Mónica — Restaurant in Oaxaca

You need to eat here!

This small, unassuming restaurant is run by a very nice man named Sandesh (I hope I got that right). As soon as you walk in, the aroma of cumin, coriander, cardamom, masala, turmeric tickle your nose. The menu has something for everyone including lots of veggie options. I was impressed with the types of curry including Korma, tikka masala, rogan josh, madras, etc etc. samosas came out so fresh— flaky on the outside, tender lentils and seasoned potato filling on the inside, served with a chili tamarind chutney sauce. My lamb madras curry was so tender and an Exquisite blend of spices . I couldn’t stop shoving spoonful after spoonful into my mouth. Even before I finished, I decided to order some Butter Chicken to go so I could have it the next day (a very wise choice).

Everyone in my group was very happy with what they ordered — 2 vegetarians and 2 meat eaters. And our dinner didn’t take very long to make— there was another table there dining as well. Sandesh is a superstar for making everything from scratch!

Rice and naan are separate orders. - this would be my only suggestion to the management). Portions are not huge, but filling enough! The value is well worth it as all the dishes are authentic, made to order, and bursting with...

Finally, we have found delicious Indian food in Oaxaca! Don't be afraid to venture out to San Filipe de Agua. It's a simple route to understand, and not an expensive taxi trip (we paid 60 pesos from the hospital near our apt. in the north end of Reforma). The restaurant is small, and we drove past it by mistake,. We got off at the little square just up the street (a good landmark) and walked the short distance back to Monica. We left Monica at 10PM closing time. Buses back to the Centro were running. We immediately hoppen on one from the raised crosswalk at the little square just up the street. We were back in a flash with little traffic that time of day... and for 8 pesos.

Chef Dabi Ramesh knows his stuff! Vegetable Samosas were as good as any we've ever had. The sauce on my dish was outstanding, as was the quality of the meat in dishes (lamb lovers...you will be in heaven here ). Very welcoming place with a pretty room, attentive and warm service, and correct sequencing and good timing on food coming out of the kitchen. Drinks and desserts...

I'm an Indian living in Oaxaca for over a year now. I've tried Indian food from all the Indian restaurants here (not that many), and one more in Mexico City. This restaurant has been the best of them all. The dishes are quite authentic, with all the right, balanced Indian spice flavors.

Here's what I recommend: Starters: Get a Samosa / Onion Bajji / Hara Bhara Kebab (or all of them) Naan (Indian fluffy bread) & Curry: Butter Naan or Garlic Naan would be ideal, with Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala curries to dip into. Try vegetarian curries like Shahi Paneer, Aloo Saag, Daal Tadka, or the decadent Kaju-based curry (made with Cashew Nut paste). There are lamb-based curries too, but I haven't tried them yet (Rogan Josh would be great I assume). Rice: Biryani of course. They dum the biryani, which is amazing. IMO, the only way to cook an authentic, tasty biryani. Order a Raita along with it please. Deserts: Gulab Jamoon of course. Kheer is decent too. Lassi if you're craving to...