I've been wanting to eat Indian food since my recovery from Dengue. Good thing that Swagat is easy to find especially with the help of Google maps.
It was not my first time to eat Indian food but for it's price, Swagat offers an authentic and good selection from mutton to chicken biryani to cheese naan.
Aside from the food, the restroom is clean and there's a good ventilation inside the restaurant.
Additionally, their staff are friendly and polite. Kudos!
Did not disappoint. I had the Sangam Biryani cause i was craving Biryani today. Last time i ate at Swagat was close to 10 years ago when they were still on Rada. I fell in love with Indian food then, and Swagat continues to serve good indian food. Imho
OVERALL: FOOD 4.5/5, SERVICES 4/5, PRICE 4/5, AMBIANCE 2/5
So far the best indian restaurant I’ve tried. Food tastes like a good authentic indian food. The biryani rice has the right texture and you will definitely savor the indian spices in their chicken curry.
Marcelli Elaine Pacheco
+4
One of our favorite indian restaurants in Makati. It’s affordable and the food that we tried are all delicious. Our favorite is the Rogan Josh. Definitely worth it.
Pros: large food portions, tasty biryani dishes
Cons: very slow service. I witnessed a Food Panda pickup guy venting his frustration as he was kept waiting for 20 minutes. Little did I know thats their average customer waiting time.
I’ve eaten in the restaurant and had it as a takeaway. Both times the food tasted decent. I would say the portion sizes are small. The garlic naan isn’t particularly great in the style it’s made. Not enough (any) butter or garlic. I liked both the chicken curry & the chicken tikka masala. The samosas are nice too.
Good Indian food at a good price.
This place is rather unassuming. It's a small restaurant that feels more like a local carinderia than a foreign restaurant. Then again, if you've been to India, you'd know that local restaurants do have have ambiance.
The food is quite good with very authentic Indian flavors. Service is a hit and miss. Sometimes they're attentive and serve with a happy smile and sometimes they don't really care. Also, the price is a little expensive. Not by much but just a tad bit.
Overall though it's a place I'd go to whenever I'm in the area.
Swagat is the first decent Indian restaurant I tried here in Manila. It was introduced to me by a couple of friends from Makati. Indian food usually has a steep price attached to it but not in Swagat. It is quite affordable and easy on the budget but of course, serving size is smaller than other Indian restaurants in the Metro. Taste-wise, Swagat hits the nail in the head as they use authentic spices in their dishes. It is quite apparent in their samosas, masalas and paneers and biryanis! One time, I brought my Indian colleague here for dinner and according to him, it tasted like home! Eating in Swagat is always a delight. I would have given them 5 stars if not for the hassle in parking space.
The samosas tasts great! Will definitely order this one again soon and i am very eager to try their other dishes. ❤️
Zomato Delivery was fast despite the rainy weather.
I was really missing indian food during my trip so i went to this place to try north indian dishes.
Its been many days and this place didnt disappoint me at all. I tried dal makhni, butter naan, strawberry shake , paneer masala and cold coffee.
Everything was perfect although i missed that spicy taste but still it was worth it.
Thank you swagat for giving me such a good indian time here.
Great place to dine when you're craving for something tasty / spicy. There's a lot of variety too! Don't forget to wash down with a glass of sweet lassi.
We ordered sangam biryani, mutton biryani, gobi pulao and butter chicken. The food was good, biryanis are of different type normally so it was the type that was ok.
We are used to pakistani and bengali biryani
The butter chicken was so-so.
Loved the gulab jamun, right amount of sweetness and texture.
Will go back and try the other dishes.
Staff are very helpful, ready to recommend if you’re not familiar with Indian food. Tend to have the spice levels a bit more mild, since my spiciness tolerance is a bit low.
Very nice! First time my wife eat Indian food and she really love it! Chicken tikka and curd rice and bread was my dish. She took shrimp tandoori and buttered rice and bread. 3 beer and one mango lassi (yogurt and mango) and one coconut burfi 😊 and with the zomato gold discount price was only 850!!! Amazing!!! Very nice staff! We will be back!!!
