We provide food that customers love, day after day after day. It is not a big secret. People just want more of it.
From the plains of Punjab to the Malabar coast, the techniques, spices, seasonings and natural ingredients of Indian cooking have been refined over thousands of years, resulting in a cuisine unlike any other. Mela Indian Restaurant offers authentic North and South Indian dishes as diverse and vibrant as the peoples and regions of India.
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Our Menu
* Mela uses only hormone-free, all-natural chicken; lamb from clean, green New Zealand; and wild Atlantic salmon. Mela uses local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Mela’s yogurt, chutneys, sauces, and pickles are all made from scratch, in-house. Mela’s bread dough is hand made and prepared in a genuine tandoor oven.
*18% gratuity added for parties of 5 or more.
V — VEGAN | GF — GLUTEN FREE
| AAGAZ — APPETIZERS | |
|---|---|
| PALAK PAKORAS Baby spinach dipped in spiced chickpea andrice batter — V GF | $6.95 |
| VEGETABLE SAMOSA Hand made pastry triangles stuffed with mildly spiced potatoes and green peas. Served with tamarind and mint chutney — V | $6.95 |
| CHOWPATTI RAGADA Potato patties topped with curried chickpeas, tamarind, yogurt and mint chutney. Garnished with cilantro. A Bombay beach treat — V GF | $6.95 |
| PUNJABI PAKORAS Vegetable fritters made with spring onions, cilantro and peppers in a spiced chickpea and rice batter | $6.95 |
| CHICKEN PAKORAS Strips of boneless chicken marinated with ginger, garlic, chili paste and spices and deep fried. Served with mint chutney — GF | $8.95 |
| SAMOSA CHAT Samosas topped with masala chick peas, mint and red pepper chutneys, garnished with onions and cilantro | $7.95 |
| PAPADUM Indian lentil wafers, served with mint-cilantro chutney — V GF | $2.95 |
| CALAMARI PORICHACHU Fresh calamari dusted with curry flavoredchickpea and rice flour batter. Served with mint and tamarind chutneys — GF | $8.95 |
| SHORBA — SOUP | |
|---|---|
| DAL SHORBA Lentil stew finished with cream, herbs and spices — V GF | $5.95 |
| MILAGU RASAM Pepper flavored tamarind based clear soup,garnished with chopped fresh coriander | $5.95 |
| SIDE ORDERS | |
|---|---|
| RICE Basmati rice flavoredwith spices — V GF | $2.00 |
| RAITA Made with yogurt andcucumbers, mildly spiced | $2.00 |
| MANGO CHUTNEY | $2.00 |
| CILANTRO CHUTNEY — V GF | $2.00 |
| TAMARIND CHUTNEY | $2.00 |
| CHUTNEY PLATTER Mint-cilantro, tamarind, coconut and tomato chutneys | $5.00 |
| SALADS | |
|---|---|
| TANDOORI CHICKEN SALAD Spring mix, cilantro and tandoori chicken breast — GF | $15.95 |
| SPINACH AND GRILLED PANEER SALAD Baby spinach leaves, tandoori grilled homemade cheese, slivered almondsand raisins — GF | $13.95 |
| TANDOORI SALMON SALAD Spring mix topped with tandoori roasted salmon garnished with cherry tomatoes and tossed with a light Caesar dressing and raisins — GF | $16.95 |
| TANDOORI SHRIMP SALAD Large tandoor grilled shrimp served atop a bed of spring mix, cherry tomatoes & tossed with a light Caesar dressing — GF | $15.95 |
| ENTREES — Served With Basmati Rice And Papadum. |
|---|
| TANDOORI OVEN | |
|---|---|
| TANDOORI CHICKEN Tender pieces of chicken marinated andbroiled in the tandoor oven — GF | $15.95 |
| CHICKEN TIKKA KABAB Boneless breast of chicken marinated inspices and roasted on skewers — GF | $15.95 |
| TANDOORI LAMB Boneless pieces of lamb, marinated in a lightlyspiced sauce and charbroiled in our tandoor oven — GF | $19.95 |
| SALMON TIKKA Salmon marinated in ginger, garlic, yogurt andtandoor spices and cooked in the tandoor oven — GF | $18.95 |
| TANDOORI SHRIMP Shrimp marinated in ground spices and grilledin our tandoor oven — GF | $16.95 |
| MURG — CHICKEN | |
|---|---|
| CHICKEN KORMA Boneless chicken cooked in a rich almondand cashew sauce and topped with nuts and raisins — GF | $15.95 |
| CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA Marinated boneless chicken breast pieces simmered in a thick, spicy sauce made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and spices — GF | $15.95 |
| CHICKEN VINDALOO Boneless chicken cooked with potato in a very spicy and tangy curry sauce (Hot!) — GF | $15.95 |
