At Agni by Mantra, Butter Chicken + More Indian Faves Are Given Fresh Interpretations
It's all about upscale-casual Indian at this new spot by the folks of Mantra Bistro.
Published on Jan 26, 2026
(SPOT.ph) From the appearance of the place alone, Agni by Mantra makes it clear it’s not your traditional Indian restaurant. Shades of apricot and aegean blue dominate the two-storey space that’s cozy, alright, but rather regal with its high ceilings.
Named after the Sanskrit word for fire, Agni—a new venture from the Mantra Bistro’s Ranjit Chimni—goes well beyond your textbook curries and tandoori selections. Go through the menu and you’ll find the likes of pollichatchu, galouti, and more, as well as ingredients like Maine lobster (poached in butter and paired with a Charu-style mango reduction); New Zealand lamb shank (in a hearty nihari gravy); even burrata (as a creamier stand-in for paneer). Where possible, the team uses organic produce and makes as many components from scratch, including their breads and the masala blends that flavor their roasts and curries. They’re all about modern interpretations of regional Indian fare given chic presentations, paired with cocktails that incorporate the cuisine’s defining flavors in fun ways.
Also read: Mantra’s New Lunch Sets Bring Your Indian Faves in One Plate
What to try at Agni by Mantra, Makati
Meen Pollichatchu
Like us Filipinos, the people of Kerala make use of banana leaves in their cooking. Agni by Mantra offers a taste of the cuisine with their Meen Pollichatchu (P695)—sea bass marinated in a fiery masala paste, wrapped in a banana leaf parcel, and steamed in banana leaves. (Photo by Patricia Baes)
Smoked Butter Chicken
Think of Indian food and butter chicken’s likely one of the viands that instinctively comes to mind. Agni by Mantra makes this fan-favorite dish their own in their Smoked Butter Chicken (P785), which uses smoked cashews in the sauce for depth. It’s served with their own chili-cheese naan—great stuff on its own, and spectacular as a vessel to soak up every last drop of the gravy. (Photo by Patricia Baes)
Lamb Shank Nihari
On the heartier end of the spectrum at Agni is the Lamb Shank Nihari (P1,185). Agni by Mantra takes the idea of traditional nihari—Pakistan’s national dish, often served in the mornings—and presents it as a meaty main with lamb shank that’s so tender you can cut into it with a spoon. Warm, flaky wedges of Khameeri roti accompany the plate. (Photo by Patricia Baes)
Aam Antica
Don’t even think about skipping the drinks when dining at Agni by Mantra; we’re all for the way they incorporate Indian ingredients and flavors into well-loved tipples. One to try is the Aam Antica (P550)—essentially a Negroni with mango for a more tropical-leaning vibe. (Photo by Patricia Baes)
WATCH: Must-tries at Agni by Mantra
For Trish, food is as much a source of pleasure and fuel as it is an outlet for creativity; a medium by which stories can be passed on; and a way to connect with others.