Paneer Malai Tikka
Velvet smoke, pure elegance
Get directions ↗ · 2 min walk from Grand Mercure
Last orders 30 minutes before closing
Dine-in · takeaway · delivery via GrabFood and LINE MAN
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Malai' mean?
'Malai' translates to cream, indicating that this tikka uses a rich, cream-based marinade rather than the spicy red yogurt base of regular tikka.
Is this dish sweet?
It is not a dessert, but the combination of cream, cheese, and cashew paste provides a very subtle, natural sweetness that balances the mild savory spices.
Are there any vegetables skewered with the paneer?
Yes, it is typically skewered with mild vegetables like onions and peppers, which also get coated in the creamy marinade.
Is Paneer Malai Tikka suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Its very mild spice profile and soft texture make it one of the most popular choices for younger guests.
Does this dish contain nuts?
Yes, the creamy marinade frequently uses cashew paste as a thickener and flavor enhancer, making it unsuitable for nut allergy sufferers.
About Paneer Malai Tikka
Paneer malai tikka is the gentle, cream-led cousin of standard paneer tikka, and it carries a clear Mughlai influence. The word malai means cream, and the dish was designed for diners who want the soft texture and tandoor smoke of a tikka without any chilli heat. It is a kitchen's answer to the question of how to make paneer rich and mild at the same time.
Our paneer is made on the premises each morning, set from full-fat milk with lemon and pressed for about three hours, so the cubes are soft and fresh rather than rubbery or vacuum-packed. For this version we coat them in a pale marinade of cream and cheese loosened with cashew paste, lightly scented with cardamom, white pepper and a little green chilli paste, with no red chilli at all. The cashew is what gives the marinade body and a faint natural sweetness. We grind our spices fresh daily and cook the skewers in a charcoal tandoor at around 480 degrees, so the coating browns and picks up smoke without scorching.
The result is deliberately mild and creamy. There is no sharp tang and no chilli burn; instead you get richness from the cream and cheese, a soft savoury warmth, and the cooling edge of cardamom. The texture is plush, which is why it is one of the easiest choices for children and for anyone who avoids heat. Mild onions and peppers on the skewer take on the same creamy coat.
It is served with sliced onion and mint chutney. Please note the marinade contains cashew, so it is not suitable for nut allergies. Our kitchen is vegetarian and halal-friendly with no pork. It pairs well with a buttery naan and a mild dal.
Two minutes from Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium and Lancaster Hotel; free parking at the Bangchak gas station right next door. Visit BHARAT →
See also: the Veg Starters menu · best tandoori in Bangkok · why our charcoal tandoor matters · North Indian food in Bangkok.