Taichung West District RenshiCurry - A Taste of Indian Cuisine

Address: No. 19, Lane 149, Section 1, Meicun Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan, 403

Atmosphere/Facilities: A literary-style Indian restaurant with a cozy ambiance. Reservations required, QR code ordering, credit card accepted. Restrooms available, no parking.

Highlights: Indian-style curry, fried chicken, roasted chicken with naan, unlimited rice refills.

Average Price: 300 TWD per person

Rating: Initially, we planned to dine at another restaurant, but it was unexpectedly closed. We found this highly-rated and popular curry spot nearby. Known for its Indian-style curry, we called and managed to secure a table 30 minutes later. Thus, our lunch plan was set.

The restaurant is located in a renovated three-story old house tucked in an alley. The exterior, with its photo-worthy signage, is quite charming. Dining areas are on the first and third floors, both equipped with restrooms. The first floor has sofa seating, which feels more comfortable. We were seated on the third floor at a rather small table. The staff warmly introduced the menu, explained the minimum spend of 300 TWD per person, and the 90-minute dining limit. We then proceeded to order via QR code.

We ordered the signature "First Encounter Set" (mild spice), which shares the same pronunciation as the restaurant's name "RenshiCurry." The set came with a side of butter naan. We upgraded to a Momo Lassi for an additional 60 TWD, bringing the total to 419 TWD. Additionally, we ordered the Indian Curry Fried Chicken (259 TWD) and Indian Milk Tea (70 TWD).

In Taiwan, curry is often influenced by Japanese or Southeast Asian styles, such as Vermont curry or Thai curry with coconut milk. Indian curry, however, is typically tomato, onion, and yogurt-based, seasoned with garlic, ginger, curry powder, and chili powder. The spiciness can be adjusted to personal preference.

The wait time was about 10-15 minutes. One downside was the small table on the third floor, which made us cautious while eating to avoid accidents. The appetizer was a small jar of fresh salad with a light dressing. The freshness was satisfactory.

The "First Encounter Curry" had a rich tomato flavor. We chose beef, which paired well with the curry. The spice level was moderate, and the rice was slightly firm. Both the curry sauce and rice could be refilled for free, allowing for spice adjustments. Despite the seemingly small portion of curry, its rich flavor and saltiness made it a perfect match for rice. Remember to ask for a glass of ice water before starting, as this curry demands both plenty of rice and water.

The Indian Curry Fried Chicken had a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. It was served with a few salad leaves, lemon, and a tangy cucumber-flavored dressing, which helped cut through the greasiness.

The Indian Milk Tea had a strong spice aroma, moderate sweetness, and a flavor reminiscent of a less sweet, spicier Thai milk tea.

The Momo Lassi, a peach-flavored yogurt drink, was delightful.

Overall, apart from the small seating space, the dining experience was pleasant. The food was flavorful, the staff was friendly, and the prices were moderate. Worth a revisit.