TGR: A Multi-Cuisine Foodie Haven

by Iyath Adam

Recently, we tried out TGR – The Garden Restaurant – a relatively-new multi-cuisine restaurant in Male’. 

Located on Abadhah Ufaa Hingun (in a small lane from Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu), TGR has two floors with both indoor and outdoor seating. The space is very green – aptly, as it IS called The Garden Restaurant – and features a lot of dark, wooden undertones. 

We sat down in the indoor area, which has a huge LED sign displayed on the front. 

The service was fast, and the menu was surprisingly extensive with a wide range of dishes including appetizers, sharing platters, soups, salads, burgers & sandwiches, pasta, rice, steak, and desserts. Although the predominant influence of the dishes seemed to be Asian – think Thai, Korean or fusion dishes – there were some influences from other cuisines here and there as well. 

After much deliberation, we decided to go for the Cajun Spiced Hot Dog and the Prawn Egg Noodle from the ‘From the Wok’ section of the menu. For drinks, we went with the Berry Mint cold brew iced tea. 

The servers were extremely friendly and willing to answer our questions about the preparations of any dishes. The food arrived pretty quickly and then it was time to dig in! 

First up, the Cajun Spiced Hot Dog. Let me tell you, this was no ordinary hot dog. A giant bun, stuffed to the brim with a beef kebab, caramelised onions, tomato jam and cheese with spicy mayo and sweet potato fries. The beef was tasty and spicy and went great with the sweetness of the caramelised onions and tomato jam. The savoury and sweet was balanced with the tanginess of the spicy mayo – all in all creating a great mouthful.  

The sweet potato fries all-rounded the dish and added a depth which simply would not have been achieved with plain white potato fries. 

Now, the Prawn Egg Noodle – and boy, was this a large portion! Made with nasi curry paste – a spicy, tomato-based, Asian sauce – and LOTS of prawns and vegetables, this dish was absolutely delicious. The noodle paired well with the sauce and created a savoury, hearty, filling dish that definitely reeled you back in for just one more bite! 

We’re happy to say, readers, that the drink did not disappoint either. Made with real strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries – both the sweetness and the zingy-ness of the berries shone through, finished off by some mint and honey. On the whole, a satisfying way to end the meal. 

So, if you’re looking for a wide variety of delectable options to try with your friends or family or just by yourself, check out TGR. And if you can’t make it to the restaurant, don’t worry, they deliver on Foodies too!