Songdo Indian restaurant on a rainy day: butter naan set B, Manokamana

Today I visited Manokamana (머노까머나), a curry spot in Songdo.

When I want something different to eat in Songdo, this is the place that naturally comes to mind: Manokamana Songdo. I like curry in general, but I wanted a depth of flavor totally unlike the curry I make at home, so this time I went with an older friend.

There were so many dishes at first that I couldn't decide, but I went with set B, the most recommended one, and it turned out to be a really satisfying meal. Salad, chicken, curry, naan, rice and lassi all in one go, so I especially recommend it for first-timers. Here is my honest, detailed review from the visit.

What is the atmosphere like at Manokamana Songdo Branch?

Manokamana Songdo Branch is near Songdo Central Park, an Indian curry restaurant with high ceilings and wood-tone interiors that give it an exotic feel. I could feel that atmosphere from the moment I walked in.

With the high ceilings and spacious interior, it didn't feel stuffy at all, and the wood-tone decor blended nicely with the elegant chairs, so it felt like being in a restaurant abroad.

A window seat by the folding doors on a rainy day

I hear that on nice days they open the folding doors so you can enjoy an outdoor feel, but it was raining today, so they were closed. Instead, I could watch the rain through the window, which made it even more atmospheric.

Parking and location

You can use the building's underground parking, so it was easy to get to, and it's a perfect spot for a meal after a walk in Songdo Central Park.

What comes in Manokamana's set B for two?

Two adults visited, so we ordered set B for two. The set was much more substantial than I expected.

• Fresh green salad
• Chicken tikka
• Butter chicken curry
• Butter naan
• Plain rice
• Lassi

I immediately understood why a set is recommended over single dishes for first-timers. The salad that came first had a refreshing dressing that got my appetite going, and the lassi that followed is a drink that helps you enjoy Indian food even more.

Choose plain, mango or strawberry lassi

We chose two plain lassis, but there are also mango and strawberry lassis, so order whichever you like.

How do the chicken tikka and butter chicken curry taste?

The first dish in set B that wowed me was the chicken tikka.

I was worried the spices would be strong, but it wasn't overwhelming. Cooked in a clay oven, it kept its smoky flavor and juicy texture, so anyone can enjoy it.

Next came the butter chicken curry, where rich, smooth cream and the gentle tang of tomato came together for a really deep flavor.

It let me properly experience the charm of authentic Indian curry, which is clearly different from ordinary curry.

Butter naan is the highlight, plus an extra garlic naan

The butter naan served alongside was, for me personally, the highlight of this meal at Manokamana.

Fresh from the oven, the butter naan was warm and chewy, and its nutty butter aroma went really well with the butter chicken curry. I tore it into bite-size pieces by hand and piled on plenty of curry, and I immediately understood why so many people recommend eating curry with naan. The naan was so good that we ordered one more garlic naan.

Is set B for two enough food?

Manokamana's set B was enough for two adults. At first, looking at the curry bowl, I thought the portion looked small.

But once I started eating it with naan and rice, there was actually quite a lot. Two adults shared set B, and by the end we were both pretty full.

I think set B alone makes a satisfying meal for first-time visitors.

Plain rice and basmati rice

Set B also comes with plain rice, and since I usually prefer familiar white rice, mixing it with the curry was really good too.

You can switch to basmati rice, which has a distinctive fluffy, separate-grain texture, so it seems like a good choice if you want a more authentic Indian feel. The curry wasn't too intense and was mild, so it went well with both naan and rice. The big pieces of chicken in particular were moist, not dry, so I enjoyed it to the last bite.

Staff service

The friendly service from the Manokamana Songdo Branch staff also left an impression during the meal. They kindly explained dishes that were hard to order and quickly helped with whatever we needed, so even first-timers can eat comfortably.

The recommended dishes I actually tried

Verdict: if you're new to Indian food, start with set B

Manokamana Songdo wasn't just a place to eat Indian curry; you can enjoy a local-style atmosphere too. The high ceilings, exotic interior, friendly service and above all the deeply flavored curry stayed in my memory.

If Indian food has always felt intimidating, don't hesitate and just order set B. Salad, chicken, curry, naan, rice and lassi all in one, so choosing is easy and satisfaction was high.

I especially hope you'll try the combination of butter naan, garlic naan and butter chicken curry. Smooth curry meets chewy naan and the flavor comes alive with every bite, and the portion was enough for two adults, so the value felt good too.

If you're looking for a date spot near Songdo Central Park, a family dinner or a place to meet friends, Manokamana Songdo seems like a satisfying choice. Next time I'd like to come back and order other curries and tandoori chicken too.