LOOK: Makati-Fave Resto Mantra Brings Their Indian Fare to Colorful New QC Branch
It's their biggest store, too.
Mantra Indian Kitchen and Bar
2/F Ayala Malls Vertis North, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
Contact: 0927-678-4041
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mantrabistro
(SPOT.ph) It's a curious thought that Quezon City doesn't have more Indian restaurants—especially considering the cuisine is full of bold, bangin' flavors. Well, that's hopefully changing. Those from Makati and Alabang would know Mantra Indian Kitchen and Bar (which has branches in the said areas) serves some of the best Indian fare in the Metro—and now the crowd-favorite Indian spot has made its way to the North, with their colorful new branch at Vertis North.
Also read: 10 Great Restaurants for Indian Food in Manila
Check out the new Quezon City branch of Mantra Indian Kitchen and Bar at Ayala Vertis North:
Mantra's Vertis North branch is the third and biggest outpost for the brand. It's run by Ranjit Chimni, an Indian national who has lived in the Metro for several years. He initially started Mantra with 25 seats in Makati back in 2016, and now, in 2023, he has fully expanded to three locations with over 200 seats.
Working alongside Chimni to help in his goal of delivering an A+ Indian dining experience in Manila is interior designer Carol Karthe and her team at LaDrilyo. Where Mantra was a lot homier and relaxed in its locations in the South, Mantra Quezon City sports a classier and more elegant look for the North.
In an interview with SPOT.ph, Karthe describes the inspiration behind Mantra interiors' visible upgrade as "a visual testament to this commitment," helping ensure that "Quezon City residents enjoy an exceptional culinary journey that reflects both my personal evolution and the city's refined taste for quality dining."
Mantra's interiors feature warm earth tones and cool blues as its main colorings—a clear nod to Mantra's Indian roots that have melded with the more tropical sensibilities of Philippine restaurants.
The space at the swanky new Ayala mall is a 55-seater with various seating configurations, including dining by the bar and a semi-private dining space.
The bar area, which happens to be Karthe's favorite space in the new locations, features terra cotta hanging lamps from a supplier in Tarlac. With this, the team incorporates local Filipino elements while maitaining Mantra's Indian identity.
A bonus we didn't expect about Mantra at Vertis North? They're also pet-friendly. Yup, you can bring your furbabies when dining here. They have three al-fresco tables by their entrance that can accommodate guests with pets of all sizes.
What to order at Mantra Indian Kitchen and Bar
Mantra, as its name suggests, serves Indian food, so you can expect Indian staples here—curries, naan, biryani, roti, and a selection of vegetarian-friendly eats. They have a wide selection of Indian staples rich in all the flavor, heat, and aromatics the cuisine is known for but using local proteins and vegetables. Be forewarned: the portions can be quite filling, so best to order conservatively.
You won't go wrong with ordering their Cheese Naan (P250) or their Garlic Naan (P155) as your main carb that you can use up to soak all the sauce and flavorings of your curries and stews like Palak Paneer (P455)and the Dal Makhani (P395).
For proteins, they have a selection of meat, chicken, and seafood dishes that you can count on like the Chicken Tikka Marsala (P525) and the Tandoori Prawns (P975).
Mantra Indian Kitchen and Bar is at 2/F Ayala Malls Vertis North, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City. For more information, visit Mantra Indian Kitchen and Bar's Facebook page.
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