GNI – Sept 2026 – This time last year, we wrote about some spice-inspired restaurant discoveries which we absolutely loved. From fiery Indian curries to Filipino feasts, there’s an abundance of fantastic Asian cuisine available across NI. So, here are five more which we’ve enjoyed over the past few months.
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Masala Talkies
What an absolute privilege to have “made the cut” to experience Nidhi and Vik’s sensational ‘Masala Talkies’ supper club in East Belfast.
Started by the couple as a way to make friends after moving from India, this is a unique celebration of Indian vegetarian cookery, where people can apply to attend, and the hosts then curate a guest list of strangers from different walks of life, which all comes together in an evening of incredible flavours, wonderful hospitality, and unexpected connections!
We were invited to “Episode 8”, described as “Somewhere between what we left behind and what we found”; an exploration of where old Indian traditions meet new interpretations, where recipes carried across generations find a new home, and this 6-course Indian Vegetarian Supper was simply stunning.
Starting with Burrata Chaat with velvety burrata, crisp papi, tamarind, mint, and chaat masala, which made a wonderful sharing-style dish to enjoy as we got to know our fellow diners at the beautifully presented monochromatic banqueting table.
To follow, a golden Coconut Arancini, oozing with cheese, seasoned with podi masala, topped by a fragrant curry leaf, on a rich tomato chutney, then fluffy, streetfood-style Mushroom Masala Bao Buns filled with umami-rich glazed mushrooms, pickled onions & crunchy slaw.
For mains, we had flaky Spinach Paneer Borek, finished with a creamy spinach curry, and Khichadi Milanese Saffron, with lentils, vegetables and rice, slow-cooked to risotto perfection, with a crisp papad for scooping up the fragrant, velvety grains.
And Dessert was another totally original fusion of culinary cultures, a Rasmalai Tiramisu; saffron-steeped sponge, reduced milk, cardamom, kewara water, and pistachios. Heavenly!
Many thanks to Nidhi and Vik for allowing us into their home to enjoy such a fabulous feast, and to the engaging and entertaining guests we were lucky enough to meet. And let’s hope some of the stories will remain at that table: IYKYK!
Ragin’ Ramen, Belfast
This brilliant restaurant serving ramen, snacks, sake and cocktails, has recently moved round the corner to its new City Centre home on Belfast’s Ann Street.
Renowned for its delicious steaming bowls of Asian inspired broth, with a variety of toppings and noodles, savoury streetfood-style snacks, and an exceptional “east meets west” drinks selection, Ragin’ Ramen is hard to beat!
We started with the snack Edamame Bowl with Furikake Seasoning, and some sticky and spicy Oyster Mushroom K-Pop, with gochujang, maple syrup, cucumber & scallion salad, and vegan mayo.
As for the main event, the Akira Ramen with Spice Bag Furikake came with Karaage Crispy Chicken, sweet chilli curly fries, roast peppers, red onions, & scallions, in a Katsu Curry broth, and the vegan Sailor Moon with Udon noodles had cubes of smoked tofu, spring onions, sweetcorn, and bamboo shoots in a coconut Tonkotsu broth with miso. Both dishes were superlatively slurpable, and were a riot of different flavours and textures.
And the sweet treats of Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Matcha Cookie Sandwich, and Lime Ginger Sorbet With Candied Yuzu, were the perfect finish to a fabulous lunch at Ragin’ Ramen’s terrific new location.
Platito by Mangan
Serving up authentic Filipino dishes on the Castlereagh Road and Springfield Road in Belfast, Platito by Mangan has received rave reviews, including accolades such as the McKenna’s Guide Best in Ireland 2026 plaque, and it was also a finalist in last year’s NI Food to Go Awards.
So we were intrigued to find out what made this unassuming little restaurant such a hit, with loyal customers returning time and time again.
As soon as we walked into the East Belfast branch, there was a casual, friendly vibe; the welcome was warm, and the wonderful Eunicke talked us through some of the dishes, making some excellent suggestions.
To start, we ordered Fresh Lumpia, a pancake stuffed with stir-fried vegetables, and topped with crushed peanuts in a sweet sauce, followed by some Grilled Tofu marinated in soy and garlic, skewered, then chargrilled.
We also had the luxuriously rich Buttered Garlic Prawns, accompanied by Stir Fried Rice with eggs, vegetables, seafood and soy.
Food from the Philippines isn’t hugely spicy, but if heat is your thing, make sure you ask for a little side dish of the homemade chilli sauce. You won’t regret it!
And check out the Daily Desserts Board for something indulgent to finish the meal; we ordered the Turon-golden, deep fried plantain with ice cream & caramel, and a marshmallowy Ube de Mercedes sweet treat.
Platito by Mangan delivers vibrant street-food style plates and smoky barbecue flavours.
The East Bengal, Ballyhackamore
We made a return visit to one of our favourite Ballyhack restaurants, The East Bengal, with our Summer Theatre team for a meal after rehearsals.
With a mix of contemporary and authentic Indian recipes made using the freshest ingredients, The East Bengal always delivers delicious dishes.
We started with some crispy Papadums with dips, followed by a selection of freshly made vegetarian appetisers.
Our main courses included a mild almond & coconut-rich Chicken Tikka Masala, a sweet & spicy King Prawn Patia, zingy with citrus, and the star of the show for us at The East Bengal, The Paneer Shaslik; a gorgeous dish with huge chunks of curd cheese, cooked over flaming tandoori charcoal, and served with a vegetable curry and choice of rice. Delicious!
Along with breads, veggie sides, and other accompaniments (the Chilli and Coriander Naan is wonderful, although it’s not on the menu-just ask!), this was a fabulous feast.
Also, the restaurant is BYOB, so we were able to bring a bottle (or two) of wine to enjoy with the meal. A superb evening of excellent food, great company, and attentive service from the team at The East Bengal.
Wagamama, Odyssey Place
The latest Wagamama, at Odyssey Place, marks the second Belfast store for the hugely popular chain, and we’re big fans of its Asian-inspired and Japanese dishes.
Based on the fast-paced, ramen bars of Japan, Wagamama has been serving up fresh Asian flavours since 1992. We always love the curries, from mild and comforting, to aromatic and spicy, and the Chicken Katsu is an absolute treat; panko-breadcrumbed chicken with sticky white rice, dressed salad, pickles, and a Katsu Curry sauce-we usually make ours hot!!
We also ordered the Salmon Teriyaki Soba from the Teppanyaki section: sizzling noodles straight from the grill with mangetout, bok choi, onion, chilli, beansprouts, sesame seeds, and a seared pink fillet of salmon. Very tasty indeed!
Sit, slurp, and smile, as you enjoy lunch or dinner in the Odyssey Place restaurant. The deliciously simple, well balanced food, always packs a healthy punch, and is made freshly every day in Wagamama’s open kitchen
