Ricksha Streetside Tandoor: Salivating At My First Indian Food Experience

Indian might have been one of the world’s cuisines I was most curious about but was too afraid to try. First, I have a low to medium spice tolerance. Second, their dishes are so different and diverse that I get really overwhelmed just by looking at them. I think no other cuisines use as many herbs and spices as the Indian. The way they transform a simple chicken, fish, or a mere egg into a wonderful dish is unfathomable. You can say I’ve been suppressing my urge to give one of the many Indian restaurants in the metro a try for a long time out of fear or sheer ignorance. But with the help of some friends, I finally gave in or might I say, dig in. In this blog, I will be sharing how Ricksha Streetside Tandoor opened my palate to a whole new world of flavors.

Ricksha Streetside Tandoor, as its name suggests, is a tiny and humble restaurant on a streetside along E. Capitol Dr. in Kapitolyo Pasig City. It’s easy to miss for people who are oblivious to a lot of splendid things their tandoor kitchen has to offer. For those who might be wondering whatever that means, a tandoor is a clay oven, typical to India and Pakistan. It is used for Tandoori Cooking which usually has yogurt as its base and utilizes many herbs and spices to give flavor to each dish. Whatever magic this type of cooking does, it certainly took curries, rotis, naans, and biryanis to a level that’s totally unforgettable.

What We Ordered

For my first Indian Food indulgence, my friends and I sure went all out by ordering several dishes on the menu. It took us back P650 each but it was well worth it. Here’s what we ordered that got us instantly hooked as they barely disappoint.

—Butter Chicken (P395)

This is their best seller and a must-try! Chunks of marinated chicken on a creamy and buttery tomato curry sauce. It has a tiny hint of spice, the kind that won’t burn the tongue and still lets you appreciate the flavors. It is served with Naan but it definitely is perfect with biryani as well or on its own.

—Baingan Bhartha (P295)

When I said only Indian knows how to transform anything into a super dish, this is what I meant. Talk about healthy, their eggplant curry is such a treat. It has a hint of smokiness to it but it’s very flavorful that not even the pickiest eaters would notice it’s an eggplant.

—Mutton Rogan Josh (P550)

I grew up loving goat’s meat since I grew up in the province where it’s one of its priced commodities. Rogan Josh reminded me of gramps’ cooking. It’s like Caldereta but better. Slices of goat’s meat marinated in special herbs and spices and drowned in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The way that tender meat melts in my mouth was so damn epic.

—Samosa (P175)

This is comfort food. The kind that would remind you of summer afternoons as you sit at the front porch munching on a snack. Samosa is like empanada but distinctly herbaceous. These crispy pastry pockets filled with minced potatoes and peas and fried to perfection make a great appetizer. Its tangy dipping sauces complement it too.

—Appa Fish Fry (P450)

Meaty fish in thick slices marinated in herbs and spices and pan-fried in hot oil until their brown, crisp, and sealed with flavors. It’s served with two dipping sauces that take the experience to the next level. Fish and chips, who? I don’t even know what that is.

—Gunpowder and Egg Dosa (P175)

Crispy crepe filled with potatoes and eggs tossed in gunpowder. Yeah, gunpowder but not the usual one we know. It’s another condiment used in Indian cooking that is a combination of several herbs and spices. This is the reason why this dish is not only flavorful, it’s very filling too. It kind of tastes like the Shepherd’s Pie. Only it comes with coconut chutney and sambar.

—Chicken Tandoori (P295)

Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices then cooked in the tandoor. It’s a stunning chicken dish as it sits in a bed of biryani rice with pickled onions, curry sauce, and fresh yogurt dip on the side. The smokiness of the chicken and the way the spices and flavors are embedded into it in every bite is pure pleasure. Definitely, a must-try!

—Garlic Naan (P125)

We also ordered Garlic Naan for P125. I mean why not? An extra Naan is necessary for such a meal.

My Overall Take On Ricksha Streetside Tandoor

• Definitely not on the cheap side if you’re a cheapskate just like me but I promise that it’s worth it.
• A good restaurant for sampling Indian Food for newbies. If you wish to introduce new flavors to your tongue, start here. You won’t regret it.
• The food is not really spicy, just a tiny hint. You know there’s chilis in there but not the kind that would hurt your mouth.
• Individual plates serve one but can also be shared by 2. Our group shared everything we ordered and it was more than enough.
• I like how this restaurant is just tiny. Like a secret spot ideal for people who wish to avoid the crowd.
• The staff are friendly and really took the time to share a bit of information about every dish on the menu.
• It’s just a bummer they only accept cash and bank transfers. Doesn’t accept credit/debit card payments yet.

There you go, lovely foodies! I hope you enjoyed this blog and found it useful for your own culinary adventure. As always, the taste is subjective. I’m not a picky eater but I trust my judgment. See you on the next food trip. Ciao!

P.S. Attaching the exact address and map for those who wish to drop by Ricksha Streetside Tandoor this instant.

📍 23 E. Capitol Dr. Kapitolyo Pasig City PH