Slightly outside the city center, in HongQiao, this gem of a restaurant has been impressing diners since its relocation in 2006. With noteworthy service standards and exemplary food quality, Bukhara Indian Grill repeatedly receives mention as one of the best restaurants in Shanghai.

The entire visit at Bukhara can only be described as authentic. The owner states that they follow the philosophy of “ambiance of hospitality, evocative of those golden times, where every meal is a feast and every feast a gourmet’s delight,” and we certainly enjoyed a feast during this visit. Starting with the Bukhara Nan, oversized refined flour bread cooked in a clay oven and served with Daal Bukhara, a specialty of the house. The dish is comprised of split black lentils, cooked with exotic spices, tomato puree, ginger, garlic, and a rich creamy butter sauce creating a spicy then slightly sweet sensation; there is nothing else like it in Shanghai.

Bukhara features numerous excellent spicy dishes, and one surprising dish was the Tandori pomfret, a whole pomfret fish marinated in yogurt, mustard oil, and spices before being grilled. The spiciness of this dish builds slowly but is not overpowering. Another was the Murgh Makhani, a boneless tandori chicken, in a mild tomato puree, creamy sauce, creating a sweet then spicy sensation in the month. This dish pairs nicely with the Dum Pukht Chicken Briyani, a marinated chicken diced into steamed basmati rice cooked with herbs and aromatic spices.

There are still plenty of excellent choices for those that prefer something a little milder. The Murgh Malai Tikki, cubed chicken marinated with ginger, cheese, saffron and fenug reek leaves. Served with red onion slices, carrots, lettuce, and a lemon wedge, is delicate and almost airy tasting. The Mutton Rogan Josh is another good selection, combining boneless mutton with spices (notably saffron), herbs, and cooked in onion based gravy.

The overall dining experience at Bukhara is simply amazing due to the high standards of the restaurant management. They only use high quality imported ingredients (including the rice), and imported clay ovens to prepare the food, ensuring perfect temperature control over the cooking process. They also only hire exemplary staff members, many with experience in five- star hotels that are able to provide thoughtful and superb food recommendations. Bukhara has truly achieved an authentic Indian dining experience that cannot be rivaled.

P.S. A special note for those looking for a good place to watch your favorite sporting event. Bukhara has a great sports bar on the first floor with premium sports channels, or a private room on the third floor with a large screen projection television to host a party for thirty of your closest friends. Nothing could be better than Indian food and Erdinger on draft!

Bukhara lndian Grill & Lounge

Location: 3729 Hongmei Road S.

Tel: 021-64468800

(China Daily November 25, 2008)