After one of our favorite Indian restaurants (Taste of India) closed unexpectedly, we were of course very sad. Even though the fantastic buffet and great service at Taste of India probably won’t be replaced anytime soon, our craving for Indian food remains. And it was time for a new indian adventure in Frankfurt. Through the Frankfurt Schlemmerblock (a coupon booklet with many great leisure and restaurant offers) we discovered the LAXMI Tandoori & Curry Restaurant.
We were particularly taken with the cozy atmosphere and the exceptional service at this charming, owner-operated restaurant, lovingly run by a couple since 1986.
Located in Frankfurt’s beautiful Sachsenhausen district, the restaurant serves primarily traditional Indian cuisine – from Indian appetizers like pappadams, samosas or bhaji to tandoori grills, biryani and, of course, a variety of curries. There is also a lunch menu with a selection of curries and weekday specials at significantly reduced prices. Italian cuisine is also available – however, since the chef is Indian, we recommend that you stick to Indian dishes.
Restaurant Profile
- Name of the Restaurant: LAXMI Tandoori & Curry Restaurant (incl. Menu)
- Adress: Schweizer Str. 25, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
- Style: Indian Cuisine
- Price: around 15 – 30 EUR per Person (incl. Drinks and Tips)
As is customary in Indian restaurants, the heat can be adjusted to your liking by adding fresh chili peppers, chili powder or cayenne pepper. As fans of spicy food, we naturally ordered the authentic Indian spice level. Compared to the Himalaya Laternchen in Frankfurt’s Ostend, which we reviewed in a previous post, the dishes were significantly milder (although this may have been due to our selection of different dishes that are inherently spicier).
Let’s start with my favorite Indian appetizer – Onion Bhaji, which we already introduced in an earlier post. At LAXMI Tandorri & Curry Restaurant, bhajis are traditionally made from finely sliced onions mixed with chickpea flour and spices like turmeric, cumin, chili, and coriander, then deep fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
This incredibly aromatic appetizer is enhanced with a chili chutney and a yogurt-mint sauce. The result is a delicious combination of spicy-crispy bhajis, sweet-sour, slightly spicy chili chutney, and refreshingly creamy yogurt-mint sauce.
Let’s move on to the main courses and Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular dish of Indian origin that is said to have been invented by Indian immigrants in Britain in the 1960s or 1970s. It consists of grilled and marinated chicken pieces served in a spicy tomato curry sauce (masala sauce).
At the heart of the dish is garam masala, a famous spice blend in Indian culinary culture. Garam masala, which means “hot spice” in Hindi, typically includes ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, and pepper.
The term “tikka” is Hindi for “piece” or “bite” and refers to small, marinated pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables that are grilled or fried after being bathed in a spicy marinade.
The chicken breast pieces or “tikka” are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic and ginger, which makes the meat particularly tender and aromatic. Once the chicken is marinated, it’s traditionally grilled in a tandoor, a special clay oven, or over charcoal, which gives the meat a slightly smoky flavor.
The grilled chicken is then served in a spicy tomato curry sauce. The sauce is made from a base of tomatoes, cream or yogurt, and a mixture of spices. Commonly used spices include turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Onions, garlic, and ginger are also essential ingredients that add flavor and depth to the sauce.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a feast for the senses, with a vibrant orange-red hue, a tantalizing aroma, and a rich flavor profile. It harmoniously blends spicy, savory, creamy, and subtly sweet elements. The tomato sauce provides a fruity acidity, gently tempered by the creamy consistency of cream or yogurt. The spices add a pleasant heat and aroma that perfectly complement the tender chicken.
Lamb Madras is a traditional Indian dish originating from the South Indian cuisine. It is known for its spicy and aromatic flavor profile achieved through a variety of spices and aromas. Similar to Chicken Tikka Masala, the meat in Lamb Madras is marinated in a spicy yogurt marinade and then cooked in a sauce rich in spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili, garlic and ginger. These spices give the dish its characteristic orange-red color and intense flavor. Unlike chicken tikka masala, however, the lamb is cooked directly in the sauce without being grilled.
While chicken tikka masala is often milder and slightly creamier due to the tomato sauce, which is refined with cream or yogurt, and has a slight sweetness due to the tomatoes, lamb madras is characterized by a significantly spicier and hotter flavor profile, accentuated by the lamb itself, creating a richer aroma.
Both dishes are served with basmati rice, which perfectly absorbs the strong and spicy sauces and contributes to an all-round filling and satisfying dining experience.
We also opted for a portion of garlic naan, which is wonderfully soft, yet slightly crunchy, with an intense garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with both the creamy chicken tikka masala and the spicy lamb madras. For us, garlic naan is a must at any Indian feast!
After all the spices, rich sauces, plenty of rice and bread, and juicy, tender meat, there’s only one thing missing: a refreshing drink. And the Indian classic, lassi, can’t be missing.
We optet for a sweet mango lassi and a refreshing salted lassi. The latter is also made with yogurt, but unlike the sweet version, it is flavored with salt and various spices such as roasted cumin (jeera). It’s an excellent accompaniment to savory Indian dishes and is completely sugar-free.
As for the mango lassi, we’ve already featured it in a previous post about the EatDOORI restaurant in Frankfurt. At LAXMI, we particularly enjoyed the mango chunks, which add a wonderful fruity note and a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy puree.
LAXMI Tandoori & Curry Restaurant is perfect for lovers of Indian cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re dining as a couple, family or with friends, you’ll enjoy a variety of authentic Indian dishes and warm service.
What a wonderful review of Indian food at Laxmi in Frankfurt! It’s always exciting to see the appreciation for authentic Indian cuisine. At Ala Dakshinapuramlo restaurant, we strive to bring the same authenticity and flavor to our dishes. Thanks for sharing your delightful experience!
Thank you! 😊 It means a lot to receive positive feedback on our Indian food post from someone in India. We checked out your restaurant page, and it looks like a fantastic place. If we visit India, we’d love to try it out. We love Indian food, and there are so many great Indian restaurants here in Germany. We’re excited to post more stories about India and Indian cuisine!