Latest news with #IndianCuisine
Irish Times
11-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Al Rahman takeaway review: Just enough spice to make your lips tingle at Ranelagh Indian
Al Rahman Fast Food and Indian Cuisine Address : 48 Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 K103, Ireland Telephone : 01 4853696 Cuisine : Indian Website : Cost : €€ What's on offer? Al Rahman in Ranelagh is your classic neighbourhood Indian restaurant. It has a familiar line-up, hefty portions, and a tendency to do the basics well enough to keep you coming back. It's built on reliable Indian and Pakistani classics. There's a broad spread of curries – bhuna, madras, jalfrezi, korma, rogan josh, vindaloo – mostly in chicken, lamb, prawn or vegetable versions, with rich onion gravies, tomato-based sauces and the odd mild coconut dish. It offers a small line-up of tandoori and grilled options too: sheek kebabs, chicken tikka, and mixed grills. For something more substantial, there are hearty biryanis in chicken, lamb or prawn, alongside basic pilau or boiled rice. Vegetarian dishes include daal tadka, saag paneer, vegetable curries and the standard fried starters such as samosas and onion bhajis. What did we order? Meat samosa, vegetable samosa, sheek kebab, daal tadka, garlic naan, prawn vindaloo with pilau rice, and lamb bhuna with pilau rice. How was the service? Ordering online was straightforward. The food arrived hot and in good condition. However, there were no dips for the samosas and kebab. READ MORE Was the food nice? The samosas were a highlight, particularly the vegetable one, which had proper chunks of carrot, peas, lentils and coriander seeds. It was more aromatic and complex than you'd expect from a standard takeaway. The sheek kebab was another winner: nicely charred, juicy inside, but the lack of a dipping sauce to drag it through did detract. The bhuna was the star – five chunky, tender pieces of lamb in a deeply savoury, slightly sweet sauce with good onion richness and curry leaves floating through. The vindaloo did its job, bringing the heat with a tomato-onion base and enough spice to make your lips tingle. The prawns were a bit sparse but fine. Next time I'd opt for lamb instead. The daal tadka was the weak link: watery, bland and outclassed by everything else. Not terrible, just uninspired. The pilau rice and garlic naan did a good job of mopping up the sauces. What about the packaging? Everything came in foil or plastic containers inside a paper bag. They're reusable, but, like most households, we're not in need of more plastic containers. What did it cost? €68.85 for dinner for three people: meat samosa, €5.99; vegetable samosa, €5.99; sheek kebab, €5.99; daal tadka, €12.99; garlic naan, €3.00; vindaloo with pilau rice, €16.45; bhuna with pilau rice, €15.45; and service fee, €2.99. Where does it deliver? Open Mon-Fri, 4pm–midnight; Sat-Sun, 4pm–3am. Delivery within a 5km radius. Would I order it again? Yes, but I'd stick to the meatier options and include the vegetable samosa. The mains come with pilau rice, which makes the pricing decent.
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Discover PJ Aman Suria's Aralia Ceylon and Indian Cuisine with their Jaffna dried mutton, Negombo fish curry and fluffy biryani
PETALING JAYA, July 7 — We are a lucky lot as we're seeing quite a few Sri Lankan places popping up like Aralia Ceylon and Indian Cuisine. Located in PJ's Aman Suria, this place adds diversity to an area better known for the likes of dai chow, char siu, Hakka noodles and curry mee. Head here for lunch to dive into a cuisine that favours fragrant spices like cardamom and cinnamon, plus fresh coconut milk in their dishes. Most of the dishes including the curries are cooked upon order, keeping things fresh. Start first by selecting your carbohydrate. Plain rice may sound ho-hum so how about their Thali Set (RM13) where plain rice is served with dhal, rasam, three types of vegetables, curd, pappadam and of course, a sweet treat in the form of a creamy payasam. Or you may prefer going down the flavour packed route with their Briyani Mutton (RM25). It comes in a deceptively small pot covered with a pappadam, where digging under the fluffy grains, reveals tender mutton pieces and a whole hard boiled egg. An abundance of crispy brown fried onions drive more flavour into the grains, giving each spoonful a slight sweetness. Don't ignore the small bowls given on the side too from the brinjal chutney with its soft melting texture, raita to temper the spiciness on the tongue and a flavoursome dhal. Sri Lankans are the masters of invention when it comes to leftovers, spinning them into different dishes like kuliyal rice, as offered here. The rice is transformed from a plain Jane into orange grains, thanks to the use of leftover curry plus a sprinkle of onions and chillies. Like a present, it's hidden inside a banana leaf parcel emitting a smoky smell, as it's lightly toasted in an oven. Open it and you get rice soaked in curry with a hint of spiciness and the choice of your protein or vegetables. Kuliyal Rice Seafood (RM17) was rather skint on prawns and calamari but the rice had flavour albeit its slightly wet texture. One can opt for vegetables, chicken or mutton too, plus