In my last column two weeks ago I wrote about Muslim restaurant which has been with us over 50 years and by now has certainly become an institution. In the olden days Indian or Muslim food was not so popular. I my young days, the majority of Thai Muslims in Bangkok lived in specific areas.

             As the population of Thailand exploded to 60 or so millions and with the increase in international trade the Indian and Muslim population increased. Thais are not used to the heavy spices, which are dry spices and herbs in Indian food, even though our food is highly spiced but we use fresh herbs and spices in our food. This explains why Thai food is much lighter than Indian food.

             The dry herbs and spices which needed to be fried in oil to bring out the aromas in affect turns into roux (thickening agent) which thickens any liquid or moisture when added to it. Fortunately, as the population in Bangkok and Thailand increases and people travel to work and study abroad more and more Thai became exposed to food from different countries.

             This is particularly true for people like myself who first went to England when I was 12 years old. I was exposed to Indian food and we used to say that to get really good Indian food you don’t need to go to India but there are plenty of Indian restaurants in London.

             Bangkok has a fairly large Indian population. They have been in Thai society for a very long time. Long gone is the image of Thais of Indian descent selling textile. They now have diverse jobs and have become interwoven into the fabric of Thai business community.

             I have been searching for a long time for the kind of Indian restaurant that I really like to go to. It is not just the food but the ambiance as well. I my mind there have always been this typical image of a dark cavernous place to eat Indian food but for me I would prefer something simpler.

             I would like to see an Indian restaurant that is brightly lit and spacious. I don’t want to sit in dark corner hidden from everyone and probably cannot see my food as well. Don’t get me wrong. This is only my own personal preference and there is nothing wrong with those that prefer Indian restaurant to be in the old style. Well, what a long preamble! I actually found what I liked and would like to share my find with you and recommend that you go try it out.

             The name of this restaurant is called simply, The Curry Pot. It is tucked away behind the Bai Yok 2 building. It is actually behind the building and you will have to go towards the parking lot of the building and pass through the building to the left and you will enter that little alleyway. The restaurant is on the right hand corner at the far end of the alley. It looked almost like a very brightly-lit cafeteria with large wall to ceiling windows facing the street along the whole length of the restaurant.

             The Curry Pot is owned by an Indian man and his Thai wife. The food here is simply wonderful. For those that like Indian food to be highly spiced they will make it for you that way but the Tandoori Murgh or Tandoori chicken that I had was spiced just right not too over powering and it was tender but not dry.

             There is a large selection of Nans, Roti and Papadams, to be eaten with your Mutton Marsala or Lamb Vindaloo. Yes, you will need to eat everything with your hands although the have provided fork, spoon and knife for you. This is real traditional eating and I like the feel of the Nan and sauce on my hand and fingers.

             We had the mutton Biryani that was very good the meat was tender and well marinated but the rice that was real Indian Basmati rice was superb. I usually turn away from Chicken Tikka because it always comes too dry because they use breast meat to grill with but The Curry Pot’s Chicken Tikka was still moist and tender even though they use breast meat. Malai Kofta which is a homemade cheese in a rich creamy sauce was wonderful especially the texture of the cheese balls.

             Bhindi Do Piaza, okra sauteed with onions and spices was another one of my favorite. I certainly have this affinity for okra. It does not matter in what kind of cuisine, if there were okra in it I would have to try it. How could you go to an Indian restaurant without trying their Zard Dal? It is a staple in most Indian food and they do it very well.

             As you eat all this rich and spicy food you will need to cut some of the fat and greasiness that you have consumed with some Raita which is a yogurt that is seasoned sometimes with onion and cucumber. The sourness of the yogurt helps you digest the food better and goes very well with all the dishes. There are so many other dishes that I want to write about but I think all that I have mentioned is probably enough to titillate your palate. If you are an Indian food lover you should try The Curry Pot. You won’t be disappointed.