CALGARY: Take-home Mirchi

Sometimes I just don’t feel like cooking. OK, more like every Friday. And maybe Thursday. And Wednesday once in a while.

I also hate wasting money eating out in mediocre restaurants. That’s why I like dropping by Mirchi, a wonderful little place downtown recommended by Chowhounder John Manzo.

Opened by a young fellow less than a year ago, Mirchi serves simple yummy Indian and Pakistani food. It does a lot of take-out business but there’s a tiny, sleek dining area for about a dozen people if you want to eat in. I see lots of single diners eating there quite comfortably.

My first visit, I randomly ordered butter chicken, goat curry, mixed vegetables, rice and two naan bread. It was ready in about 15 minutes for a grand total of $24.

The owner did some fancy math and charged me for a combo plus one curry instead of for everything separately. I love business people like that, saving me money but earning my infinite loyalty.

The butter chicken was our definite favourite. Huge chunks of chicken in a really great sauce. Very similar to the majority of Indian restaurants in the city — but for much cheaper. After feeding two of us, there was still enough left over for lunch the next day.

The goat curry was delicious but perhaps not for those who dislike bones. Not as generous on the meat in this dish, but the sauce will give you plenty to sop up with naan — made fresh to order — or rice.

The vegetable curry was standard cauliflower, carrots etc. but with a nice sprinkling of fresh grated ginger, coriander and green onions.

Along with everything comes a green salad with cucumbers and onions, stuffed in a funny brown paper bag with a side of yogurt dressing which I appreciate as a nice additional touch.

We’ve also tried the lamb curry, which is very close to their goat curry — meat on the bone, similar sauce — and the minced beef shish kabob with a slow kick of spices.

Good, consistent food at prices you can’t beat. There’s a lot more stuff on their menu I can’t wait to try including goat chops, African-style short ribs and their dal. Vegetarians would do well here with samosas, pakoras and about eight veggie curries.

Mirchi, 825-12th Ave. SW, Calgary, (403) 245-3663. Menu and info here.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday noon-10 p.m.