that portion can generously feed two people. The fun part starts with selecting the dishes to go with your rice. Opt for the incredible Jaffna Dried Mutton (RM28), where the meat goes through a multi-step preparation, from marinating, simmering it with coconut milk until it is pull-apart tender and finally dry frying it with the spices. Negombo Fish Curry (RM25) is the type of curry you just want to drown your rice in, until every drop of that coconut rich curry with a strong punch of spice is all gone. Gobi 65 (RM9) is prepped a la minute, where each floret has an enticing thin crunchy batter, perfect for popping in the mouth with those crisp curry leaves like a snack. Brinjal Moju (RM9) is a surprise as the soft, slightly sweet eggplant pieces share the limelight with other friends like sliced onions, green chillies and curry leaves, requiring one to eat it all to get various textures and heat. The next round, I have my eyes on those crabs, cooked Jaffna or Negombo style and a chilli version. After 5.30pm, one can snack on various street food items, like kottu roti, another maverick recreation of flatbread, stir fried with other ingredients. Or get bowled over by the appams, a selection of plain, paal (coconut milk), sweet or with egg, which warrants another visit. A small selection of tandoori items and naans also beckon, keeping tummies happy for the night meal. Aralia Ceylon and Indian Cuisine, Lot No. 10, H-G-10, Ground Floor, Jalan PJU1/45, Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya. Open: 11.30am to 9.30pm. Closed on Sunday. Tel:012-3317047. Instagram: @aralia_pj *This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal. *Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We tried this dreamy North East Indian restaurant and were blown away by the food
Hidden and tucked away in the notorious student neighbourhood of Jesmond is Dabbawal - a family run Indian dynasty that is continuing to change the game with flavours from the heart of Mumbai. While it has gained notoriety online for being a bit of a safe haven for top footballers and delicious bites for the past twelve years, bosses are hoping to continue to entice diners with their reputation for fresh cuisine and rainbows of flavours that will leave you wanting more. Our itinerary for the evening saw us sampling the chef's surprise menu - a selection of dishes designed for foodies hoping to expand their tastebuds and try something new. Dabbawal, Jesmond. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) For £29.50 you get sharable poppadoms and pre starters, an additional individual starter and main dishes with sides to share. To put the menu to the test, we went along for a Thursday evening meal last week (June 26) on what you would think would be a traditionally quiet night - but Dabbawal was teeming with activity. Dabbawal, Jesmond. (Image: ANNA MILLER) Families and groups of friends were already filling up every table and we got our first glimpse of the food - being whisked along to tables by a team of attentive servers. We took a seat inside expansive restaurant which is made to feel light and bright with beaming skylights and muted colours - a calm and sophisticated atmosphere that signalled that the food was going to be of a similar high standard. Shareable poppadoms. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) After a deliciously sweet mocktail named a 'Momo Koori' that would easily rival a pornstar martini, we dug into a bowl of poppadoms with a collection of dips - my favourite being the moreish mango chutney. Next up was a beautifully presented cheesy stuff mushroom that packed a punch when it came to spice and was cooked to perfection. But, it didn't compare to the next dish - the kebabs. Included were small, almost snapshot pieces of lamb chops with cous cous chaat, mango murg tikka and haryali salmon with dill and cucumber raita. The kebab dish at Dabbawal. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The salmon, for me, was a highlight - it simply fell apart and melted the moment you cut into it and the cooling cucumber raita worked perfectly with the mildly spiced fish. But of course, the main event of the night was the curry itself. And boy, it was worth the wait. Curries at the table to share. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) We were treated to a selection of curries including hydrabadi dum gosht (made of mutton), butter chicken, prawn nilgiri and dal makhani (a vegetarian option) with rice and mixed naan. Dipping and diving between each dish, I sampled them all before I landed on a firm favourite in the butter chicken. To put it in one word - it was divine. The chicken itself was tender and not overcooked, and unlike other milder curries you can find from other tandoori houses, was not tasteless. A spiced chocolate tart. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The authenticity and care put into every dish was palpable - this is not a restaurant that skips on detail and flavour. I couldn't fault a single, soulful spoonful. Lastly, if we weren't full enough already, some desserts to share were brought around including Gulab jamun - soft and sweet doughy balls with delicious vanilla ice cream. Gulab jamun - soft and sweet doughy balls with delicious vanilla ice cream. