Serving fresh and traditional Indian food, the way it was done ‘back in the day’, Rahi is a modern Indian restaurant in the heart of Ponsonby, adding further to the suburb’s vibrant melting pot of cuisines. Rahi’s head chef and director, Man Mohan Singh, brings a wealth of experience, passion and creativity to the eatery, having now spent over fifteen years honing his craft, both in the kitchen of many of the city’s most-loved Indian eateries, and at some of India’s best hotels.
Now, though, Signh is ready to do things his way, drawing on his learnings and extensive experience to open an eatery that showcases who he is as a chef, and his native India.
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Stepping inside, Rahi’s dining room is cosy, casual, and carefully laid out, with dark wooden panelling, exposed brick, and, running throughout the space, a tribal artwork from India. Traditionally referred to as Warli art, the pattern represents celebration. The bar sits as a focal point on the rear wall, designed to showcase the art of mixology, and the laid-back vibe is accentuated by the old school hip hop and jazz playing through the sound system, and the warm and knowledge staff adept in the art of hospitality.
On the food front you’ll find a comprehensive menu that showcases the best of contemporary Indian cuisine. Made up of small dishes, kebabs, curries, naan, and a few delicious desserts, the menu acts as a flavourful journey (a nod to the Indian translation of Rahi, traveller), harnessing the richness of the Indian flavours we all know and love, approached with a contemporary lens — with freshness reigning supreme. There are dishes from across the entirety of India; North, South, East and West, and the menu will be ever-changing based on seasonality.
For Singh, highlights include the Prawn Uttapam — a delightful dish comprising tiger prawns cooked in Moilee sauce (a south Indian fish sauce), served on mini rice pancakes, the delectable, melt-in-your-mouth Dahi kababs, served with house-made apricot chutney, and the show-stopping Palak Burrata, Singh’s inventive take on burrata, served on spicy spinach gravy.
When we visited, we opted for the ‘Traveller’s Menu’, which sees guests journey through India, following the rickshaws illustrated on the menu. For a modest $59 (very modest, given the exceptional quality of fare on offer), you’ll experience two small plates, a kabab, two curries, naan, a side of rice, and a dessert. Our favourites included the impossibly soft lamb chops, flavoured with ginger, garlic, lime and a secret spice blend, as well as the Papdi Chaat with crispy pastry, sweet potato, tamarind, sweet yoghurt, mint, and cumin.
The cocktail list is unique and extensive, offering a mix of originals, contemporary takes, modern classics, and everything in between. Designed by Sahil Patel, Rahi’s mixologist, the list promises a host of never-before-seen libations — harnessing a diverse ingredients list, from milk, cheesecake, and ricotta to spicy mango pickle (but not as you know it). Here, you’ll find the likes of Clarified Mango Lassi, Milk Punch, and Coffee Negroni all on offer. We opted for the Pickle Paloma — which I’d liken to an elevated spicy marg. Pairing spicy mango pickle infused Mezcal, grapefruit, agave, and lime, with a delicious salty, savoury spice rub lining the glass, it was both a explosion of flavour and subtle enough to sip on all night. We can also attest to the deliciousness of the Crimson Sour — Rahi’s gin sour, which was as stunning to behold as it was to imbibe.
While there is no shortage of great Indian eateries in Auckland, Rahi feels like something else entirely. A masterclass in contrasts; casual yet elevated, contemporary yet traditional, this modern Indian eatery brings together the true flavours of India with a quintessentially Kiwi, laid-back ambience. And it’s an exceptional combination indeed.
Opening hours:
Tuesday — Thursday, 4pm until late
Friday — Sunday, 11.30am until late
Closed Monday
Rahi
14 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
09 558 4994
