Mint Indian Bistro
Masala Chai
South Indian Filter Coffee
Puri with Chole Masala and Yogurt, Uttapam with Coconut Chutney, Sambhar
Lamb Keema Pav, Upma, Idli
Semiya Payasam, Puri with Lamb Keema
American Pancake with Maple Syrup
Uttapam with Coconut Chutney, Idli, Semiya Payasam
Informed during Dinner in April that Mint Indian Bistro’s west-side location offers weekend Breakfast it was not long thereafter that a morning visit was planned, Chef Tarun Kapoor having since taken a job at Emory University but owners Kris and Bindi Parikh nonetheless presenting several cultural favorites laid out as a Buffet along with live stations for Omelets and Pancakes.
Quietly serving Spring Valley since December 2016, Sin City’s first Indian Breakfast starting on Saturday and Sunday at 8am since November of last year, it is with warm smiles that guests are greeted upon entry to 4246 South Durango Drive, several patrons soon to arrive positioning themselves in front of a big-screen television showing Cricket.
Still something of a secret, traditional music playing overhead and patrons largely Indian plus a smattering of other cultures, it was with bottles of Water placed on tables that guests were encouraged to explore Mint’s offerings, a well-culled selection surrounding the Tandoor which would soon be fired up to begin making Naan for Lunch.
Using both steam-trays and griddles, the $9.99 price including bottomless Filter Coffee with Cream and aromatic Masala Chai, it was atop freshly fried Puri that Chickpeas perfumed by Cumin, Cloves and Coriander were added, a bowl of stewed Lentils continuing Vegan with bright notes of Tamarind and Turmeric followed by Indian Pancakes known as Uttapam that are Gluten Free but fluffy thanks to Lentil and Rice Batter that taste good on their own but even better beneath Coconut Chutney.
Quickly finishing plate one, both Uttapam and Puri revisited later, it was alongside Upma and Idli that two toasted Buns were piled in Lamb Keema featuring ground Meat plus Tomatoes, Peas and restrained heat, Breakfast’s only Meat option also warranting seconds while the thick Semolina Porridge tasted a little bland amidst a texture not too far from Scrambled Eggs.
Fascinated by the lightness of Idli, not to mention the discs’ subtle vinegar linger, it was trying both Mango Chutney and Orange Marmalade as toppings that several were consumed before and after made-to-order American Pancakes, though for those seeking something sweet a dish called “Semiya Payasam” offers a treasure trove of textures plus surprises in each spoonful thanks to Vermicelli Noodles, Sugar, Cardamom, Cashews, Raisins.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS: A little underwhelmed by Lunch in early 2018, both variety and execution falling short of other local Indian Buffets, Dinner as well as Breakfast have been very impressive with the latter not offered anywhere else in town and a great bargain for limitless servings of bold dishes plus made-to-order Omelets, Pancakes and warm Tea or Coffee.
RECOMMENDED: Masala Chai, Puri, Chole Masala, Uttapam, Lamb Keema, Idli, Semiya Payasam.
AVOID: If planning for American Pancakes, purists are encouraged to bring Real Maple Syrup from home.
TIP: Mint also offers office catering, banquet space and meal prep services. Look online, call 702-247-4610 or e-mail info@mintbistro.com to inquire.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.mintbistro.com/spring-valley
