Tikka masala and cauliflower curry at Mandala, a Hapjeong Indian spot
Mandala Indian Lounge is an Indian restaurant on the third floor of a building near Hapjeong Station in Mapo, Seoul. Chicken tikka masala costs 13,000 won and potato cauliflower curry 12,000 won, and both came with turmeric rice (3,000 won) and garlic naan (3,500 won) — thinner and milder than the thick Korean-style curry most people here know, which felt unfamiliar but fun. If you like heavy, creamy curry it may not click, but Mandala Indian Lounge is a solid pick for curry closer to the real thing.