I had an incredible dining experience at XO Mangal last night which was a pop-up restaurant, located in Auckland's K-Road area. It offered a unique fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine running out of Satya Chai Lounge. My partner and I were thrilled with our choices from the menu. The Hot & Numbing Buttermilk Fried Chicken was my favourite dish - every bite was packed with flavour, and I devoured it down to the last bone. The Crispy Eggplant with Szechuan Pepper and Black Vinegar was also a standout - it was delicious and incredibly flavourful. The Masala Fries were another highlight and a must-try; the kebab spice mix, harissa, and garlic yogurt were a delightful combination. The Corn Ribs with Curry Leaf, Coconut, and Masala Rub were cleverly cut into quarters to resemble ribs and were full of flavor. I also appreciated the spice in the Lamb Kofta. The Pork Belly Vindaloo - it was so spicy, but I loved it. To balance the spices, we enjoyed the Watermelon Chaat Masala, which was refreshing and tangy. The Basmati Rice was an excellent side that complemented the main dishes perfectly. To end the meal, we indulged in the Smashed Baklava Sundae made with Baklava, Candied Nuts, and Salted Caramel. It was the perfect sweet treat to cap off a fantastic meal. The service at XO Mangal was exceptional - our servers were quick, attentive, and friendly. The only constructive feedback I have is that the dishes came out too quickly, leaving us little time to savour each course. However, this could be because we arrived earlier, and the kitchen had the capacity to get the dishes out quickly. Overall, I highly recommend XO Mangal to anyone looking for quality and tasty food in an easy and moody atmosphere. Their pop-up menu changes weekly, so it's worth returning to try new dishes. Don't miss out on this limited-time dining experience!

Didn't book but luckily got a table after a short wait! 100% recommend booking before hand as the restaurant is small. The decorum and the food match really well! The staff members didn't really dress/look like staff which was the only confusing thing; they were all in streetwear. Ordered 6 course feed. Efficient and friendly service! What a taste palate adventure, nothing was under seasoned and everything was cooked so well. Couldn't even choose a favourite (it was that good). The Masala Chai is not something you want to pass up. Served in a ceramic cup, as were all the dishes, the intensity of the Chai flavour was just spot on.