If you're looking for cozy Indian food, this is the place to go. Food servings are usually good for two--especially the curry! But the samosas, ohhhh the samosas.. You can totally keep those to yourself.
Staff are friendly and the place is clean! Super worth the walk
Nice place to visit... if you are not in a hurry. Relax and enjoy food
Pros
Friendly staff
Economical food
Tasty food
Cons
Cramped space
Slow service
I admit, I was quite skeptical eating here because of the disappointing reviews, but after trying the food, it shows that we should still give this restaurant a try.
We ordered, the roti, which was light and crispy. The vegetable biryani was fragrant. We ordered shrimp masala, chicken Tikka, and fish palak, which were all new to me taste buds. It was exciting to try. I really like their blend of spices. We asked for medium spice on our food, but it was a bit too much for us.
The potato dish tasted a lot like hash browns with additional indian spices. Finally, I got to try the famous vegetable samosas. I often get to hear this them on movies. It was like a friend chickpea dumpling, which I enjoyed.
Serving time was quite long, but it showed that they really cooked the food when you order it. It was worth the wait. Serving size may be small, but for the price, you get authentic indian flavors. Overall, give it a try.
One of my favorite restaurants. The yellow dish is paneer (cottage cheese) with what tastes like mild curry sauce. Very reasonably priced. Warning: Do not go in the afternoon!
The afternoon sauce + spicy food = not cool
I read a lot of bad reviews but I can say that it is not all true. The food is quite good for a low price local restaurant. It is not over 80% authentic. But it is still good and affordable.
Hi,we were bored of the regular restaurents we have tried , so happen to try this new place after surfing through zomato,the place is decent ,food decent for the price. we had called for chola batura which i give four stars, palak paneer was decent , masal dosa was good. i recomend to try the place.
I'm a bit surprised by some of the negative reviews for this restaurant; I love this place and have been eating here pretty much every week for the last 2-3 years! The food tastes great, portions are the perfect size, and it's fantastic value for money. The staff and owners are very friendly, and the service has always been great. The restaurant is in a new building; very clean and comfortable.
Our favorite Indian restaurant for almost 3 years now! Best value for money, delicious food, good place and staff. We are always satisfied with the food and service. Good food choices for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. My husband and I love this place so much.
Good prices with reasonable serving sizes. Can't confirm if I've really had "authentic" Indian cuisine yet, but the owners (who were there when we dined) are Indian, so I'm assuming it's as close as it comes! We ordered (from L to R) jeera rice, egg burji, shaahi paneer, and mutton curry. The jeera rice (rice with spices) was delicious and VERY flavorful. The egg burji (scrambled egg with Indian spices)-- pretty much the Indian version of a Spanish omelette. The shaahi paneer (homemade cheese in creamy tomato sauce) was on the runny side and just okay, but still good; we ate this with naan. The mutton curry surprised us as it was slightly sweet, but it still had that distinct Indian curry taste. The meat wasn't tough, but could have been more tender. All in all, would be willing to come back to try their other dishes if in the area again-- looking forward to trying their chicken tikka or chicken masala and paratha!
If I want indian, this would be my go to place for good indian cuisine. Price for food is quite reasonsable, the food itself is quite flavorful! Very good all in all!
If you’re craving for good quality Indian food, I will only point you here. It was recommended to me by a dear person and I could not help but agree to her that this place is good. Try the Lassi drink not just to compliment the spice but also because its taste is something you would love to stay in your mouth.
Super love the Gulab Jamun and the Cottage Cheese on the Palak Paneer perfect for Roti, Naan and Paratha. But for the Chicken Biryani, I can say that I'm not satisfied with the taste. Over all foods are good for sharing and not too pricey compared to the others.
