We all judge a book by its cover - but should we?? If you drive past two restaurants that are close together and one has a full car park and the other empty, which would you choose? We chose the empty one......
Kerala Spices looks and feels like a converted nightclub. The building very unpretentious and tired, bordering on having a run down feeling. Look past the covers, though, and wonders await you.
The Papadums were undoubtedly fresh although cold when served. A little greasy but presented with 4 very nice dips that were individually introduced to us - a very nice touch.
We by and large choose the same curries each time so we have a standard by which to judge - the curries this evening have completely broken the mold. It is hard to describe but I guess we have become accustomed to "homogenised" or "fast-foodised" Kormas and Dhansaks. Tonights curries were very different! The flavours were there in abundance but you could tell that the curries had been freshly cooked from scratch rather than from a pre-prepared pot. Ethnic as opposed to Anglicised? Homely as opposed to factory made? They reminded Phil of curries experienced in the early days of the Lahore Kebab House in the East End of London.
The vegetables again had their own blend of spices and the whole meal worked well as a combination. The portions were very generous but somehow not overly filling - enough so that there was room left for a gorgeous rice based desert!
The service was impeccable and we were left wondering why the restaurant is not a lot busier as the food certainly deserves to have more people eating it.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
9
|
9
|
Papadum
|
7
|
7
|
Curry
|
10
|
10
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
9
|
9
|
Service & Ambiance*
|
7
|
7
|
In total 84% The best yet. If they put a little more effort into the surroundings then Kerala Spices would be unbeatable