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Gajer halwa, the Indian solution to carrot cake and a spiced chocolate tart were also served up, and acted as the cherry on top an absolutely fantastic evening. I would love to visit Dabbawal again. The menu keeps you guessing, the service is fantastic and the serene atmosphere makes it a must visit for any foodie. Read more: The 'incredible' North East Indian restaurant that's been praised by celebrities 'Top-class' North East Indian restaurant crowned best in the UK (and the North) County Durham Indian restaurant 'firm favourite' in 5/5 TripAdvisor ratings Dabbawal is looking to the past - bringing back authentic flavours, divine ingredients and trusted methods as it pioneers the future of Indian street food that will leave you hungry for another visit. I for one, will be back for another visit some time soon - as I've been dreaming of that butter chicken ever since. Food facts: Address: 1 Brentwood Ave, West Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3DG Tel: 0191 281 3434 Website: Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 12–2:30 pm, 5–10 pm, Friday & Saturday: 12–10:30 pm and 12–10 pm Sundays. Ratings (out of ten): Food quality 10, Service 9, Surroundings 10 and Value 10
South China Morning Post
04-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
What is asafoetida? Spice common in Indian cuisine is said to have many health benefits
Whoever decided to find out what asafoetida tastes like must have been very, very hungry. One of its nicknames – devil's dung – gives an idea of its stinking pungency. Advertisement It comes from the root of the asafoetida plant, whose stalks and foliage look somewhat like fennel fronds. The thick liquid made from it is dried into a hard mass, which is then crushed or grated into a powder. Asafoetida is used most frequently in Indian cuisines, where it is blended with other spices. When cooked, the pungency becomes mellow and agreeable. Its use is as much for its medicinal effects as for its flavour: it is said to be antibacterial, aid digestion and work as a sedative, while its anti-flatulent properties mean that in Indian cuisine it is usually cooked with beans and legumes. Asafoetida comes from the root of the asafoetida plant. Photo: Shutterstock A little asafoetida goes a long way, especially when it is in its lump form. It is often sold crushed and mixed with other ingredients, including starch, to make it easier to use. Look for it in shops that specialise in Indian products.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best turmeric curcumin supplement for 2025
What if your next health upgrade was a vibrant golden spice hiding in your kitchen cabinet? Turmeric has been used for centuries to support health — and now the right supplement can help bring its benefits to your daily routine. The best turmeric supplement may help ease inflammation, soothe stiff joints and support muscle recovery, making it an enticing option for everything from post-workout relief to managing chronic inflammation. Turmeric is more than just a flavorful staple in Indian cuisine. Its rich golden hue comes from compounds called curcuminoids, with curcumin being the star player. Curcumin supplements "can fight back against inflammation and offer a natural approach to pain management and relief," says Kathryn Durston, RDN, owner of Naturally Good Nutrition. She explains these supplements may be helpful for inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and arthritis, as well as metabolic health and overall wellness. As a registered dietitian (RD) with years of experience reviewing supplements, I know how overwhelming the supplement aisle can be. That's why I teamed up with three fellow RDs to better understand what they look for in a turmeric and curcumin supplement and personally tested 15 of the top-rated products. By leveraging expert insights with my hands-on evaluation, I narrowed down the list to eight of the best turmeric supplements of 2025. Here's what made the cut. Best overall turmeric supplement More turmeric curcumin supplements we like for 2025 Types of turmeric curcumin supplements Factors to consider when purchasing turmeric curcumin supplements How we chose turmeric curcumin supplements Other products we tested FAQs Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Update, June 30, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best overall turmeric and curcumin supplements is unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) When exploring turmeric curcumin supplements, you'll find various formats tailored to different preferences and needs. Here's a breakdown of the most common types: Capsules: Capsules are the most popular choice for turmeric supplements, thanks to their convenience factor. They offer precise dosages in just 1 to 3 capsules per day, though some capsules can be quite large and challenging to swallow. Softgels: Less common than capsules — and often more expensive, softgels contain liquid or a liquid and powder blend encased in a soft outer shell. Thanks to being suspended in oil, curcumin in softgels is often easier for the body to absorb. Tablets: Tablets are compressed powders shaped into solid doses. While they can be larger