I'm always on the lookout for Biryani. I tried out Swagat's Biryani (mutton) and here's what I've got to say:
Ambiance: 9
Service/Staff: 9
Presentation: 10
Taste: 10
Value: 7
The place where I dined is pretty simple in ambiance and layout. Only one staff member decked out in a sari but I'm not very judgmental there. What matters is the service which is fairly efficient (it's not peak hours).
The Biryani I ordered is great in taste (I always like it spicy). My only issue is it was a rather small serving that I feel like having more. Given the price, I was hoping for a few more servings.
I have yet to try their curry dishes (this suggests I'm coming back because the food has got to be that good).
Food is cheap compared to other indian restaurants in the metro. Loved their mutton chutney but i wish it wasn't just 4 tiny chunks and one was all bones. The fish masala was succulent with the sauce not overbearing allowing you to enjoy the fish. But I didn't appreciate the methi paneer because it was somehow bitter for me and it was just a few tiny blocks. Too bad because I love paneer. Loved the roti because it was whole wheat and it was warm with the aroma of the burnt portions adding to the good taste. It was an excellent vessel to scoop out the sauces. We were, actually, craving for lassi which made us decide to have indian cuisine that day. The sweet lassi was not bad but the salty one was a bit too salty.
Though taste was good (still needs improvement compared to other restos) and service was not bad but the downside of it is - the servings. They are just too small but then again, for the price it was expected.
Small but cozy place. Quite clean. Ordered Aloe Matter & Aloe Paratha. Tasted so great. Omg I love potatoes. And I really like the paratha layered with potato. A little spicy but sooooooo delicious.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
It's been a long time since I had Indian cuisine. I found this restaurant along Pasay road called Swagat. It's at the ground floor of The Columns across Nihonbashitei.
Upon entering I was greeted by an Indian lady and her Filipina staff. The interiors looked pristine and there were some Indian ornaments placed on the top shelves. An LCD screen mounted on the wall shows information about India which they switched later on to another Youtube Channel that shows Bollywood films.
I was given the menu, and noticed that the place had a minimum fee to dine in (125 pesos). Looks like eating Samosas would not be enough to fill the tab. Luckily, I was hungry enough to eat a meal.
I didn't have enough time to eat leisurely so I just ordered the Sangam Biryani. I cannot handle too much spice now due to my acidity, so I requested for the "mild" version. When I got my Biryani, it was flavorful. The rice is definitely the real Basmati deal. The long and slender grains didn't feel too heavy on the stomach. The dish reminded me of Paella but with stronger spices. It had chunks of lamb and chicken too. The lamb was very tender, and the chicken was cooked just right.
I love Samosas, so I couldn't resist ordering one to go. And I did. This crunchy deep fried puff pastry was delightful. It had 2 sauces with it, the green one which seems to have hints of coriander was spicy, and the brown seemed sugary. Being a sweet tooth, the brown won my taste buds.
This was a very interesting experience. I would definitely try more Indian restaurants in Manila. The service was pretty good too. The diners were mostly Indian which probably means it's a good place to find authentic Indian cuisine.
I kinda miss eating Gulab Jamun, a dish I tried when I first visited the Middle East and get to eat it here in Manila during Diwali. Looks like a return visit is necessary.
This is a real gem! We have been here a couple of times. The food is good. The chicken korma is excellent, a must try. We always have it! Other dishes are also very tasteful. The naan is a little small and thin, I prefer them a little bit thicker. The lassies are good. The service is friendly. It is good value for your money.
I like how I can have my Palak Paneer more often since theirs isn't expensive. It's not as good as Little India's but good enough to satisfy my cravings. Their buttered Naan is a letdown from the other restaurants around the area. Kashmir's was soft and fresh.
My partner tried the their hot version of Chicken Curry and it was really spicy for me. It was all sauce and had only a few meat. Their samosa however was good! We didn't fancy their Kulpi that much--we couldn't brush off the feeling of eating something like shaved ice. Hope we can have those nuts bigger or in a more consistent manner.
