Hapjeong Indian curry date: spicy shrimp masala, butter naan, Mandala

Lately I've been craving exotic food. I had errands in Hapjeong, so I stopped by with my fiancé and found a really hip spot. Let me tell you about my visit to Mandala Indian Lounge, where you can taste authentic Indian flavors (•͈ᴗ•͈)

Where is Mandala Indian Lounge and what is the vibe?

Mandala Indian Lounge is on the 3rd floor of the building at 26 Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It's an Indian restaurant close to Hapjeong Station.

It's close to Hapjeong Station and surrounded by pretty cafés, so it was perfect as a date course. When we went upstairs, an exotic aroma greeted us along with a stylish space.

In the daytime the sunlight pours in, so it's comfortable for a meal, and at night the mood changes completely and it turns into a hip lounge (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)

When hookah time starts, music fills the space, and I couldn't think of a better place for a party with foreign friends or an unusual date. The cocktail and wine list is varied, so it's good for a casual drink, and with shisha (hookah) available too, it felt like a place to enjoy Hapjeong at night properly (⌐■_■)

What should you order at Mandala Indian Lounge?

The menu at Mandala Indian Lounge has a wide range, from curries to tandoori and biryani. We ordered the signature chicken tikka, shrimp masala curry and butter naan.

As soon as we opened the menu, all kinds of Indian dishes welcomed us 😊 They say the food is made every day with fresh ingredients and spices based on traditional recipes. There's also a good-value lunch set on weekdays, so I bet it's popular with office workers nearby.

Free naan for a Naver receipt review

If you leave a Naver receipt review, they give you one naan of your choice (plain, butter or garlic) for free 😮 We joined right away and got an extra naan. You have to take advantage of events like this (ง •̀_•́)ง If you visit, don't miss it!

Is the shrimp masala curry spicy? Pairing it with butter naan

Mandala Indian Lounge's shrimp masala curry has a deep spice flavor with a pleasant kick of heat. It's a different style from creamy, sweet curries, so it felt fresh.

The shrimp masala curry came out first. The aroma wasn't too strong, yet it kept an authentic feel, so it was a flavor anyone could like. We usually eat creamy, sweet curries, and this one wasn't like that at all, so it was a nice change 😮

It's loaded with plump shrimp, and when I dunked the chewy butter naan in, the spicy and nutty flavors spread harmoniously through my mouth. The naan was so chewy and soft, a perfect match for the curry sauce, that I kept reaching for more (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)

What does the tandoor-grilled chicken tikka taste like?

Mandala Indian Lounge's chicken tikka is boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled in a tandoor (clay oven). The grease is gone and the inside was moist and tender.

The grease was completely gone and the inside was really tender. The spicy seasoning had soaked in well, so it's tasty on its own, and dipping it lightly in the curry gives you a rich flavor. It wasn't dry but juicy, and my fiancé loved it too 😊

From Hapjeong lunch to night lounge

By day, Mandala Indian Lounge is a restaurant serving a hearty lunch to Hapjeong office workers and visitors, and by night it's a lounge where you can feel the hip lifestyle. If you want a special experience in a space where music and aromas blend, Mandala Indian Lounge is the answer.

Eating tasty curry and naan in an exotic atmosphere, I felt all my built-up tiredness melt away (✿´‿`)

If you're looking for proper Indian food near Hapjeong Station, or a lounge bar with a good mood, definitely give it a visit!!