WE were early for lunch at Tasty Chapathi, and found no problem observing social distancing at the Plaza Damansara outlet that spans two shoplots.

This family-run northern Indian restaurant has been around for a decade in another location in the city.

Paneer, or cottage cheese, was the first thing we looked for on the menu, and we went with the Paneer Pasanda (RM23), which came recommended by the waitstaff.

This spicy dish, with large slices of cheese bathed in a creamy sauce, tastes like layered tofu, and is stuffed with a green chutney made of mint, cilantro and green chillies, as well as mashed cheese and nuts.

A delicious departure from the usual palak paneer, or cottage cheese in a spinach gravy, it is by far the best paneer dish I’ve had.

Other cheese options include the Sizzling Paneer, Paneer Malai Methi and Paneer Tikka Butter Masala, which we look forward to on our next visit.

Of course, chapati was ordered to go with our picks of Paneer Pasanda, Methi Fish (RM26.90), Mutton Masala (RM35) and Bindi Masala (RM13.90). One piece each was not enough, so we added the Butter Naan (RM4.50).

The flavourful Methi Fish has chunks of tenggiri in a fragrant, gently spiced gravy that owes its creaminess to yoghurt and ground cashews. I like the fact that it doesn’t sit heavy on the stomach.

Mutton is my protein of choice when it comes to Indian cuisine, and Tasty’s Mutton Masala is aromatic and zesty, with chunks of tender meat soaking up the essence of spices, chillies and curry leaves.

We had this with chapati, and later, soft and fluffy naan, perfect for mopping up the yummy sauce.

The Bindi Masala has ladies’ fingers cooked with onions and spices. The vegetable retains a nice crunch, and complements the rest of our spread well.

We spotted the exciting-sounding Sizzling Tava Masala Vegetables – cauliflower, eggplant, carrot, beans and paneer in a hot masala sauce – on the menu, and will probably try it out the next time we’re here.

The Gulab Jamun (RM4) capped off our lunch. I usually avoid this dessert, finding it too rich and sweet, but Tasty’s rendition is delicate and light.

The fried balls of ghee and milk solids have the texture of semolina, and are studded with almond nibs. I didn’t mind the sweetness of the rose-accented syrup at all.

I have my eye on the Mutton Dum Biryani (RM19.90), as well as the Thali Set Meal of chicken, mutton or paneer, available only for lunch on weekdays.

Tasty Chapathi is located at No. 27, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur (03-2011-3608 or 016-330-2762) and Units C-13A-1 & C-15-01, Phase 3 Two Square, Dataran 3 Two at No. 2, Jalan 19/1, Seksyen 19 in Petaling Jaya (03-7611-9300). – June 6, 2020.

* Eu Hooi-Khaw has been writing about food for the longest time, covering all aspects, from restaurant reviews to cooking and recipes, as well as the healthy side of it. She has written for major newspapers and magazines, published the cookbook Fresh Ingredients, and also writes for her website hooikhawandsu.com.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.