Food for Thought: Swaad Restaurant Review

Hello Readers, Just so you know, I love Indian food. I. Love. It.

Almost above any other kind. It is certainly at the top of my list of ethnic foods and a good distance away, on said list, from any other ethnic food … and that’s ridiculous because I truly love them all. It’s just that I love Indian more — kind of like a favoured child.

For me, when Indian food is good, my whole body smiles from the inside out. When it’s not, it can break my heart … and possibly worse.

Steve’s Chicken Tikka Masala at Swaad

Steve and I used to frequent an Indian restaurant we loved. A place went often enough that there was no need to order, and at every visit special little foods would arrive at our table, new and delicious and free.

A place they seemed genuinely happy to see us, with broad smiles and waves from the kitchen. We really miss that.

But it’s important to be positive in life and to look for blessings where you find them. I have, of late, dear readers, tried to adopt a more positive attitude, and so far it seems to be making me feel better.

Jo’s Butter Chicken at Swaad

So, when I saw the “Now Open “ sign in the window at Swaad, Taste from India Restaurant, in Leamington, I decided to see if my positive thought could manifest something positive for my mouth. Besides, truth be told, I was waiting for it to open.

Now I must take a moment to be completely honest with you. I am very invested in the outcome of this review, because Indian food is something I need in my life. So I really need this to be good.

I was feeling hopeful as I ordered over the phone … and then they asked me how spicy I wanted my dish, and I upgraded my mood from hopeful to excited.

Swaad’s buttered naan

Surprisingly, with the amount of Indian food I’ve eaten over the years, I am rarely ever asked that. Wow, that bodes well.

I ordered Butter Chicken with medium spice for me, and Chicken Tikka Masala, similarly spiced, for Steve. Add rice and naan for sides, and two orders of Gulab Jamun for dessert, because I already know I’m not sharing.

The Chicken Tikka Masala was excellent, and well spiced, according to Steve. I didn’t try it though as I didn’t want to disrupt the Butter Chicken vibe I had going. And you wouldn’t have wanted to either.

Swaad’s Gulab Jamun

While it was different from the Butter Chicken I was used to (recipes vary from region to region in India) it was delicious. Tender chicken bathed in creamy, velvety sauce resplendent with spices and flavour, and at the end, a kick of heat, subtle but cumulative.

Perfection over rice, and with naan for dipping.

And for dessert, Gulab Jamun — tender timbit-esque balls, but so much better. Served warm and sweet, soaked in rose sugar syrup. Trust me. Get them.