Urban Masala — Restaurant in North Island

Urban Masala, a South Indian establishment in Newtown, delivered a profound and unexpected culinary awakening. I arrived with moderate expectations, but left utterly blown away by the sheer, systematic intensity of the flavors on the plate. ​This is not a restaurant for those who prioritize plush seating and polished service; indeed, the ambiance is basic and run-down. However, one bite of the food immediately refocuses your attention from the environment to the palate. ​The Kerala chicken dish was a masterclass in balance. The chicken was wonderfully tender, suspended in a curry that was both intensely hot and astonishingly complex—the heat did not mask the flavor, but rather amplified it. The Kerala Pepper Chicken, a regional specialty, left a delightful, authentic tingling sensation long after the last morsel was consumed, a clear indication of fresh, quality spices. ​The supporting acts—the Dosa and other breads—were equally satisfying. Fresh, fluffy, and with a rich, enriching mouthfeel, they were the perfect vehicle for the explosive curries. Even the Masala Chai, taken without sugar, was hot, vibrant, and perfectly spiced, confirming that the kitchen's commitment to freshness and flavor runs deep into every single offering. ​This is honest, authentic, and spectacularly flavorful South Indian cuisine. While the service is simply functional and the decor forgettable, the unparalleled value for money, driven by the sheer quality of the cooking, makes this a must-visit. You will feel happy, satisfied, and, most importantly, transported by the bold, blossoming flavors.

Food : 5/5 Service: 3/5 Ambience: 2/5 Value for money: 5/5

Final Verdict: This is a place you go for the food, and only the food. Forget the setting, take a leap, and prepare to be genuinely impressed by the authentic, fresh, and deeply satisfying South...

Terrible First Experience!! Huge Regret!!!

We ordered from here for the first time via Uber Eats and are extremely disappointed.

One of the dishes was eggplant curry for a vegetarian friend — what we received was just eggplant stem in oily masala shit. There was no actual eggplant, and absolutely no proper curry. It looked and tasted like something thrown together with zero care by someone who doesn't know how to cook eggplant curry. Honestly inedible.

Eggplant is expensive - if you can't afford to give customers eggplant and can only afford eggplant stem, just don't have this dish on your menu. I would like a refund on this dish, but I know asking for refund means you guys won't give one because you are so stingy with your eggplant.

We also ordered a masala dosa — it was fine, but nothing special. Definitely had better elsewhere.

There’s a third dish we haven’t even touched because we’re too put off by the meal. Imagine spending nearly $60 on dinner, then throwing most of it in the bin and ordering from somewhere else.

We took a photo of the so-called “eggplant curry” because it was that bad.

Update to our review — it gets worse: After the disaster that was the Bagara Baingan curry, we finally tried the Mutton Sukka curry — and honestly, I’ve never been this disappointed by South Indian food.

I’m a foodie, and Urban Masala managed to ruin not just my Sunday night dinner, but also my appetite.

They missed no opportunity to let us down — from...

Been planning this one for a long time -- spanish masala the restaurant formerly known as Hutt ribs!!!

Rolled in on a Sunday evening - this place was CRANKING. Packed out. Always a good sign. We ordered a lot of food - chicken 65, chicken mercury fusion pizza, roast chicken, and chicken kothu roti.

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and fun to be around. The food rocked!

Chicken 65 was juicy and yummy, the chicken roast (" for the daring") was very good, although not very spicy. The kothu roti was game changing, amazing dish.

The chicken mercury was on another level -- the mind of the chef who puts broccoli, carrot, celery, olives, green beans, and grilled chicken on a cheesy cheesy pizza with mayonnaise is operating in the year 3020. I enjoyed and the only downside was I ate too much and couldn't finish.

In conclusion this place is halal...