Vanakam India (Mount Austin) — Restaurant in Johor

Vanakam India in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, appears to be a highly regarded Indian restaurant that has garnered a strong reputation for serving authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine. It's often highlighted as a "hidden gem" or a "must-try" for fans of Indian food in the area. Here's a summary of what makes Vanakam India (Mount Austin) a popular choice: Authentic Flavors and Fresh Ingredients: Reviewers consistently praise the authenticity of the dishes, attributing it to the restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and grinding their own blend of spices (masala) from their own recipes. This dedication seems to translate into bold, aromatic, and well-balanced flavors that stand out. Diverse Menu with Standout Dishes: Vanakam India offers a diverse menu that caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, featuring a wide range of popular Indian dishes. Some of the most frequently lauded items include: Biryanis: Vegetarian Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Chettinad Biryani, and Tandoori Chicken Biryani are often cited as being "top-notch" and "awesome." Curries: The Butter Chicken is described as creamy, mildly tangy, and perfect with naan. Other highly recommended curries include Malabar Fish Curry, Hyderabadi Mutton Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh, and creamy Vegetable Kurma. Appetizers: Bindi Kurkure (crispy fried okra) is a popular and unique starter. Bread: Garlic Naan and Garlic Cheese Naan are frequently mentioned as excellent accompaniments. Drinks: The Masala Tea is a definite crowd-pleaser and a "must-try," with many reviewers raving about its taste and fragrance. Watermelon Mojito and Filter Coffee are also popular choices. Desserts: While the menu includes traditional Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun and Kesari, there's also mention of other popular desserts to end the meal. Inviting Ambiance and Friendly Service: The restaurant provides a welcoming and inviting ambiance, often described as combining traditional Indian decor with modern touches. The staff, including specific mentions of Santosh and Akil, are consistently praised for being friendly, attentive, and providing excellent service, which significantly enhances the overall dining experience. Value for Money: While prices are in the RM20 - RM50 per pax range, many customers find the total cost reasonable, especially given the quality and portion sizes of the food. Location and Accessibility: Vanakam India (Mount Austin) is located at: 39, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. It's considered a prime spot in Mount Austin, which is known for its lively atmosphere. Tips for Visitors: Weekend Specials: Vanakam India often has special menu items on weekends, such as Chettinad Biryani or Tandoori Chicken Biryani, so it's worth visiting during those times for unique offerings. Ask for Recommendations: The staff are reportedly very helpful in recommending popular dishes. Be Prepared for Crowds: As a popular spot, especially during peak hours, there might be a wait for tables. Check for Charges: Some reviewers have mentioned being disappointed with service charges and taxes, so it's good to be aware of potential additional costs. Overall, Vanakam India in Mount Austin seems to deliver a consistently high-quality Indian dining experience, making it a strong recommendation for anyone craving authentic and delicious Indian food in...

Went with a rather large group of relatives on a Friday night. The place was surprisingly rather empty except for a couple of occupied tables. We realised that we called the wrong branch to book our tables as there is another one in Iskandar area. Luckily the staff were used to this and the restaurant was not too full.

SPACE & SERVICE The service staff were very accommodating and put together 4 large tables for us. We were seated in a large central space while I did notice other well designed spaces for smaller groups. The staff were very patient with a large, boisterous and rather picky group like ours, so kudos to them.

FOOD - The Good The advantage of having a rather large group of diners with you is that you get to sample a wide array of food, as long as you steer clear of the family politics of course. The highlights of Vanakam India's dishes are their breads and side dishes. The naans were a highlight, soft with little chew to them. The regular, garlic and butter naan are recommended. Their panneer butter masala was a perfect compliment to the naan. Dont forget to try their Chettinad Chicken curry as well. Another highlight was their tandoori chicken, especially the Afghani Murgh which is tandoor-oven roasted chicken soaking in creamy cashew and milk sauce. It was heavenly. Their masala chai is also something you should try.

FOOD - The Bad Funnily, the most disappointing dishes of theirs were the briyani. Everything from Prawn Briyani to Mutton to Chicken tasted EXACTLY the same, and the briyani rice were of the shorter briyani grain variety. As we tasted each others briyani, we realised they all tasted the same. A special mention must go to their Mutton Briyani, as it was rubbery and hard to chew, something that you don't expect in an Indian restaurant as you expect fall-of-the-bone soft meat. I also tried their egg omelette with cheese. It was just a plain omelette with mozzarella, but for RM9, it was a little too plain and it would have benefitted from maybe some chopped mushrooms, coriander and onions.

FINAL THOUGHTS I would like to recommend anyone to try their food, as being located in a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood of Mount Austin seems to be working against them, as the place seemed rather empty on a Friday night even though the food is quite good. If the restaurant improves on its briyani then I am sure I can give 5 stars the next...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at vanakam India and I can confidently say it is the best Indian food in town! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. A very great service by the entire team.

The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. I started with the cauliflower 65, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavorful filling. For the main course, I opted for the butter chicken and garlic naan, and I was blown away by the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. The naan was freshly baked and the perfect accompaniment to the dish.

What truly sets this place apart is the attention to detail and authenticity in every dish. The spices are perfectly balanced, and each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and eager to recommend dishes or customize orders to suit your preferences.

To top it all off, the prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive. Whether you're a long-time fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, vanakam India is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings! And they have others branches in Sentul as well , will try that also soon on my next visit in Sentul , next month .

Highly...