Real Indiana is a well-known group of Indian restaurants with branches in major locations throughout Portugal. There are several branches of Real Indiana Restaurant in Porto, with the most recent addition being at Baixa do Porto, having opened in July 2013.
As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans. We would also add to this, when in Portugal, eat as the Portuguese. However, just sometimes, wherever we are, nothing but a curry will do.
Real Indiana Restaurant provides an authentic Indian dining experience right in the heart of Porto’s historic centre. Simply oozing with the colours, smells, and flavours of India, it is more than just a meal: it is a destination. The interior was designed by local designer Paulo Lobo to create distinct atmospheres in the four separate dining rooms that make up the eating space at Real Indiana Restaurant.
The atmosphere is welcoming, the seating comfortable and the food divine, fusing oriental, traditional, and modern to ultimate effect. Begin your meal at the upstairs bar, where you can sample a refreshing gin and tonic, exotic cocktail or opt for the traditional pleasures of a glass of the local Port wine before selecting your options from the large and varied menu.
Favourites include tasty naan breads, chapatis and poppadoms paired with freshly prepared authentic chutneys, and there is a wide variety of vegetarian dishes to satisfy the non-meat eaters, such as vegetable dhansak, mushroom paneer, mixed daal, vegetable pakoras, channa masala and fresh Asian salads.
Meat and fish eaters will delight in the king prawn butterfly, saag, korma and shashlik, as well as fish curry and familiar favourites, such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori fish, karahi lamb, garlic chilli chicken, chicken jalfrezi, rogan josh and a range of tasty biryani dishes.
Expect to spend around 30 euros per head and ensure you arrive hungry to get the most out of your meal at the Real Indiana Restaurant.
A traditional taste of Portugal it may not be, but it is well worth the visit for a touch of India. Open from Sunday to Thursday, from midday to 3pm, and from 7pm to 11pm, and on Friday and Saturday from midday to 3pm, and from 7pm to midnight. Bookings advisable during busy periods.
Real Indiana Restaurant
Rua Conde de Vizela 127
4050 640 Porto
Portugal
Tel: +351 222 080 481
www.realindiana.pt
