Namaskaar Baden Baden

There are things in life that make  you realize  you've been missing  until you finally tried it. In my case, it's the Indian foods. It's always been there  but the abundance of other cuisines  like the well-known Thai, the well-loved Italian and even the too-common-for its-own-good Chinese somehow kept Indian cuisine's existence out of my gustatory radar. If only I knew what treat I was missing, I could have dipped my finger into its culinary pie much sooner. There's something about Indian food that entices me. The aromatic smell, the spice-laden sauces, the spicy heat that that leaves a tingling sensation down my throat. It's like a spell that could make anyone simply forget about life's shenanigans for a while. Between appreciative mouthfuls and occasional burst of blissful aaaaahhs and hmmms, good Indian foods shut me up during a meal, only the satisfied shimmer of my eyeballs  speaks volume- I love it! 

I should be thankful to the restaurant that is responsible for this love at first bite . Namaskaar, in Baden Baden. This cozy, little restaurant  garnered quite a reputation for serving excellent Indian Foods in the region. The elegant setting with crisp white linen ,the wonderful smell from the kitchen, the soft Bollywood songs that serenade its guests, the efficient and fast service, the delicious food and generous  but not overwhelming servings . Everything about this restaurant ticks all my boxes. Even the Indian owner, who is renowned for his quick mouth and  witty but sometime dry humour. Confidently aware of his goods, he oftentimes engages in good banter with his patrons  and he tolerates no nonsense when it comes to his food. Love him or hate him , his unique character is almost written on his forehead. And oh yeah, he loves Obama so Republicans, look to your left if you please.

The restaurant is always full to the brim and reservation is a must. Regulars, curious locals from young couples to conservative pensioners, bosses and common employees, sleek suited  gents and their Prada trotting ladies and tourist with their DSLR all flock into this tiny space to gratify their Indian food cravings. Menu is not overly extensive but guest can choose if they want their food mild, medium and spicy .FF and I always go for the medium and our foods are always deliciously warming in the palate without burning a hole in our guts. It made us break a bit of sweat, which is easily tampered by ice cold King Fisher beer or mango lassi.

FF and I were often enough in this restaurant. This superb meal is what we had last Saturday.

Aloo Jheenga:  Potato-wrapped shrimps

Left: Trio of starters with chicken, lamb and vegetable fritters

Right: Complimentary Papadum 

Left:  Murgh Jal Frazie ( Chicken curry with fresh vegetables)

Middle: Freshly baked Naan bread which is available only at dinner.

Right:  Gosht Do Piaza (  Lamb with Ginger, Chili and Onion)

My Plate with shrimp, lamb and chicken dishes  and Naan Bread to to mop it all up!

Aam Bahar:  Mango Ice cream in Saffron sauce

Restaurant Namaskaar

Indische Spezialitäten

Krezstraße 1

76530 Baden Baden

Tel. number +49 (0) 7221 24681

Opening Hours: 12:00- 14:00 and 18:00-22:30

Closed on Tuesdays