My 5th Element serves many types of Indian cuisine
My 5th Element’s vast menu covers many of the sub-cuisines within Indian fare. It’s the fourth restaurant for partners Sridhar Sannala and Siva Kondapalli, whose original eatery opened in Jacksonville in 2008.
What I would try a second time
I want to make my way through the savory items on My 5th Element’s menu, so I’ll likely opt for a repeat of dessert, gulab jamun ($3.99), on my next visit. Spongy doughnut hole-like orbs soaked up the warm saffron syrup pooled underneath. Almond slivers added a necessary crunch to the dish.
What I didn’t like
My sizzling lamb boti kebab ($15.99) had a smoky finish to it, which went well with the blend of spices dusted on the chunks of meat. My one gripe — the meat itself was extremely tough.
What I would put on Instagram
The lamb boti kebab in its small cast-iron skillet has appeared on @Orlando.Foodie.
Other eats
An order of paneer pakora ($7.99) was our meat-free appetizer of the evening. Mild, chewy paneer is described as cottage cheese on the menu, but don’t be dissuaded by the description, fellow cottage cheese haters. Paneer is fresh and firm, almost tofu-like. In this dish, it’s breaded in a medley of spices that give it a mild layer of heat before being fried to an addicting crunch.
My 5th Element marinates its
Our chili chicken ($11.99) appetizer was flavored to a sweet-sour combination thanks in part to a soya sauce, pepper and chili sauce marinade that went on the chicken before frying.
My 5th Element's shrimp vindaloo ($17.99) had the requisite spicy gravy with a slice of vinegary tang. Plump shrimp and chunks of potato were scattered throughout. Spongy garlic naan ($3.99) was the perfect accompaniment to our entrees.
How I was treated
Our server was friendly, but not attentive. Dishes for each course didn't arrive at anywhere close to the same time, leaving us to start eating entrees and appetizers before each other.
My next visit
I'd like to explore more chili chicken in a special sauce before frying.
My 5th Element
Where: 1133 Rinehart Road in Sanford
When: Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Dinner: 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Cost: $10.99-$20.99
Beverages: Beer, wine, soda, juice, lassi, coffee Wine by the glass: Yes Attire: Casual
Extras: Lunch buffet, takeout, brunch
Noise level: Moderate Wheelchair access: Good
Credit: Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover
Call: 407-548-6777 and 407-548-6444
Online: My5thElement.com and Facebook.com/My5th ElementSanford of My 5th Element's menu, perhaps via their weekday lunch buffet.
For bar-hoppers
Macro-beers are available on draft and by the bottle. A small wine list and a full liquor bar rounds out the alcohol selection.
For those with special diets
Vegan and vegetarian dishes are plentiful — and gluten-free options are available.