| KOZI MILAGU CHETTINAD Boneless chicken cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, black pepper powder, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom — GF | $15.95 |
| MELA CHICKEN CURRY Chicken cooked in an aromatic onion and ginger curry with cilantro — GF | $15.95 |
| SAMUNDRI MOTI — SEAFOOD | |
|---|---|
| KERALA FISH CURRY Mahi-Mahi lightly cooked in a coconut,curry leaf and tamarind sauce — GF | $18.95 |
| MEEN CHETTINAD Mahi Mahi cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, black pepper powder, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom — GF | $18.95 |
| MADRAS JIHNGA MASALA Shrimp, shelled and deveined, cooked in a sauce made with onions, ginger, garlic, cumin, turmeric, tamarind, mustard seeds, coconut and spices — GF | $16.95 |
| SHRIMP VINDALOO Shrimp simmered in a very spicyand tangy curry sauce. A classic dish from Goa (Hot!) — GF | $16.95 |
| GOSHT — LAMB | |
|---|---|
| GOSHT ROGHAN JOSH Lean cubes of lamb cooked in the Kashmiri style with ground almonds, cardamom pods, puréed tomatoes and cream — GF | $18.95 |
| LAMB VINDALOO Boneless pieces of lamb cooked in fiery spice sauce (Hot!) — GF | $18.95 |
| MELA LAMB CURRY Boneless tender pieces of lamb cooked in northern style original curry sauce flavored with cilantro — GF | $17.95 |
| LAMB CHETTINAD Boneless lamb cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, black pepper powder, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom — GF | $18.95 |
| SUBZI — VEGETARIAN | |
|---|---|
| SAAG PANEER Homemade cheese cubes with spinach andground spices — GF | $13.95 |
| PUNJABI CHOLE Chickpeas cooked in a tomato base withcoriander, paprika and chili — V GF | $12.95 |
| BAINGAN BHARTA Tandoor-roasted eggplant, mashed, seasonedand sautéed with onions and tomatoes — GF | $12.95 |
| MUTTER PANEER Peas and paneer cheese in a mild spicedsauce — GF | $13.95 |
| BHINDI MASALA Fresh okra in a spicy sauce of onions, cilantro,coriander and cumin seeds — V GF | $13.95 |
| MADRAS VEGETABLES Fresh vegetables cooked in a mild coconut and curry leaf gravy — V GF | $14.95 |
| ALOO GOBI MASALA Potatoes and cauliflower in a spicy sauce of ginger, garlic and turmeric — V GF | $13.95 |
| SHAHI PANEER Fresh paneer cheese cubes cooked in a rich tomato cream spiced sauce, a classic North Indian dishsauce — GF | $13.95 |
| VEGETABLE VINDALOO Fresh vegetables cooked in a very hot and spicy sauce, a Goan specialty — V GF | $13.95 |
| VEGETABLE CHETTINAD Fresh vegetables cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, black pepper powder, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom — V GF | $13.95 |
| ROTI — BREADS | |
|---|---|
| NAAN A light bread baked in the tandoor oven | $3.00 |
| GARLIC NAAN A multi-layered bread flavored with garlic & cilantro | $4.00 |
| PESHWARI NAAN Naan filled with nuts, dried fruit and raisins | $4.00 |
| PUDINA NAAN Naan flavored with fresh mint | $4.00 |
| ONION KULCHA Naan stuffed with onions | $4.00 |
| PARATHA Whole wheat multi-layered bread baked in the tandoor oven | $4.00 |
| POORI Whole wheat, deep fried puffed bread | $4.00 |
| KIDS MENU | |
|---|---|
| PANEER KULCHA Naan stuffed with paneer cheese, nuts and raisins | $5.95 |
| CHICKEN TIKKA PLATTER Boneless chicken breast pieces served with rice | $6.50 |
| DAL SHORBA Lentil stew finished with mild spices and cream | $5.95 |
| SAAG PANEER Spinach with paneer cheese served with rice | $5.95 |
| CHICKEN NUGGETS Served with rice and lentil stew | $5.95 |
| DESSERTS | |
|---|---|
| MANGO CHEESCAKE Classic mango cheesecake | $5.95 |
| KHEER Caramelized basmati rice, almonds, pistachios and raisins in a sweet milk pudding — GF | $3.95 |
| GULAB JAMUN A North Indian treat – deep fried home made cheese balls served in rose flavored syrup — GF | $4.95 |
| KULFI Home made Indian ice cream flavored with mango and pistachios — GF | $4.95 |
| SPARKLING | |
|---|---|
| UNDURRAGA BRUT CHILE | 7 / 32 |
| ROSE WINE | |
|---|---|
| BRIDGE LANE ROSE FRANCE | 8 / 30 |
| WHITE WINE | |
|---|---|
| MILOU CHARDONNAY FRANCE Strikes a perfect blanace with rich white peach and pineapple fruit flavors, zippy citrus notes of lemon zest, a streak of minerality, and satsifying length and finish | 8 / 30 |
| GIOCATO PINOT GRIGIO SLOVENIA Bright and crisp, with aromas of delicious green apple, acacia flower, and almonds | 9 / 32 |
