Shiok - CMH Road, Bangalore

Shiok is a far eastern cuisine restaurant and cocktail lounge, all in one large second floor on CMH Road. The proprietor and head chef - Madhu Menon - used to be a usability guy, and Shiok is his own design. I liked the leaf shaped ceiling and the lamps that hang from there. The idea of placing a bottle of wine on each table is smart.

The menu has a combination of Thai, Singaporean, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine as well as the chef's special. They have an extensive vegetarian section as detailed as the non-vegetarian section, including Mee Goreng - a Singaporean dish made with whole wheat noodles.

I found the food a little too oily, while at the same time flavourful. Ask the captains to suggest something based on your preferences and you won't be disappointed.

I can't recommend anything in particular as it all looked good and has been recommended by various people. The Mee Goreng was definitely good, and Madhu's Thai Red Curry with Chicken was tasty, though some people may find it spicy. I should try the Spiced fish grilled in banana leaves the next time.

Update: Recommendations: Drunkard's noodles, Laab Kai, Spicy tamarind chicken wings.

Alcohol served: Yes. They have a collection of Australian, German, Chilean, South African and Indian wines apart from all other spirits served at the cocktail lounge.

Blues rates it:
Food - Very good
Service - Good
Price - High, and an additional 20% on seafood because of the Tsunami
Decor - Charming
Overall - Lovely place for far eastern cuisine

Recommendation - Go there, definitely.

Getting there:

Map available on the website.

Go down CMH Road from 100 feet road. Stop at Bombay house on your right. Shiok is on the second floor.

Phone: (080) 5116 1800