At the last count, there were more than 4000 restaurants in New Zealand (excluding pubs and cafes), of which at least 10% were either exclusively Indian or serving Indian cuisine and delicacies.
Auckland alone has more than 100 such restaurants and the number keeps growing.
The surging demand for Indian food and spices makes New Zealand an important market, spelling millions of dollars worth of business for retailers and restaurateurs.
New Zealanders are showing increasing interest in Indian food, which is emerging as the most preferred cuisine. More and more people here are becoming addicted to its infinite variety and exquisite aroma.
But Indian food is not restricted to the few items that they relish in restaurants and take-away outlets in the country. There is a lot more to it.
Says a writer, describing the Indian cuisine at an Auckland restaurant: “Choosing a possie under a rather voluptuous representation of what I am assuming was a Goddess, we basked in the spicy cloud emitted from the food at the next table and cosied up to the idea of a long evening in the terracotta-coloured dining room. It was so much warmer than home.”
Reasonable cost must accompany quality for a successful restaurant, proving which is Manukau Curry House, located in Lambie Plaza, Manukau City.
The dine-in and takeaway store reveals not only the cultural heritage of a tourist destination but also a distinct identity that has for several decades intrigued those with a taste bud.
Appeasing diners
Manukau Curry House specialises in the culinary art of India, Fiji and China, bringing to the fore a tri-nation menu to appease almost every diner.
The store, now under new management, serves a variety of Indian curry including lamb, chicken, duck, goat, fish, prawn, vegetable or a combination of these. Those with a penchant for garlic and chili can revel in a number of delicacies.
Butter Chicken, Roti and Rice, that are prominent in every Indian restaurant, is also available here.
Diners who prefer Chinese style of food could choose from a number of items served as varieties of Fried Rice, Chopsuey (Chowmein), Oyster Sauce, Black Bean Sauce and many others.
Daily Specials
For diners who have little time or money to spare can hope to have a sumptuous Lunch Special comprising Chicken or Lamb Curry served with Rice, Chutney and Dhal for $7. Dinner Special comprises Goat or Lamb with Chicken Curry, Rotis, Rice, Dhal and a soft beverage for $15.
The outlet also supplies Samosas with a difference. These include Fruit and Chocolate Samosas and other varieties.
Manukau Curry House is open from 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday & Monday and from 8 am to 8 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
