Badmaash in Downtown: Chicken Tikka Poutine and Chili Cheese Naan Work Better in Concept Than in Practice

I was so excited to try this new Indian fusion joint in Downtown called Badmaash but alas, with one exception, it was a disappointment. Everything was expertly marketed and labeled like chicken tikka poutine or chili cheese naan. They sounded so promising.

The best thing was the short rib samosas. They were served hot and perfectly fried with tender short rib meat inside. They also came with pineapple and cilantro but I could barely taste those flavors. Dipped in some cilantro chutney, the samosas were divine.

I think the poutine would work better if they used the masala sauce in chicken tikka masala instead of boring ol' gravy. Or saag paneer sauce poutine. The meat has to be better integrated into the dish like short rib or pulled pork (I still want to make Kahlua Pork Nachos someday). Decent concept that could be bolder.

The mango jam glazed pork belly was equally genius in concept but in execution was too sweet. The pork belly slices were extremely tender and well cooked. I just wish they hadn't drowned the meat in the very sweet mango jam sauce. Once I scraped some mango jam, however, it was a lot better.

The chili cheese naan was a bit bland. The yogurt raita sauce definitely helped but it also needed some kick or punch of flavor.

I liked that this place has a good wine and beer selection. I was pleasantly surprised to find it had Lambrusco although it didn't go so well with the dishes we got. The space is cool, with Bollywood film posters adorning the walls and adding to the kitsch factor, alongside an actual Bollywood film projected onto the first floor's wall.

The above image freaked me out because the samosas look like two feet with a million toes. Sorry. I'd like to try its lamb burger but am a bit skeptical. Its prices are quite high but then again, that's the going price for a comparable small plates joint in Downtown these days.