Matrivhumi Madrid

Before I go onto the review proper, allow me to mention the slight confusion. If you look at the photo of my receipt, you'll notice that the name of the restaurant is Cafe Dhaka but the address is Lavapíes, 27. If you look in Google Earth, you'll see the name Matrivhumi on this location. If you search here in Trip, you'll also find a Cafe Dhaka, with a couple of bad reviews. I've put my review here because I believe that the name may have been changed. Now, please do read on. There are more Indian restaurants per square metre in Lavapíes than even in London! Or that was the feeling I got anyway. Actually we were heading towards another, but, for some unfathomable reason, I stopped here and thought it was the one I wanted. When I realised my mistake, it was too late; I thought it would then be too rude to walk away. The waiter welcoming us was very friendly and was very chatty perhaps he was bored! Mind you, there was another table occupied even though it was way past lunch hour, almost approaching closing time. Knowing whether we'd made the right choice or not, we wouldn't be able to say unless we try another. The food wasn't bad and the price was quite reasonable. The Peshwari nan was the one dish I wasn't very pleased over. The taste was genuine enough but it was this Indian obsession with pink that put me off see photo. I don't know what the pink stuff was but it had a taste that ruined the nan. Apart from that, the rest was good. Both the Rogan Josh and the Chicken Madras had the right amount of spice and you could find the pieces of lamb in the Josh. In some places, you might be lucky just to get a couple of them! The pilau was warm and fluffy and, fortunately, no pink stuff!

Many Indian restaurants in Lavapies are very hit and miss. The food is more than often put together quickly and stodgy. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this new restaurant. While the portions aren't massive, they're sufficient. I ordered a veggie option for 2 people and found the curry was full of flavour and not overpowering. Nice interior and I will definitely return!!!