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Had a late afternoon meal at Bikenar yesterday (14 July) with Sal and Emily, following a recommendation. Bikenar is by far the best restaurant of its type we've visited in New Zealand. It's not set up for the English-speaking market, as attested by the clientele and the menu, and serves to a wide range of Asian tastes, all vegetarian - it can even cater for Jaine vegetarians.
We were unsure what to order, so asked one of the very friendly staff to recommend some dishes. He spent a good four or five minutes making suggestions and pairing food. In the end we shared a Samosa Chaat, Onion Bhaji, Special Thali, Shahi Paneer, and Emily had an American Chopsuey. This was more than enough to satisfy three hungry people.
The food was delightful, with a subtlety often lost in 'typical' NZ-targeted 'Indian' restaurants. Lots of fresh herbs added to the enjoyment.
Quite a utilitarian seating plan and bright lighting give the place a slightly canteenish feeling, but it's buzzing with activity and the diners were clearly enjoying the food and the company.
I really can't recommend this place more highly, and we've got a copy of the menu to begin ticking off our meals there
If you can, go!
Went today expecting it to be a small hole in the wall with average service from what we'd seen going past it on the bus. However inside it turned out to be a fairly spacious sit-down establishment. The staff were knowledgeable on what could be made vegan and even made sure to hold off on the ghee when we ordered a second round of roti and forgot to ask for it dairy-free.
The star of the meal was the veggie manchurian (with gravy) which was so good my partner almost finished them all before I got to grab my second one!
As somebody who is thoroughly put off chickpeas I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the channa masala.
I was also pleased with how spicy our food was made (for once our tolerance wasn't underestimated when we asked for it hot!)
Thank you very much for the great meal - we'll definitely be back!
Have visited three times now - each time the people have been so friendly and have been happy to recommend meals, and the food has been amazing!
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