Think of your favourite place for an Indian meal and the chances are that a restaurant in Lisbon won’t be the first to jump to mind. However, Passage to India Restaurant, in the Saldanha district of Portugal’s bustling capital, may just change that.
If you are only in Portugal for a day or two, it may be that you would prefer to sample the more traditional restaurants in Lisbon. However, if you are visiting for any longer and have a taste for Indian cuisine, Passage to India restaurant is well worth a visit.
This is an authentic eatery, with both the front of house and the kitchens manned by those who have grown up with Indian culture and have first-hand knowledge of its gastronomic traditions.
Service is faultless, with nothing too much trouble for the helpful waiting staff. Even on a busy night they will do their best to accommodate walk-in diners, though it is possible to make reservations in advance.
For those who are unfamiliar with Indian food, there is plenty of help and advice at hand when choosing from the menu.
Some aspects of the food at Passage to India Restaurant do differ from what many of us may be used to here in England. In some cases different spices shine, and of course the raw ingredients themselves are sourced locally from Portuguese pastures and seas.
Portion sizes tend to be different, too, with some dishes coming up larger than expected and others being served smaller. If in doubt, check with your waiter when you finish ordering to ensure you have ordered more or less the right amount.
English tastes tend to prefer food a little spicier than our counterparts in Portugal, so it is worth bearing this in mind when you order. There are options on the menu for you to choose mild, medium or hot.
The menu features many Indian favourites including delicious starters such as onion bhajis, paneer cheese, tandoori chicken and prawns, and seekh kebab. For mains choose from meat dishes such as lamb bhuna and karahi chicken or a deliciously spicy madras, accompanied by mixed vegetables, tarka dal and fragrant garlic naan bread.There are several Indian restaurants in Lisbon but Passage to India is unanimously proclaimed to be the best, so if you have a hankering for spice give it a go. Opening hours are from midday to 3pm for lunch and from 7pm to 11pm for dinner.
Passage to India
Avenida Praia da Vitoria, 45
1000-246, Lisboa
Portugal
Tel: +351 213 544 073
www.passagetoindia.pt
