New restaurant in Falkirk brings a taste of the Himalayas to Scotland – authentic Indian and Nepalese food
Curry fans and foodies alike will be delighted by this brand new venture which promises authentic dishes from Nepal and northern India as well as a selection of well-known favourites and south Indian staples.
Mount View Indian and Nepalese Restaurant is the fourth eatery in Scotland to be opened by Kashiram Bhandari, who in the last 20 years has built a successful chain of restaurants featuring food from his native Nepal.
The latest venture, at 61, Mary Street, Laurieston, will be managed by business partner and nephew Madhab Bhandari, who has worked as a chef cooking Nepalese and Indian cuisine since 2007.
Madhab BhandariNepalese and North Indian food is totally different from South Indian food in both taste and texture. They can look the same but it’s the method of the cooking that’s so different and different ingredients,” said Madhab.
Although he’s an expert in the kitchen Madhab will mainly be working front of house at the 100 seater restaurant
Although he’s an expert in the kitchen Madhab will mainly be working front of house at the 100 seater restaurant.
The venue was formerly Laurie’s Bar, but the building has been empty for some years, he said. A complete refurbishment has smartened up the interior, although the layout and space remain the same.
As well as seating for dining there is also a bar and takeaways and home delivery is offered too.
On the menu
So, what will make the dishes here stand out from the crowd? Whilst the restaurant wants to source ingredients as locally as possible, some of the spices and ingredients will be imported from Northern India to ensure that authentic taste.
“Many Indian restaurants do fusion food, but ours is not fusion,” Madhab explained. “We want to create authentic dishes.”
Pakora, samosa and bhaji might be familiar features on the starters menu (although haggis pakora might be a first for some diners) but here you’ll also find Momo. These are steamed dumplings – a staple of the Nepalese diet – with spiced minced chicken or vegetables served with a house special tomato chutney.
Tandoori ovens are used for kebabs and skewered dishes for starters and mains but on the main menu you’ll also find some more unusual curries.
The Himalayan Hot Pot includes meat, prawns or vegetables of your choice, cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce with ginger, garlic, onion and green chillies.
Gorkha is a Nepalese classic curry and again is meat, prawns or vegetables cooked in a tomato-based sauce with Nepalese spices and a touch of brandy.
The Gulmeli curry incorporates peppers, baby onions and Nepalese herbs whilst the Khole Saag includes baby spinach, fresh dill, watercress and Nepalese spices topped with cheese – and all curries can be made with your choice of meat, prawns or vegetables.
Alongside the Nepalese curries there’s a wide range of special curry dishes from across India as well as tandoori, tikka dishes and biryani as well. Alongside the old favourites such as Kormas, Karahis, Baltis and Bhunas.
Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for as well with Paneer dishes, Okra, mushroom and mixed vegetable dishes available as mains or sides.
There’s a full range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks at this fully-licenced restaurant, and if curries are not to your taste then there is a selection of western dishes including fish and chips, chicken and omelettes.
Find us in Falkirk
The Mount View Indian and Nepalese Restaurant is at 61 Mary Street, Laurieston, Falkirk. FK2 9PR. Find out more, check out the dine in and takeaway menus and book a table via the website. Or call 01324 649 217