Masala Kitchen Selma
When a new restaurant opens at Selma Lagerlöfs torg, it’s not really something people notice. Masala Kitchen, however, arrives with a long track record already behind it. The chain has been around in Sweden for roughly two decades and already operates several locations across Gothenburg, all built around a familiar concept and a consistently large menu. This review is a bit of an overall one for Masala Kitchen, as it is very similar in all restaurants around Gothenburg (and most likely everywhere else as well).
When I say large menu, I mean large. The menu reads almost like a greatest-hits collection of Indian cuisine rather than focusing on one specific regional tradition. Naan sits next to dosa and puri, while classics like dal, aloo gobi, and chana masala cover the curry section. What stands out positively, especially from a vegan perspectiv, is how clearly dishes are labelled. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful and easy to identify, which immediately makes ordering far less of a guessing game. Something I can always appreciate.
The food itself leans into accessibility rather than strict authenticity, but that works in its favour. Many Indian restaurants in Sweden tend to rely heavily on oil and a very home cooking approach, but Masala Kitchen manages to keep flavours balanced and surprisingly light without losing depth. So, yes, the dishes are adapted to Swedish expectations, but still deliver enough spice and character to avoid feeling toned down. I had my fair share of feasts already at Masala Kitchen and across several dishes, including aloo gobi, pudina chana, tadka dal, baingan mirch masala, and garlic naan, I have not felt the abscence of anything. And my personal experience is having lived for years with Indians and their (fantastic) home cooking.
Masala Kitchen may not aim to be the most adventurous or regionally precise Indian restaurant in the city, but it succeeds at something arguably more difficult: delivering reliable, flavourful food that works for both newcomers and regulars. For vegans in particular, the clear labelling, cosy atmosphere and just wide array of options is a great safety net though. I can only wholeheartedly recommend it.
The Verdict
Masala Kitchen may not aim to be the most adventurous or regionally precise Indian restaurant in the city, but it succeeds at something arguably more difficult: delivering reliable, flavourful food that works for both newcomers and regulars. For vegans in particular, the clear labelling and wide selection make it an easy recommendation.
5/5 Leaves
Location
Selma Lagerlöfs Torg 2, 422 48 Hisings Backa
