Spices are an integral part of Indian food and the kitchen at Royal Khyber are well aware of its intricacies and delicately blend them to bring out their distinctive flavor. Food is the main draw at this Orange County restaurant where shoppers at the South Coast Plaza village could refresh themselves within its atmosphere of calm sophistication.

The cooking looks to the north of India for inspiration and calamari in a spicy besan butter with yogurt sauce and smoked lamb cakes make for some appealing starters. From the chef's specialty entrées keep an eye open for methi chicken Punjabi where the tangy bitter taste of fenugreek is tempered with the sourness of yogurt and piquant green chilies. The Khyber's nectar enjoys a loyal fan following and why not, its fourteen hour cooking period should make those lamb shanks supremely delicate and juicy.

The 'party on a budget' menu is for those who'd love to savor all that Royal Khyber has on offer without setting fire to their pockets.