Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Nestled in the heart of Old Town’s river lies the enchanting little island known as Isla Rio Cuale. When the beloved Babel Bar shuttered its doors, I found myself anxiously hoping that another brave soul would swoop in and breathe life back into that alluring riverside pavilion. As fate would have it, after a lengthy pause, courtesy of Covid, Rico Indian has stepped up to the plate, becoming the island’s newest culinary inhabitant.
Already gathering a loyal following, Rico Indian is the spice-infused plot twist you’ve been craving to add to your regular Vallarta dining routine. It’s just a few blocks from our home, and we explored the island a bit before dining. The gardens are more breathtaking than ever, bursting with vibrant blooms nurtured by diligent volunteers, intricately designed arbors, and personalized stepping stones bearing the names of generous patrons.
The kitchen is helmed by Chef and Co-Owner Monnish Malhotra, who hails from India. He weaves his homeland’s magic into a simple yet alluring menu, promising 100% authentic Indian cuisine. The menu presents three tantalizing chaat options (think Indian street food delicacies) for starters and a quintet of curries for the main course.
Our trio decided to split the Aloo Chaat – fried potatoes and Papdi Chaat – crispy wheat cakes ($102 pesos each) – both topped with a flavorful blend of creamy yogurt and tangy chutney. A note, though, the sameness of the toppings could use a sprinkle of variation, but that’s a minor blip in an otherwise splendid beginning for our meal.
The curry offerings are versatile, letting you select from a range of proteins or veggies. Each curry comes with a side of fluffy steamed rice, making for an ideal setting for a shared feast, given the unique flavors each curry offers.
The Beef Vindaloo ($216 pesos) I opted for was a hearty portion of succulent meat in an intoxicatingly aromatic sauce of onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, chili, and vinegar. My partner’s choice, the 1950s India-born Chicken Butter Masala ($216 pesos) in a silky tomato butter sauce with cashews, proved why it’s the house favorite. Our dining companion’s Shrimp Madras ($216 pesos) shared a close kinship with my Vindaloo sauce. All three curries were impeccably prepared, making it an impossible task to crown one as the winner.
The bar might be somewhat rudimentary, and the pours on the leaner side, but the prices make up for it. Bonus points for offering Kirkland Vodka ($60 pesos)!
So, jot down Rico Indian on your culinary bucket list, take a leisurely amble to the island, listen to the rolling river, and enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at one of the best new restaurants in PV.
I give Rico Indian:
Aquiles Serdan 437, Isla Rio Cuale 31, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380
Open: 2 PM to 9 PM, Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday
Reservations: (cell) 551-236-7421
I welcome your comments or suggestions of restaurants to try at TheHungryCriticPV(at)gmail.com.
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