As the weather cools and the colors of autumn start to appear, nature’s palette may turn more subdued, but it has a charm all its own, a calmness in its simplicity. With the chill in the air, there’s a natural craving for something spicy to warm us from within. And what could be better than the fiery, colorful spices of Indian cuisine to fulfill our autumn appetites? Today, we’re finally introducing the renowned Swaad – a restaurant that’s been on our minds for a while. It comes highly recommended by many Indian friends. Although they’ve recently changed owners and chefs, the flavors still live up to their well-earned reputation.
Swaad combines the best of both worlds as a cocktail bar and restaurant, with an interior that leans toward a modern lounge vibe, with a touch of Indian flair. But we always find ourselves drawn to the outdoor seating – in the charming Nordend district, where the restaurant is surrounded by old buildings and lush greenery, creating a peaceful and relaxing dining atmosphere.
Restaurant Profile
- Name of the Restaurant: Swaad Indisches Restaurant Frankfurt (incl. menu)
- Adress: Kantstraße 25, 60316 Frankfurt am Main
- Style: Indian Cuisine – curry, tandoori, vegetarian dishes, biryari rice dishes etc.
- Price: around 20 – 30 EUR per Person (incl. Drinks and Tips)
When diving into Indian food, choosing the right beverage is just as important. A refreshing drink helps cool down the layers of spices, making sure you enjoy the burst of flavors with ease.
Mango lassi – a creamy, indulgent drink that combines the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with the smooth tang of yoghurt. At Swaad, we find it especially thick and velvety, almost like sipping on a blended fruit dessert. This rich texture, balancing sweet- and tartness, is our go-to cooling companion to the spice-packed Indian cuisine.
The Holunder Minze Limonade is a refreshing twist on classic lemonade, infused with a light floral note of elderflower and a burst of crisp mint. This drink has a medley of flavors—minty, sweet, sour, and even a hint of saltiness. The tangy, popping cubes at the bottom add a fun, zesty surprise with every sip. Paired with a slice of green lemon, it’s a great choice to refresh and revitalize.
Naan bread is a no-brainer to kick off the meal. At Swaad, their naan nicely balances texture and freshness – slightly charred on the outside, and irresistibly soft in the center. Each bite offers a warm embrace, ideal for dipping and soaking up vibrant flavors while delivering a comforting, satisfying crunch.
Paired with the naan is a dipping sauce akin to a spicy onion and tomato relish (or chutney). It’s slightly sour and spicy, with a mix of fresh onions, tomatoes, and celery, creating an enticing kick that complements the naan bread.
Lamm Nihari is a cherished dish from the Indian subcontinent, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a comforting meal. Traditionally, it’s slow-cooked overnight, allowing the lamb to become meltingly tender while the spices meld into a flavorful, aromatic sauce. The name “Nihari” itself comes from the Arabic word “Nahar,” meaning “day,” reflecting its roots as a morning feast for laborers and nobility alike.
At Swaad, their Lamm Nihari embodies this culinary tradition. The tender lamb chunks soak up the well-seasoned sauce enriched with yogurt, ginger, and sautéed onions. Each bite reveals layers of aromatic spices that are deep and complex, with a hint of sweetness that tames the heat. We chose the Indian original level of spice, and it certainly delivered—fiery and bold, with a warm mouthfeel that envelops your palate.
Paired with fluffy naan or fragrant basmati rice, Lamm Nihari makes for a solid, hearty meal that warms the stomach and ignites the senses.
Tandoori Chicken Tikka is a classic Indian dish, featuring succulent chicken breast pieces marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a medley of spices and grilled in a traditional clay oven (or tandoor). The high heat of the tandoor gives the chicken its smoky, slightly charred surface while locking in a tender, juicy center.
Its red color is a visual cue to the bold flavors waiting to be savored. The marinade’s spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, infuse the chicken with a warm, earthy flavor that has just the right kick of heat. The yogurt tenderizes the meat and adds a creamy tang that balances the spices.
The pungent onions and fresh veggies elevate the smoky, spiced chicken, making for an irresistible combination. This dish is fiery and aromatic, with gratifying depth of taste. It totally deserves its place as a favorite in Indian cuisine.
Palak Paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish from North India. It combines wholesome spinach with soft, homemade paneer cheese. The dish has a beautiful green color, thanks to the pureed spinach that forms the base of the sauce. Seasoned with a delicate mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, garlic, and garam masala, this dish carries a hint of nuttiness, a savory kick and a fragrant, subtle sweetness.
The paneer itself is soft and mild, allowing it to soak up the rich, earthy flavors of the spinach and spices. It has this unique ability to be both hearty and light – the spinach gives it a fresh, slightly tangy taste, while the cheese provides a hint of richness without being too heavy. Scoop it up with naan or mix it with basmati rice, you’ll have a smooth, comforting mouthfeel that’ll keep your taste buds intrigued from start to finish.
Swaad doesn’t just stop at Palak Paneer when it comes to vegetarian options—it’s a paradise for veggie lovers. With dishes featuring eggplants, tomatoes, lentils, okra, potatoes, spinach, and other fresh vegetables, they truly celebrate plant-based cuisine. No wonder my vegetarian friends always put Indian food at the top of their list – the sheer variety is unbeatable. With many Indians embrace vegetarianism for religious reasons, Swaad beautifully honors this commitment, wholeheartedly showcasing its flavor diversity through a wide array of vegetarian dishes.
But meat lovers, worry not— from tandoori to rich chicken, lamb, and fish curries, to rice dishes like aromatic biryani, there’s a world of options for you too. Their appetizers are just as exciting – besides salad, you can find bhaji (fried onions), samosa, crispy fried foods like chicken, fish, or shrimp pakoras.
At Swaad, meats, vegetables, grains transform into flavorful, sensory creations. Each bite bursts with layers of rich flavors and fragrances, where bold and subtle mingle together, to craft an immersive feast that nourishes your senses and enchants your palate.
