Gurkha Kitchen is a unique restaurant located in the heart of Neve Shaanan, Tel Aviv, offering an authentic blend of traditional Indian and Nepali cuisine. The restaurant is situated at 16 Rosh Pina Street and is a culinary gem in the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Neve Shaanan.
Location and Atmosphere#
The restaurant is nestled deep within Neve Shaanan, an area described as “the most challenging neighborhood in the city.” Despite its challenging location, the place is recognized as “Neve Shaanan’s open secret” and is described as a place that “is still worth it on many levels.” The restaurant is somewhat hidden in the neighborhood but successfully attracts food lovers looking for an authentic culinary experience.
Cuisine and Menu#
Unique Culinary Blend: The restaurant specializes in a fusion of Indian and Nepali cuisine, creating a diverse and rich menu. The menu includes several main categories: breads, soups, salads, fried dishes, rice, and noodle dishes.
Meat Selection: Dishes are primarily based on chicken and lamb, with the restaurant offering impressive portions of dishes like Chicken Tikka and quality Tandoori Chicken. It’s worth noting that sometimes there might be shortages of certain dishes, such as lamb kebabs.
Vegetarian Options: The restaurant offers “quite a few vegetarian dishes,” making it a suitable place for vegetarians as well.
Spice Level and Flavors#
The restaurant specializes in mild and balanced flavors: “most of the dishes we ate were spicy rather than hot.” The spiciness, when present, is described as “subtle.” For example, the Butter Chicken dish was served “in a tomato sauce with butter and spices” with a “rich, creamy, and velvety sauce,” where “even the slight heat was only hinted at.”
Portion Sizes and Prices#
The restaurant offers generous portion sizes – “the stew was packed in a half-liter container,” indicating significant volumes for other dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Korma. Prices are described as “very moderate,” with examples like Pakora priced at 25 ILS.
Service and Payment Methods#
Payment Restrictions: It’s important to note that the restaurant accepts cash only, which should be considered when planning a visit.
Ordering Options: The restaurant offers delivery service through the Wolt platform, and can be contacted via phone at 053-8851222. You can also dine in or take away.
Reviews and Recommendations#
Reviews for the restaurant are very positive. TimeOut is enthusiastic about the place, stating that this “will not be the first time and certainly not the last time we are enthusiastic about this restaurant.” Another review concludes: “The experience at Gurkha was very good” and emphasizes that “no dish was missed.”
The restaurant is described as a place that successfully provides “delicious food at a very moderate price,” and is an answer to the Israeli search for “Indian food that truly feels like it’s from there.”
Conclusion#
Gurkha Kitchen represents a unique culinary success in Neve Shaanan, successfully combining authenticity with affordable prices. The restaurant offers a high-quality culinary experience for those seeking true Indian and Nepali flavors in Tel Aviv, while maintaining quality, generous portions, and good service.