The Empress of India - Sittingbourne

After several weeks without an evening delivery, 4 came along at once.  A quick race up to Bexleyheath followed by a tour around Sittingbourne saw the Empress as the venue for the end of the evening.

Located on East Street, the Empress of India has been around for quite a while now (since 1991 according to the menu).  It has a more traditional feel to it with subdued lighting although, unusually, it had two TV's showing Bollywood movies.  For a Wednesday evening it was surprisingly busy.

The Papadums were a slight disappointment as they tasted oily and, in one case, left a bitter taste in the mouth.  The dips, however, were good with an interesting beetroot (we think) dip instead of the lime pickle. The (draft) Cobras were good and cold

Phil's Dhansak was very nice.  A great combination of heat and sweetness and the chicken was well cooked.  Bob was a little disappointed with his Butter Chicken, however, as it was rather bland

The vegetable dishes both had their distinctive flavours and the rice was a nice neutral pallet on which to try the flavour combinations.  Bob did feel, however, that there were too many peas in the rice.  The portions of all the dishes were very generous and there was quite a bit left at the end of the meal!

The service could not be faulted - even down to providing a pair of reading spectacles so Bob could peruse the menu.  Phil wasn't sure about the TV's however.  It is also worth noting that, by default, the restaurant adds a service charge to the Menu.

Area	Phil	Bob
Beer	8	8
Papadum	6	6
Curry	8	6
Rice & Vegetables	8	7
Service & Ambiance	8	8

In total a good solid 73, really only let down by the Papadums.

Without being spectacular, The Empress of India racked up a solid score which, in a way reflects the feeling you get when you walk through the door.  You know you are going to have a good curry.