Butter Chicken Masala
Chicken simmered in a tomato, onion, and ginger sauce, finished with butter and cream — the dish guests order most, and ask for by name.
Our Story
The magic of Indian spices, made honestly
Mantraa began in Samborondón, where it became the #1-rated restaurant in the district on Tripadvisor. In 2025 we opened a second home inside a restored historic house in Cuenca's Puertas del Sol — the same kitchen philosophy, a new city to feed.
Every cook in our kitchen is Indian. We make our yogurt from scratch, temper our own masala chai, and bake eight kinds of naan in a clay oven. Neetu and Shri, the two ladies behind Mantraa, believe spice should never overwhelm the ingredient — you should still be able to taste the chicken, the paneer, the lentil. Heat is always adjusted to you: mild, medium, or as hot as you dare.
Mantras — sacred chants sung by yogis since time immemorial — are known for a wide range of benefits: easing stress, increasing the flow of positive energy through the body, releasing endorphins, and steadying the heart's rhythm, to name a few.
Natural, wholesome food, shared among family and friends in a positive setting, is known to carry many of those same benefits.
"Mantraa" is our effort, and our honor, to share traditional, healthful Indian food with you.
"Spices should not overwhelm the food — you should still be able to taste what's underneath."— Neetu & Shri, Mantraa
Dining Like a Local
Indian dining customs worth knowing
Food shared at the center
Most dishes are placed at the center of the table to be shared by everyone — a deep expression of hospitality.
Eating with your hands
In many regions of India, food is traditionally eaten by hand — considered an intimate way to enjoy a meal.
Sacred hospitality
Hosts insist that guests eat well and often, serving again and again as an expression of affection and courtesy.
Home cooking as love
Cooking at home for loved ones is an act of affection — many recipes are family ones, passed down through generations.
Vegetarianism & dietary customs
Many families, especially Hindu and Jain, follow a strict vegetarian diet, and certain religious restrictions — such as not eating beef — are widely observed.
Festive, communal meals
During festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Pongal, food becomes an even bigger event — shared with neighbors, community, and visitors.