Me and my friends enjoyed our dinner tonight! Our server is very patient in answering all our questions as well as being entertained by our antics and spontaneous laughter.
So we ordered:
*palak paneer (spinach with cheese dip, goat cheese i believe) - tastes good! We love it! Hahahah since me and my friends are very unique foodies, we tried it with rice! Hahah still good bur best with naan or paratha
*chicken korma
*chicken tikka masala - a bit salty of my friends' taste buds but fine with me
*roghan josh- must try! I love goat meat. In this dish, it is very tender. Sauce is rich. I did even paired it buttered naan (bread)
For me, i enjoyed the taste of the food. I just wish the serving is bigger. But actually the price of each item in the menu is a lot cheaper than other restos with specialty dishes. A mutton dish for 200 only or even a bit lesser! That's affordable for a meal if you are craving for mutton!!
My go-to restaurant in Makati! Really good food for a considerable price. Staffs are really nice and accommodating as well. Their previous store location in Rada has a really nice Indian vibe to it which is homey and relaxed at the same time.
Must try: Mutton biryani, Mutton curry, Malai kofta, Hara bhara kabab, Vegetable samosa, Tandoori of any kind, Kulfi, Gulab jamun, Sweet lassi
For a change of scenery from our usual haunts, we decided to explore the other side of Ayala Avenue into Legaspi Village for some Indian Cuisine here at Swagat. After entering the quaint restaurant, the strong hint of spices permeated through the entire place, a sign of an actual Indian eatery. The pink walls and random portraits added to the simplicity of the facade, and a casual place to dine.
Perlito Fabiani | Hungry Panda
+4.5
This is my first time trying indian cuisine. My partner brought me here last Sunday, its her favorite go-to-indian food place to eat. Good thing she brought me here it was an awesome experience.
I enjoy little things from super cheap to super expensive (sometimes) food.
Judging from the outside store, Swagat looks is not that welcoming compare to Wildflour and other food chain along Rada. But once you come in, the restaurant smells fragrant and its appetizing. I can smell and imagine the flavors of Indian Cuisine.
The decor is a little too much as it has hanging beads, lots of artwork, lots of figurine. But I enjoyed looking at the interior.
The Food.
Vegetarian Samosas: its crispy, the peas and potatoes is a great harmony. I love the green and brown sauces. It compliments well with the dish.
Mutton Biryani: the goat meat is tender, I like that the meat is still with the bone. The rice is perfectly fragrant and is delicious, its superb for me. It tasted so authentic.
Chicken Tikka Masala: oh wow, this is superb. I like the red sauce, I like the chicken, its a perfect combination to Mutton Biryani Rice. Yum!
Basmati Rice: its white and fluffy, and its actually light compared to your local rice in the philippines. Its delicious.
Overall, I love the restaurant, I love the smell and I love the food. I'll comeback here and taste the famous Poori and Roti.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Swagat Indian Cuisine along Rada Street is one of the cheaper places to get Indian food, but that does not diminish from the taste and quality of its dishes.
Whenever my family visits, we always order the following:
- Chicken Makhanwala (P180), boneless chicken in a creamy butter sauce
- Fish Masala (P150), fish cooked with onions and served in tomato sauce
- Baigan Bharta (P125), mashed eggplant served with chopped tomatoes, onions, ginger, and other spices
- Paneer Korma (P155), Indian cottage cheese cubes with chopped tomatoes, onions, and spices
Rice is a good accompaniment to the meal, but I prefer getting Buttered Naan (P45 per piece). Unlike the flat and round chapati, naan is lumpier and thicker, allowing it to better scoop up and hold sauces.
Even though the dishes can be adjusted in their levels of heat, I always like to get some Sweet Lassi (P50), which is sweet Indian yogurt flavored with sugar and served in a beaten copper cup. Perfect to cool off after enjoying the heat of the meal.
