Mapo Indian restaurant B set with chicken masala: Deli India

After wrapping up an important appointment near Hongdae, we were wandering around looking for a meal with relieved hearts when this curry restaurant caught our eye.

Here’s our visit to Deli India, the kind of place I think I’ll remember whenever I want proper, authentic Indian curry. From interiors that felt like they had transported India’s charm right over to the fresh flavors filling my mouth, these were happy moments from start to finish. Let’s go!

Walking to Deli India from Sangsu Station

It is only a three-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sangsu Station, so it is very easy to reach, and it is also walkable from Hapjeong Station.

Located on the second floor, it is a lovely place for a date or a get-together with friends: the weather has been so nice lately that warm sunlight streams in, and you can eat while enjoying a pleasant breeze.

Even though we had just missed the lunch rush, almost all the window seats were filled with people eating curry, and I thought, okay, this really must be a popular spot.

Elegant traditional Indian ornaments and soft lighting came together beautifully inside.

The kitchen structure looked a bit like a Taj Mahal palace model. I happened to look up and the lighting was pretty too; my companion admired it, saying it reminded them of their trip to India.

The table was neatly set, so it felt like we were being looked after from the moment we sat down.

On a day like this, after walking around and hanging out in Sangsu or Hapjeong, Deli India seems like a good stop for curry when hunger hits.

They are also running a review event: upload a verification photo and you receive either naan or lassi for free. The guest beside us posted theirs and scored some naan.

Indian dishes we tried in the B Set

We ordered the generously composed B Set, which takes the stress out of deciding what to order. The colors of all the different ingredients filling the table were a feast for the eyes too.

The set also includes sweet, smooth plain lassi, a yogurt drink. Its characteristic tang and gentle sweetness were perfectly balanced. With the spicy masala curry, it had that addictive sweet-and-salty pull that made me keep reaching for more.

The green salad that opens the meal arrives with crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables topped with a sweet-tangy house dressing. It freshens up the palate before the spiced dishes.

Juicy chicken tikka

The chicken tikka was more tender and delicious than I expected, which surprised me. Its outside was red and nicely crisped, while the meat inside held onto lots of juices, making every bite wonderfully tender.

I recommend squeezing on some of the lemon juice served alongside it, which makes the flavor even brighter. It is also good with the onion pickles that come with it.

The more I chewed, the more a gentle smoky char spread through the bite, while a mild spiciness cut through the richness, so I could have kept eating forever.

There were three side dishes included too, and the onion pickles especially suited my taste perfectly ^^

September curry on the second floor. The softly blowing breeze felt so nice.

Is chicken masala curry better with naan or rice?

The highlight of today’s meal was the chicken masala curry. It had a little heat, but the deep sweetness of its tomato-and-onion base stood out, and it was delicious piled onto both naan and rice.

The Indian spices came together in vibrant layers, yet they were not at all overwhelming for a Korean palate.

Tear off warm naan by hand and heap it with masala curry, and the sweetness and curry’s spiciness come together perfectly.

First, I dipped the chewy, golden-browned naan in it. Naan is delicious whenever you dip it.

Mix a little masala curry sauce into glossy rice, then add a big piece of chicken, and it delivers a filling, satisfying flavor that is different from naan.

The onion pickles were crisp, spicy, and tasted like they had just been freshly seasoned—you do it all, honestly.

After such an enthusiastic meal, sunflower seeds are a must. If you are looking for an unusual date-night restaurant that wins over both lovers of bold spices and Korean tastes, how about Deli India?