kick of the garlic and ginger, the natural earthy flavor of the lamb itself, and the deep, warm aroma of the cumin and coriander. The paprika and chili powder crank up the heat while adding a subtle sweet note.

This restaurant uses the traditional tandoor oven, a cylindrical clay oven with charcoal or wood fire at the bottom. The result is intense heat that imparts a light char and a delightful smoky undertone, further elevating the richness of the lamb’s natural flavor. It’s a real taste sensation, packed with flavor and authenticity!

Spice seekers, rejoice! If you’re like us and crave a fiery flavor adventure, look no further than the Chicken Chili dish. Sinking your teeth into the tender breaded chicken wrapped in a golden, spicy sauce – it’s just as mouthwatering as it’s satisfying. It’s loaded with the capsicum (bell pepper) and onion, adding crunch and a subtle sweetness that helps balance the spicy chili. The zingy ginger cuts through the richness of this dish, bringing in another dimension of heat. Speaking of heat, this dish doesn’t hold back, and spice level 5 is no joke! But fear not – we have the yogurt. It cools down the flames before we dive in for more. In the end, we were full in and enjoyed the fiery kick with every bite.

If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, try the Chicken Chili. It’s spicy, it’s tingling, it’s downright addictive – just be sure to have that yogurt on standby!

To finish the meal, we tried a traditional Indian sweet, Rass Malai. It consists of soft cheese dumplings soaked in sweetened creamy milk and flavored with pistachios. The cheese dumplings, also known as “malai”, are very soft and delicate, with a subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth. Their creamy texture is wonderfully complemented by the rich, velvety milk. The milk itself tastes a little sweet, but not overpowering. It’s infused with nutty pistachio powder, which adds a warm earthy note to each fragrant sip. It’s both comforting and indulgent.

As our flavor journey through the heat of the Himalayan expanse draws to a close, we can’t help but feel the thrill of the ride. It’s been a roller coaster of fiery spices, bold flavors, but also soothing eats that echo the tastes of ages past. Himalayan cooking comes to life in this restaurant, like a lantern-lit sanctuary amidst the silent grandeur of the snow-capped summits. In the land of harsh terrain and extreme climates, the cooking, or food itself, becomes a lifeline and a beacon of energy and survival for locals and travelers alike. So, as we savor these hearty, wholesome dishes, let’s leave our worries to the air, and bask in the beauty of simplicity and the timeless solace of sustenance. Until next time!