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Out of India (02) 2702-1893 DaAn Branch: 23, DaAn Road, Sec 2 (02) 2363-3054 ShiDa Branch: 26, Lane 13, PuCheng Street Hours: 11:30 am-2:30 pm, 5:30-10:30 pm Credit cards not accepted. 10% Service Charge (only at night). Outside catering available. www.h2ocity.com/india

---By Julia Kprak Translated by Shanzi Chen

"I've created my own little India in Taiwan", says Out of India owner Andy Arya as he tears off another piece of paratha bread and scoops up some curry. We've just tucked into a full spread for lunch with the other chefs.

Minutes earlier, I had my own private Indian cuisine lesson as Andy brought me downstairs to see the kitchen and spice supply. Indeed, the secret is in the spice. There are 67 different kinds of imported spices, including cardamom, star anise, cumin seeds and nutmeg flowers. These are crushed and mixed according to precise ratios passed down Andy's family tree.
At Out of India, you'll notice that the sauce for each dish is entirely different (for example, a different curry is used for the Chicken, Mutton or Fish Curry) and is painstakingly made from scratch. Each sauce is first ground for four hours over heat with oil, then mixed with tomato puree and stirred for another two hours!

Entrees at Out of India range from NT$180 to NT$400, and are definitely designed for sharing (also great for a catered meal). In addition to the crispy Gobi Paratha (NT$60) and other tasty breads, Andy's built-by-hand oven is used to make his Tandoori specialties, including the brightly spiced and tender Chicken Tandoori (NT$280). For those who normally avoid Indian because it's "too spicy", try the Butter Chicken (NT$320), which is mild and slightly sweet. I myself savored the packed-with-flavor but not-too-hot Mutton Masala (NT$350). The Out of India staff are flexible and will happily cater to whatever your taste buds are looking for, even if it's not on the menu.

As the meal is coming to a close and everyone at the table is looking pleasantly satiated, I lean back with my yummy Masala Milk Tea (NT$70) and listen to the Bollywood soundtrack playing in the background. And, for a moment, I really feel like I've been transported to New Delhi.