| PRISMA SAUVIGNON BLANC CASABLANCA VALLEY, CHILE Citrus notes of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, combined with a mineral undertone lead to a crisp, elegant, and well-balanced finish | 8 / 30 |
| LAS BAS GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPAIN Clean aromas of exotic fruits and floral notes which continue on the complex, lively palate | 8 / 30 |
| BURGANS ALBARINO SPAIN Powerful scents of pineapple, mango and white flowers, with a chalky overtone. Offering juicy tropical fruit flavors and a bracing note of lemon zest | 10 / 36 |
| RED WINE | |
|---|---|
| THREE ZINFANDEL CALIFORNIA Dark black and blue color to the edge, with boysenberry, violets, supple tannins and perfect acidity | 9 / 32 |
| ATANCE BOBAL SPAIN Very expressive, clean and focused, nicely balanced, with no apparent oak, with vibrant fruit, nice focus, high pitched fruit and thin layer of spices | 9 / 32 |
| BROADSIDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON CALIFORNIA It's pure aromas swirl with black cherry and subtle vanilla and cola oak-tinged spice with rich black currant and plum notes wrapped in finely structured tannin and delicate acidity | 9 / 32 |
| TOUR DU PECH PINOT NOIR FRANCE Ruby colored and showing off a lovely nose of ripe raspberries and red cherries with mineral hints in the back | 11 / 42 |
| LES DAUPHINS COTES DU RHONE FRANCE Red ruby color, ripe red fruits fragrance with blackcurrant and hint of spices. Elegant structure with smooth tannins and harmonious finish | 8 / 30 |
| FILUS MALBEC ARGENTINA Intense with aromas of raspberry, plum and licorice, noticeable and sweet tannins as well as a spicy sensation in the mouth, the aftertaste displays flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate and coffee | 10 / 36 |
| MAS DONIS GRENACHE / SYRAH SPAIN Medium ruby with flecks of violet, lovely perfume of cherry, spicy cake, floral and masses a ripe crispy fruit, medium body, fine finish with soft tannins and nicely refreshing aftertaste | 10 / 36 |
| BOTTLED BEER | |
|---|---|
| FLYING HORSE, 22oz. | 8 |
| TAJ MAHAL, 22oz. | 9 |
| KING FISHER | 6 |
| MAHARAJA PILSNER | 6 |
| LION STOUT | 6 |
| VICTORY GOLDEN MONKEY | 6 |
| AMSTEL LIGHT | 5 |
| FOOTHILLS JADE IPA | 6 |
| BALLAST POINT GRAPEFRUIT IPA | 6 |
| BELL'S TWO HEARTED ALE | 5 |
| DUCK RABBIT BROWN ALE | 5 |
| SAMUEL SMITH ORGANIC LAGER | 6 |
| BLUE MOON | 5 |
| LEFT HAND MILK STOUT | 5 |
| FOOTHILLS PEOPLE'S PORTER | 5 |
| PABST BLUE RIBBON | 3 |
| ORIGINAL SIN CIDER | 5 |
| FRESH COCKTAILS | |
|---|---|
| MUMBAI MULE Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and Lime with Angosturea Biters and Fresh Ginger Syrup | 10 |
| SASSY LASSI Stoli Vanilla and Fresh Lime Shaken with Mango Lassi | 9 |
| BIRDIE NUM NUM Absolut Mango and Fresh Lime Shaken with Mango Lassi | 10 |
| LAVENDER LOTUS House Vodka and St. Germain with Fresh Lemon, Blueberry, Lavender and Chamomile | 11 |
| SMOKE BLOSSOM House Tequila and Vida Mezcal with Fresh Lime and Chamomile Citrus Syrup | 11 |
| GINGER THISTLE House Gin and Cynar with Fresh Ginger, Simple Syrup, Fresh Lime and Soda | 11 |
| SPIKED CHAI House Bourbon and Disaronno Amaretto with House-Made Masala Chai. Served Hot or Cold | 11 |
| NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS | |
|---|---|
| SODAS | 2 |
| ICED TEA | 2 |
| FRENCH PRESS COFFEE | 3 |
| GINGER BEER | 4 |
| MANGO LASSI A sweet yogurt drink with mango | 4 |
| SALTY LASSI Traditional style (Salty!) | 3 |
| CHAI TEA Spice infused tea with milk | 3 |
| WHITE LION HOT TEA | 3 |
| GINGER LIMEADE | 4 |
| VOSS SPARKLING | 4 |
| VOSS STILL | 4 |
Latest News All News in our blog
Lauren | 1 February
Come sample our lunch buffet with a range of delicious options including chicken and naan cooked in our authentic tandoor oven, raita prepared with house-made yogurt, and seasonal vegetarian specialties.
Lauren | 1 September
New restaurants pop up like carbonated bubbles in craft beer. So, what does it take to become one of the best places to eat in Asheville NC?
Lauren | 22 August
‘Mela’ is a Hindi word. It translates in English to mean ‘a fair’ or a coming together of people in celebration. For Western North Carolina, Mela also means one of the best Asheville bars.
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