Hapjeong Indian restaurant for a late solo lunch: samosa, Mandala

A solo lunch with atmosphere near Hapjeong Station: Mandala Indian Lounge

I finally had a lunch just for myself at Mandala Indian Lounge near Hapjeong Station. Usually I just eat quickly somewhere familiar and move on, but that day I wanted to sit somewhere with a nice atmosphere and take my time alone. That's how I ended up at Mandala Indian Lounge, near Hapjeong Station.

Is Mandala Indian Lounge really Indian?

The owner and the person cooking in the kitchen are both Indian, and I was told the sauces are imported directly from India. The moment I walked in, the space felt clearly different from an ordinary restaurant. It has a real lounge feel, just like the name says.

It was late lunchtime, so there weren't many customers, and that let me chat with the owner naturally. Everything he said was full of pride in Indian food. I doubt many Indian restaurants in Korea insist on being this "original."

In the evening it apparently runs as a lounge where you can also enjoy hookah, so if you like the vibe, dinner here seems like a good idea too.

What I ordered for a solo meal, and the prices

Eating alone at Mandala Indian Lounge, I ordered four things: one curry, naan, a side and a drink.

• 🫙 Plain lassi ₩4,000
• 🥬 Palak paneer (spinach curry) ₩14,000
• 🔺 Samosa ₩6,000
• 🫓 Cheese naan ₩6,000

Palak paneer, a little different from what I knew, but

The palak paneer at Mandala Indian Lounge (₩14,000) wasn't creamy and thick; it had a thin, clean texture closer to spinach soup. Of all the curries, I like palak paneer, the spinach curry, best. I've had it in plenty of places, and it's usually creamy and thick.

This one was different. At first I thought, "This isn't the taste I know!", but as I kept eating, I decided it has its own way of doing things. It isn't overpowering, and the flavor of the ingredients really comes through. It even crossed my mind that this might be closer to the original way of cooking it.

Is the cheese naan like cheese pizza?

The cheese naan at Mandala Indian Lounge (₩6,000) wasn't quite like cheese pizza; it was a plain, warm naan with a subtle cheese flavor. It was my first time trying cheese naan. I'd seen reviews saying it's like cheese pizza, but it wasn't that much.

I dipped it in the curry and also ate it plain, and it was nicely tasty either way.

Samosa, the real star of the day

The best thing I ate at Mandala Indian Lounge that day was the samosa (₩6,000) I ordered as a side. Honestly, I didn't expect much. I just ordered it as a side, and it turned out to be the best of the day.

When you press it lightly with a fork, it breaks apart naturally and reveals the potato and vegetables inside, nutty and mild with no off-putting smell. The sauce served with it is also homemade, I was told, and dipping the samosa in it really lifts the savory flavor. It's good plain, good with the sauce, great either way. If I come again, I'm definitely reordering this.

Plain lassi, a yogurt drink in a wine glass

The plain lassi (₩4,000) at Mandala Indian Lounge comes in a wine glass with a spoonful of whipped cream on top. Lassi is an Indian yogurt drink, and I liked that the serving style suits the lounge setting.

I think it would taste richer and smoother if you mixed it well. I just drank it as it was, and the cream flavor wasn't strong; it finished light and clean. On a hot day I bet it would have been even better.

The owner's kindness when my sleeve ended up in the curry

When I dipped my sleeve into the palak paneer, the owner of Mandala Indian Lounge brought me wet wipes, tissues and even detergent. Eating alone, I was busy taking photos and made a mistake. While trying to find the right camera angle, I plunged my sleeve right into the palak paneer.

The owner happened to be passing by and saw it. He not only asked if I was okay but brought everything I needed. I couldn't take my clothes off, so I couldn't fully fix it, but this small kindness stayed with me longer than I expected. Taste matters, but moments like this are what make you go back to a place.

Is Mandala Indian Lounge in Hapjeong good for eating alone?

I'd recommend Mandala Indian Lounge when you want a solo meal with atmosphere, or something different from your usual lunch. Even if Indian food isn't familiar to you, starting with an approachable dish like the samosa makes it easy to enjoy.

I went at lunch this time, but I'd like to come back in the evening for the lounge feel.

• Opening hours: weekdays 12:00 - 22:30, weekends 12:00 - 23:30
• Parking: use a nearby paid parking lot