New Alibaba Indian Cuisine

471, DongFeng Rd, Tainan City
(06) 200-4597
Hours: 11 am-3 pm,
5 pm-11 pm
English & Chinese menus

Opened in early June by a partnership of men from India and Pakistan, New Alibaba is very likely the only halal restaurant in the Tainan area. Morgan, one of the partners, kills the chickens cooked here himself in the halal manner. Lamb and goat meat are imported from halal suppliers in Australia. Of course, halal isn't an issue for the majority of customers, who are attracted by the restaurants authentic Indian recipes and flavors. The menu lists various curries with chicken, beef, mutton, and seafood; most are priced NT$220 to NT$290. These can be eaten with rice, biriyani, and naan or roti breads. Vegetarians will find plenty they can eat. The beverage list includes lassi, Indian milk tea, coffee and sodas. If you want to have the best possible dining experience, ask what items are the freshest, advises Morgan. The restaurant is near the intersection of DongFeng and SiaoDong roads; parking in the area isn't a problem. --By Steven Crook, translated by Annie Liu, photos by Richard Matheson