Reviews for Mezbaan Indian Cuisine

08/18/2009 - jessica
they just opened after a big remodel and what a beautiful restaurant it has turned out to be. It sure is talk of the town and the food was exceptional. So now we do have a winner in old town.

07/28/2008 - j u m a.
My best male friend has been craving curry, so tonight we hit Mezbaan. They validate for free parking but I parked on the street near Holly. He was late, he went shopping in Old Town for work shirts since he got there before me, and I was there waiting, so I ordered ahead. The night already started out good, they had my favorite white, gerwurztraminer and I had a glass with the papadum side dish. In the lighting of Mezbaan, their mint chuntney looked like kryptonite and it was oh so good and made me weak in its allure, as I devoured my ration of thin lentil crackers. They give you two portions and I wanted to eat my BMF's, but I was thoughtful enough to share. The tamarind chutney was okay, but the pickled carrots drowned in curry spices was perfect with the crisp of the papadum

We had the obligatory tikka masala, which was heavy on the ghee, but in a oh so good way, loaded with chunks of tender chicken and not too heavy, but creamy enough. The bindi masala, okra, you either love it or hate it, and I do love it! The texture wasn't gooey, but it had that stickiness inside that this edible fruit has that I crave now and then. The paneer was loaded with spices, but didn't overwhelm, you could still taste the spinach and the cheese. We complimented the flavors with regular naan that wasn't too doughy and fluffy bismanti rice. There was no room for desserts with leftovers to spare.

In the SGV, I've had Mahan in Alhambra, and two spots in Pasadena to compare (All India and New Delhi), and I have to say this is my favorite thus far