By Jack Rooke
First opened in 2008 and located on Swinegate, The Indian Lounge is one of the most popular Indian eateries in the city, much-loved by curry connoisseurs seeking out some spice. Having not visited the restaurant in a couple of years, I was keen to see if its high standards were still up to scratch!
As soon as my partner and I walked through the door, we were greeted by Rubel, who has been in York since 1999 and has been running Indian Lounge for the past 18 years. Rubel made us feel welcome straight away, and the atmosphere felt warm and relaxed from the moment we arrived. His genuine passion for hospitality was immediately clear, and his friendly manner helped us get settled in. The restaurant itself is comfortable and inviting, striking a lovely balance between casual dining and something a little more special. It’s the kind of place where you feel encouraged to kick back, relax, and take your time with your food, rather than dining and dashing or rushing through courses.
We began with a couple of Poppadoms, served with a generous selection of comforting chutneys and colourful condiments. Everything was fresh and full of flavour, with a diverse mix of tastes and textures. For our sides, we ordered Garlic Rice, a Garlic Naan, and Saag Aloo. Each dish was cooked beautifully! The rice was light, fragrant, and paired perfectly with the mains. The Garlic Naan arrived warm, soft, fluffy, and generously flavoured, and was ideal for dipping and sharing. The Saag Aloo was rich and comforting, with tender potatoes and well-balanced spices which really added depth without overpowering the dish.
When it came to mains, I chose the Chicken Satkora, which was vibrant, aromatic, and packed with flavour. Fresh lime juice added subtle citrus notes, providing a distinctive edge to this dish, which I’d never tried before. My partner opted for the Korma, which was creamy, gently spiced, and sumptuously satisfying. Both dishes were thoughtfully prepared and served in very generous portions, leaving us feeling more than satisfied!
The food was extremely filling and full of flavour, and the entire dining experience was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The winning combination of a warm, welcoming atmosphere and Rubel’s long-standing and established presence in York’s curry scene ensures that Indian Lounge is well worth a visit for anyone in need of a spicy treat. This is somewhere that my partner and I would happily return to, and we can confidently recommend The Indian Lounge to anyone on the lookout for great Indian food in the city.
Thanks to Rubel and everyone at The Indian Lounge!
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