and harder to swallow than capsules or softgels, some people prefer their compact form. Tablets are also less likely to break open in storage. Gummies: For those who dislike swallowing pills, gummies and chewables provide a tasty and convenient alternative. That said, gummies typically contain smaller amounts of the active ingredient to maintain a palatable taste and texture, and may not be vegan-friendly. Liquid extracts: Liquid turmeric supplements are another option for pill-averse folks. These extracts can be added to drinks or taken on their own. Highly concentrated forms may come in dropper bottles for precise dosing, while others may require a measuring cup. That said, the strong taste of turmeric in liquid form can be a drawback for some. Powders: Powdered turmeric supplements are designed to be mixed into beverages like smoothies or shakes. While they're less common, they're versatile if you enjoy customizing your supplements. Keep in mind that turmeric's distinctive flavor may not appeal to everyone, and powdered supplements typically require careful storage to maintain freshness. However, turmeric powder is a great addition to your spice cabinet. Enhanced bioavailability formulations: Some turmeric supplements are specially formulated to improve absorption, often incorporating ingredients like black pepper extract (piperine) or oils. These additions make curcumin easier to absorb and can dramatically increase the effectiveness of the supplement. Additionally, certain formulations, such as Meriva Curcumin Phytosome, use advanced delivery systems to make curcumin easier for the body to utilize. (back to top) With countless turmeric curcumin supplements on the market, finding the right one requires some know-how. To simplify your decision, here are the key factors to consider: Turmeric and curcumin are not the same. Turmeric refers to the culinary spice, while curcumin refers to the bioactive substances (curcuminoids) in turmeric that are responsible for its health benefits. Supplements may contain: Turmeric powder or extract with naturally occurring, variable amounts of curcumin Standardized turmeric powders or extracts processed to guarantee a specific curcumin concentration per serving Isolated curcuminoids for a concentrated dose of active compounds Turmeric supplements often include various forms of the ingredient to maximize their benefits. "Check that the supplement you buy has a high percentage of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric that fights inflammation," says Danielle VenHuizen, owner of Food Sense Nutrition. Raksha Shah, founder of Wisebite Nutrition, reinforces this point, saying, "Typically, 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day [of curcumin] is effective." This guidance can help you identify a supplement that delivers the potency necessary for health benefits and wellness support. Bioavailability measures how well your body absorbs and utilizes the active ingredients in a dietary supplement. This is particularly important for turmeric supplements, as curcumin is naturally difficult for the body to absorb on its own. Certain factors significantly improve curcumin's bioavailability. "Look for supplements with piperine, or black pepper extract, to improve absorption," advises Shah. She also notes that "taking curcumin with a fatty meal can enhance absorption, because curcumin is fat-soluble." For best results, Shah recommends pairing your turmeric curcumin supplement with a meal containing at least 15 grams of fat. Some turmeric supplements, particularly those targeting joint pain, include additional anti-inflammatory compounds such as Boswellia serrata. While these multi-ingredient formulas can enhance the supplement's effectiveness, it's crucial to scrutinize the label to ensure that the product provides an adequate dose of turmeric. VenHuizen emphasizes the importance of verifying turmeric content in these blends, as the presence of other ingredients can sometimes dilute its potency. Durston adds a word of caution, explaining that added herbal ingredients may interact with medications, so read labels carefully and consult your health care provider with any concerns. When choosing a turmeric curcumin supplement, it's important to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences and restrictions. Many options are available that cater to vegan, vegetarian, organic and non-GMO lifestyles, and most supplements are naturally gluten-free. However, if you're particularly sensitive to gluten, it's worth seeking out a product that explicitly states on the label that it is gluten-free for added reassurance. While the FDA oversees dietary supplements, it doesn't directly test to verify their quality, potency or purity. This is where third-party testing becomes important. Independent laboratories partner with supplement manufacturers to evaluate their products, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. "I always look for options that are third-party tested to ensure both safety and efficacy," says Durston. "You can check the label for a stamp by a third-party organization such as NSF Certified for Sport or USP's Dietary Supplement Verification Program." (NSF was originally known as the National Sanitation Foundation, and USP