Lamb karahi and potato naan at Bollywood, a Busan Indian restaurant

Lunch near Gwangalli Beach: Indian food instead of the usual

The sky's been so clear and the weather so nice lately that I took a weekend trip out to breezy Gwangalli Beach in Busan for a change of scenery. After a leisurely stroll along the beach listening to the blue waves, my stomach clock slowly started ringing. Instead of the same old boring menu or generic Western food, I went hunting for something a little more exotic and exciting for a Gwangalli lunch. That's how I found Bollywood Indian Restaurant, a place where you can really taste those exotic flavors.

Where Bollywood Indian Restaurant is and how to get there

Bollywood Indian Restaurant is on the 2nd floor at 9 Gwangnam-ro 130beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan. If you're taking public transit, it's about 813m from Gwangan Station Exit 5. What I liked most, though, was that it's just a 1-minute walk from Gwangalli Beach. It was easy to find, and it's the perfect spot for grabbing a hearty meal right after enjoying the ocean view.

What is the restaurant like inside?

The moment I walked up to the 2nd floor and opened the door, the faint smell of curry drifting from the entrance immediately got my appetite going. The exotic atmosphere was so convincing it felt like I'd hopped on a plane straight to India. The calm, cozy interior was decorated with Indian-style pieces, not overdone at all, which kept me relaxed through the whole meal. The foreign staff serving us were also really kind, which put me in a great mood before the food even arrived.

The interior was clean and the tables were spaced generously, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with company.

Sitting down and looking through the menu, it was packed with a variety of dishes that really capture the feel of authentic Indian food.

Since a local chef cooks everything at Bollywood Indian Restaurant, they say it really preserves the deep, authentic flavor of Indian food. You might worry the spices could be too intense, but the spice level is expertly balanced so it's not overwhelming for Korean palates — that's one of this place's special strengths.

What we ordered: potato naan, lamb karahi curry, half tandoori chicken

Since I wanted to try a bit of everything, after some deliberation I ordered a generous spread: potato naan, lamb karahi curry, half a tandoori chicken, lassi, and cola.

Half tandoori chicken at Bollywood

The first dish to hit the table was the 'half tandoori chicken.' Roasted hot in the clay oven, all the excess fat rendered off, giving us a textbook example of crispy outside, juicy inside.

The moment I bit into a big piece of chicken, the subtle waves of spice were fantastic, and there wasn't a hint of poultry gaminess — completely clean. Dipping it in the tangy sauce that came with it, I couldn't stop eating, and the fries and salad on the plate paired perfectly with the chicken too.

Lamb karahi curry with potato naan

Next came the star of the show — the 'lamb karahi curry' and 'potato naan.' True to a proper curry specialist, the deep, rich flavor of the curry was genuinely moving. Spicy yet full of savory depth, the lamb karahi curry had big chunks of lamb with absolutely no gamey smell, chewy and tender. Tearing off pieces of the potato naan — made even more savory and filling by the fluffy potato inside — and loading them up with curry felt like exotic happiness filling my whole mouth. Choosing potato naan over plain naan was truly a genius move. The combo of warm, chewy naan and rich curry was seriously addictive, impossible to stop eating.

Mango lassi and cola

I also had a glass of lassi, the traditional drink that's a must with Indian food. The tangy-sweet, rich mango flavor of the mango lassi did a great job of softening the spiciness of the curry and giving the meal a clean finish. Add the sharp, refreshing fizz of a cold cola, and the meal was complete and completely satisfying.

Is Bollywood worth it for Indian food near Gwangalli Beach?

It's genuinely hard these days to find a proper Indian restaurant, so I was thrilled to discover such a high-quality authentic spot right near Gwangalli Beach. Between the atmosphere, the excellent food, and the friendly service, this place has earned full marks as a genuine Indian food spot near Gwangalli. You can enjoy authentic Indian flavors in Busan's Gwangalli at a reasonable price, so I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a special dining experience! Why not make some delicious memories at 'Bollywood Indian Restaurant' this weekend?

Bollywood Indian Restaurant: address, hours and closing day

• Name: Bollywood Indian Restaurant
• Address: 9 Gwangnam-ro 130beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan, 2nd floor, South Korea (813m from Gwangan Station Exit 5)
• Hours Mon/Wed/Thu/Sun: 12:00 - 22:30 (last order 22:00)
• Hours Fri/Sat: 12:00 - 23:00 (last order 22:30)
• Closed every Tuesday