Nearly every day for the past six months, I’ve driven by Mint Leaf on the northeast corner of Washington and Altadena in Pasadena and wondered to myself, “Is this place any good?” Curiosity finally got the best of me last week when I stopped in for a lunch date with The Astronomer. The verdict? This place is good! I should have tried it sooner.

The Astronomer and I were warmly greeted and seated right away upon entering the sumptuous space. The lunch crowd continued to trickle in throughout our meal; it was great to see that Mint Leaf had garnered quite the following.

After perusing the menu, we settled on two lunch specials—set meals that included a choice of main dish, as well as rice, fresh baked bread (roti, naan, or garlic naan), and either dal makhni or yellow lentils. I selected the matter paneer ($12.50) with roti and yellow lentils.

I adored the matter paneer, a spice forward curry redolent of kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) with plenty of peas and paneer cheese. The yellow lentils, simply spiced and comforting, offered a calming contrast. The only disappointment was the roti, which tasted like a stale pita pocket. Fortunately, the fluffy Basmati rice came through in the carbohydrate department.

The Astronomer ordered the Kashmiri Lamb Curry ($13.50) with garlic naan and dal makhni (whole black lentils simmered overnight with fresh tomatoes and a touch of cream).

Slowly simmered in a curry made of fresh onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes, the lamb was truly excellent. The cardamom- and cinnamon-kissed meat was tender and gamey. The Astronomer’s garlic naan fared better than my roti, while the lentils were par for the course.

A mug of warm, rich chai tea was sipped with lunch.

Our meal at Mint Leaf was a lovely and civilized affair. Now that this place is on our radar, there’s no doubt that we’ll be back.

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Mint Leaf
2535 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: 626-460-8776

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