refers to US Pharmacopeia, an organization that tests dietary supplements.) These certifications confirm that the product has been rigorously evaluated and meets stringent industry standards. Price and value are essential factors to consider when selecting a turmeric supplement. While most options range from $0.50 to $1 per serving, prices can vary widely. To ensure you get the most for your money, determine your budget and look for a supplement that offers an ideal balance of dosage, bioavailability and quality. Bear in mind that a slightly higher price may be worthwhile if it guarantees better absorption or third-party certification, ensuring you're getting the most effective product for your needs. (back to top) To identify the best turmeric curcumin supplements, I collaborated with three registered dietitians who regularly recommend these products to their clients. Their expert insights helped highlight the essential characteristics of high-quality, effective turmeric supplements. As a registered dietitian with firsthand experience using turmeric curcumin supplements, I also contributed my expertise to these selections. I drew from professional knowledge and a personal appreciation for the calming ritual of a nightly turmeric latte. Beyond expert input, I tested 15 turmeric curcumin supplements to evaluate their ease of use, form and potential issues. While long-term effectiveness couldn't be gauged with only one or two doses, my focus was on immediate usability and overall impressions. I also factored in crucial elements such as third-party testing, added ingredients, dosage, potency and price. Every product featured here is from a reputable brand dedicated to quality control through stringent in-house or third-party testing. Whether you're seeking a premium-grade supplement, a vegan-friendly option or a budget-conscious choice, this curated list includes a variety of forms and price points, to cater to a range of preferences. (back to top) While these turmeric supplements didn't earn a spot among the top picks, they could still be a good fit for you, depending on your needs and preferences. Here's a closer look at the rest of our contenders: Goodness Lover Supercharged Turmeric: I appreciated the strong turmeric aroma, a sign of authenticity, and the fact that it's third-party tested. However, its curcuminoid content is significantly lower than the top-ranking options. Puritan's Pride Turmeric Curcumin: A familiar staple in my own cabinet, this supplement fell short because it is not third-party tested for purity and potency and has a lower curcuminoid concentration than others on our list. Nutrilite Organics Turmeric Capsules: While I'm a fan of organic supplements, the label doesn't disclose the exact curcuminoid content, making it harder to assess potency. It's also only available at Amway. Terry Naturally CuraMed: I liked this softgel for its emphasis on absorption and quality ingredients, but its price — over $1 per serving unless purchased in bulk — is a hard pill to swallow, pun intended. 1MD Nutrition Curcumin MD+: This product checks key boxes, including third-party testing and high-absorption turmeric. However, it's another product whose cost — well over $1 per serving — was hard to justify. New Chapter Turmeric Force: This supplement stands out for its regeneratively farmed turmeric, making it a good option for eco-conscious consumers. Unfortunately, it doesn't provide a standardized curcumin dose and offers only 400 mg of turmeric per serving, which is lower than the recommended effective dose. Solaray ProSorb Turmeric Phytosome: Made with Meriva turmeric phytosome for enhanced bioavailability, this supplement shows promise. However, it delivers a lower dose of Meriva than our top pick, Momentous Turmeric Ultra, and isn't third-party tested for purity and potency. (back to top) Turmeric refers to the extract of the entire turmeric root — or rhizome — while curcumin is the primary active compound in turmeric responsible for most of its health benefits. Essentially, turmeric is the source, and curcumin is the powerhouse ingredient that delivers its therapeutic effects. The ideal daily dose of curcumin varies based on the supplement's formulation and absorption rate, but anywhere from 500 to 1,000 mg is considered an effective dose. That said, always check the specific product's recommended dosage and consult your health care provider for personalized guidance. Turmeric supplements rarely cause side effects. However, curcumin can act as a blood thinner, and in rare cases, it may cause kidney or liver damage. Turmeric may not have immediate effects. Like other supplements, it may take several weeks of consistent use before you see any clear benefit. Turmeric and curcumin may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners, and could affect organ function. If you have pre-existing health conditions or take prescription medications, consult your health care provider before adding a supplement to your routine, to ensure it's safe and appropriate. (back to top) Kathryn Durston, RDN, owner of Naturally Good Nutrition Danielle VenHuizen, MS, RDN, owner of Food Sense Nutrition Raksha Shah, MS, RDN, founder of Wisebite Nutrition (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
