I am constantly in search of exciting places to eat in the Niagara Falls area for two reasons – one, I have had a fondness for the area since childhood and, secondly, far too many locals are still down on the area. Moksha Indian Bistro is a most welcome addition the the local dining scene.
Moksha Indian Bistro, which opened in May 2013, is operated by a young, enthusiastic couple who are shining a new light on traditional Indian dishes. Pooja Bakshi and Jeremy Choy have developed a menu that takes classic dishes and serves them in some interesting new ways.
Stylistically, the clean, contemporary decor echoes the design of the menu. But, don't think for a minute that the flavours on the plate are simple. Savoury and complex is the name of the game when the food meets the palate.
Stuffed Naan
Beginning with stuffed naan, filled with paneer and fresh cilantro, we are immediately smitten with the fresh ingredients and the spirited flavours of the accompaniments. Mint and cilantro chutney delivers a punch of garden-fresh herbal notes along with a lovely dose of chili heat. There is also a tart-sweet tamarind sauce punctuated with flavours of dried fruit and warm cinnamon/clove spice and the tomato jam is bold with a slightly sour edge and warming heat.
Boti Tawa Fry
From the first taste of Moksha's cuisine it is clear that Executive Chef Punkaj Kumar has a wealth of experience in blending the exotic spices which make up masala, the backbone of Indian cooking. This is particularly evident in our appetizer, Boti Tawa Fry. Cubes of tender lamb which have rested in a blend of spices overnight are then seared on a hot plate. One bite of our main dishes, Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, really solidifies any first impressions. The dominant flavour in the butter chicken is, thankfully, butter. Backed by the addition of ground cashew nuts, the sauce is rich, creamy and delicious. It is the best version I've tasted.
Butter Chicken
The origin of Tikka masala is debated to this day, many claiming it was developed in Britain during the days when India was part of the British Empire. In any case, it remains a staple in many Indian restaurants and Moksha's is delicious. Pieces of marinated chicken have a delicate charred note from a short time in the blistering hot tandoor. Tender-crisp peppers mingle with the chicken in a savoury sauce laced with garlic, ginger and masala spices.
Chicken Tikka Masala
For dessert we order a sweet found in many Indian restaurants, Ras Malai. Fresh, delicate cheese called paneer is poached is sweetened milk infused with fragrant cardamom. A real treat is the Halwa, something I had never tried before. Moksha actually marries two versions, the carrot-based Gajar Halwa and a lentil-based Moong Dal preparation. This traditional dessert is simply delicious, sweetened with honey, sugar and condensed milk.
Ras Malai (left) and Moksha Halwa
Moksha offers locals a 10% discount and free parking is available beside and behind the restaurant. Dinner, including appetizer, entree and dessert, costs about $25- $30 per person. Moksha's wine list features some recognizable Niagara wines as well as a few imported wines. There are so many other dishes on the menu that pique my interest which means a return visit is inevitable. If your palate is yearning to experience the exotic, bold, dynamic flavours of India, Moksha Indian Bistro really delivers.
Moksha Indian Bistro 5993 Stanley Ave.,
Niagara Falls, Ontario
www.mokshaniagara.com
2 1/2 Stars (Out of 3)