I ate here for the first time today. I ordered chicken tikka masala (250 php) in medium level spiciness, plain rice (25 php), and rose lassi (75 php). I thought the price was affordable until I saw the servings. The rice seemed like it was just half a cup and the chicken was drowning in sauce. I'd say the taste is superb, but maybe not something I would pay 250 pesos for again considering the very small serving! The rose lassi tasted like a watered-down yakult, but it helped tone down the spiciness of the chicken. I also like that they use paper straws instead of plastic ones (#savetheenvironment!) Overall, eating in this authentic Indian restaurant was a nice experience. I'm looking forward to trying the rotti and the vegetarian dishes next time!
Review as of Apr 2018
Swagat is my favorite Indian restaurant in Manila (The Shack is my other favorite Indian restaurant but it's all the way in Baler). The servings may be small but it's just right for the price point (I promise you won't walk away feeling that you spent too much eating here especially with how good the food tastes).
Update: they've moved to their new location on Amorsolo corner Aranaiz! New place but still the same tasty food! 😋
Dishes I've tried here, my recommendations marked with an asterisk (*):
Appetizer
- Vegetarian Samosas*
Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala*
- Harabara Kebab
Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
- Palak Paneer*
- Paneer Makhani
Vegetables
- Baigan Bharta
- Malai Kofta*
Seafood
- Fish Palak
Rice and Roti
- Roti*
- Tamarind Rice*
Dessert and Drinks
- Gulab Jamun*
- Sweet Lassi*
- Rose Lassi
Good food at reasonable prices. Had fish masala, rice and Indian Beer (which had a very strong flavor). Got a strawberry lassi, too. Downside here is the parking. We were able to park in front because it was a Saturday night. Food for 3 people cost me 1.5k. Puede na rin.
The Poor Foodie Eats
+3.5
I promised myself that I'll be trying out more types of cuisines in the coming future. Following that, I finally paid a visit to Swagat. I've heard good things about this place but I haven't been able to drop by, until today.
Inside are pink walls, and a lot of pictures and statues and it gives a really home-y vibe. We went to the place for early dinner and we were the only ones at the restaurant at that time.
Since I don't have any idea with what I should order, I just chose whatever sounds familiar/good on the menu. Thankfully, each menu item has a description about what it is and what it's made of. We got Chicken Curry, Mutton Masala, Rotis, Chicken Biryani, Buttered Rice and Mango and Strawberry Lassi.
The curry was nicely paired with the buttered rice, but not with the roti. Actually, the buttered rice was just really good it just proved that food is better with butter. Lol. I was wee disappointed with the Mutton Masala because, while it's good, I didn't get much meat with it. I got more bones, I didn't get to enjoy it very much. Biryani was good and flavorful, but my favorite would probably be the lassis. They were so good, my boyfriend ordered another glass and ended up finishing mine. For this much, we spent under a thousand. It's pretty cheap if you ask me.
Service was fast and the people who assisted us were very accommodating. I read a lot of reviews here saying that the people who work there aren't very helpful. Maybe they got better or, they hired new people? Not sure but, service wasn't a problem when we were there.
It was a good introduction to Indian food. I would want to try more items out, and more more more glasses of lassi please.
Very great Indian food! You must try the mutton masala, lamb biryani, chicken curry, rose lasi! Super yummy indeed! Service is also good. The place is just small but the food is great.
This is my first legitimate Indian cuisine experience and I definitely enjoyed the food. My friend and I tried their Chicken Biryani and Fish Biryani, as well as their Veggie Samosa and Mango Lassi. The food is actually generous but at the same, it is worth the price. It isn't cheap and isn't that expensive either. The only problem I had here was that the servers prioritize the Indian customers more and it took us a while to get their attention, considering that it wasn't even crowded.
With a number of new restaurants sprouting along this short road, Rada Street in Legaspi Village is slowly becoming a food street. However, Swagat has been here for more than 10 years and has become the go-to Indian restaurant of many up to this very day.
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