Food: ☆☆☆½

Service: ☆☆☆

Ambiance: ☆☆ ½

Cost: $$$

Must try: Chicken Malai Kabab , Chilly Fish, Lamb Shahi Pasanda, Garlic Naan

I am always a little hesitant to visit Indian restaurants, as it is the cuisine I am most familiar with and I tend to be a harsh critic but Mint surprised me.

I was recently invited to review this Midtown Indian food spot which is housed in the San Carlos hotel. Chef and owner Gary Sikka offers a diverse menu of regional Indian dishes.

The food was good overall whilst some dishes were stellar!

The Chilly Fish is a must. This might be one of the yummiest renditions of this dish I have had ever! The crunchy fish was smothered with a thick sauce, which had a perfect mix of spicy tangy sourness. It was my favorite of the night! They also make a great Lamb Shahi Pasanda where the lamb was cooked to a perfect tenderness.

The breads at Mint are really good– their garlic naan was light, soft yet crisp and delicately flavored. I was however disappointed in their Chicken Tikka Masala (a perennial favorite) – I thought the gravy lacked robustness and depth in its flavor. This however was overcome by the Chicken Malai Kababs which were done just right!

The restaurant is decorated in warm hues with attractive rows of silk clad drum lamps on the ceilings and hints of traditional Indian touches. The ambiance is nice except that the entire space is bathed in a peculiar neon green light which gives it… well I guess a “minty” feel. There is a vivid bar area which serves exotic colorful cocktails and global wines.

Mint certainly does hold it’s own in a market that is highly saturated with Indian restaurants.

I, for one, am still dreaming of going back for much more of that chilly fish…

Here is some of what we ate: