Phil's nephew Paddy is staying with him at the moment. Having read the blog from down under Paddy was keen to visit the India Royal so Phil & Bob took the opportunity to take him out for a curry. Here are Paddy's thoughts....
I arrived at the ‘India Royal’ with an empty stomach and keen appetite, especially after two rainy deliveries of furniture. This was my first time. After having just one curry in the UK (Birmingham), my expectations were reasonable and my mind was open.
First impressions were good, the lighting and décor of the restaurant was modern, simple and clean (a refreshing change from what you tend to expect from a dated Indian restaurant). We started off with an ice cold Cobra each, accompanied by papadoms and their usual compliments (onion, chutney etc)… These were crisp, warm and tasty.
After ordering our mains, we sat patiently and enjoyed our beers, soaking up the restaurants atmosphere for some time… Maybe too much time…
20+ minutes went by and our beers had vanished, not a good sign. Finally, the mains arrived along with their sides (some vegetable dishes). These were well worth the wait. The curry was sizeable and rich yet mild and subtle in flavour. A hint of coconut shone through a moderately creamy base and was not overpowering as some tend to be. Although the chicken may have been slightly dry (overcooked), the curry was bold and very tasty.
The vegetable dishes (Mottar Panneer, Bombay Aloo) were excellent. Potatoes were soft and complemented the curry well alongside a cheesy mix of peas, again subtle and not overpowering in taste. Its worth mentioning that these dishes (often subject to neglect) were finished if you disregard our full stomachs. My only criticism is that the dishes were warm and not hot, a minor flaw nevertheless.
Overall, the main course was excellent and well worth a disappointingly large wait.
I’d like to make note that I ordered a garlic naan (customary when I have an Indian) which was disappointing. This was bland, slightly burnt and too large.
BEER 10/10
PAPADOMS 8/10
RICE AND VEG 8/10
CURRY 9/10
SERVICE + AMBIENCE 7.5/10
The ‘India Royal’, for the most part was excellent. A culmination of a friendly and relaxing environment, tasty curry and helpful staff made for and enjoyable and satisfying meal, a meal which this Aussie and his palate would happily re-visit!
18 Dec 2015
18 Nov 2015
Lateef Revisited
It had been about 3 years since Bob & Phil had last been to Lateef so a local delivery gave them the opportunity to pop back and try it again. It is fair to say that it hadn't been the highest of scorers in the past so in they went with an open mind.
The decor was as clean and bright as Bob & Phil remembered but the waiters seemed different in kaftanesque uniforms.
The Papadums were fine but, again, only three pickles were offered - not a lime pickle in sight. The beers were nicely cold. Phil did think that the there was a slightly burned taste on one of the Papadums.
The curries were much as remembered but this time around Phil didn't feel that his Dhansak was Pathia like - a different chef?
Phil felt that the vegetables were a bit of a let down, however, as there was a distinct lack of flavour. Bob didn't seem to mind that too much.
Despite the uniforms, the service didn't feel that good. Indifference and aloof were words that Bob and Phil used when discussing their scores.
In total 70 - virtually an identical score to last time.
Although it is quite popular, there is something about Lateef that doesn't quite hit the mark. Not bad but not quite there when compared to some of the better restaurants in Kent.
The decor was as clean and bright as Bob & Phil remembered but the waiters seemed different in kaftanesque uniforms.
The Papadums were fine but, again, only three pickles were offered - not a lime pickle in sight. The beers were nicely cold. Phil did think that the there was a slightly burned taste on one of the Papadums.
The curries were much as remembered but this time around Phil didn't feel that his Dhansak was Pathia like - a different chef?
Phil felt that the vegetables were a bit of a let down, however, as there was a distinct lack of flavour. Bob didn't seem to mind that too much.
Despite the uniforms, the service didn't feel that good. Indifference and aloof were words that Bob and Phil used when discussing their scores.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
7
|
7
|
Curry
|
8
|
8
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
5
|
7
|
Service & Ambiance
|
6
|
6
|
In total 70 - virtually an identical score to last time.
Although it is quite popular, there is something about Lateef that doesn't quite hit the mark. Not bad but not quite there when compared to some of the better restaurants in Kent.
30 Sept 2015
Shamrat Revisited
A double delivery tonight meant the plan was to curry in Sittingbourne just before the second drop. A seriously jammed up centre of Maidstone, however, saw Bob and Phil stuck and moving nowhere fast (or slow for that matter) right outside the entrance to a car park just around the corner from the Shamrat. Plans were rapidly redrawn - why wait in a traffic jam when you can wait in a curry house?
The Shamrat is located on Lower Stone Street in Maidstone. It is a rather busy road with no parking but there is a multi-storey car park just around the corner. The restaurant has a pleasant mix of beams and brickwork and the lighting and decor reflects the age of the building. We were pleasantly greeted on entry and shown to a choice of tables. Again for a Wednesday evening it was surprisingly busy.
As we remembered it, the Papadums were warm and fresh and lightly salted. The dips were the usual mix of onions, raita and mano chutney but with the addition of a lovely spicy chilli jam. Very good indeed. The (draught) beers were nicely cold and very well received.
The curries were very good indeed and Phil in particular loved the texture of the sauce of his Dhansak. Bob felt that his Korma was as good as he remembered.
The vegetables were different this time around, Gone were the dry peas and Bob thought that the Aloo Ghobi had much more flavour.
The service was again very good although Bob felt that he had been a little over-attended.
In total a very good 82 - just slightly below the first time around but an equally enjoyable evening.
Bob and Phil had been a little disappointed with the result of recent re-visits but Shamrat seems to remain consitent.
The Shamrat is located on Lower Stone Street in Maidstone. It is a rather busy road with no parking but there is a multi-storey car park just around the corner. The restaurant has a pleasant mix of beams and brickwork and the lighting and decor reflects the age of the building. We were pleasantly greeted on entry and shown to a choice of tables. Again for a Wednesday evening it was surprisingly busy.
As we remembered it, the Papadums were warm and fresh and lightly salted. The dips were the usual mix of onions, raita and mano chutney but with the addition of a lovely spicy chilli jam. Very good indeed. The (draught) beers were nicely cold and very well received.
The curries were very good indeed and Phil in particular loved the texture of the sauce of his Dhansak. Bob felt that his Korma was as good as he remembered.
The vegetables were different this time around, Gone were the dry peas and Bob thought that the Aloo Ghobi had much more flavour.
The service was again very good although Bob felt that he had been a little over-attended.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
8
|
9
|
Curry
|
9
|
8
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
8
|
Service & Ambiance
|
9
|
8
|
In total a very good 82 - just slightly below the first time around but an equally enjoyable evening.
Bob and Phil had been a little disappointed with the result of recent re-visits but Shamrat seems to remain consitent.
3 Sept 2015
Tandoori Parlour, Rainham. Hero to Zero (well nearly)
After a few weeks without a curry a fairly local evening delivery left Bob & Phil with an opportunity to revisit a nearby Curry House, The Tandoori Parlour which on the last visit equalled the top score. Expectations were high!
The Tandoori Parlour is located in a small row of shops on the A2 with its junction with Mierscourt Road. Parking is available in a public car park nearby - unfortunately Pay & Display until 22:00. To say that the outside is understated is an understatement! It would be very easy to miss.
The Papadums and (Bottled) Cobras arrived quite quickly. Again both Bob and this time Phil too felt that the beer could have been a little colder but the array of pickles served on a lazy susan was still there to enjoy. Unfortunately the Papadums themselves weren't warm and in one case was a little burned and just didn't seem to be that fresh. Still a weak point!.
The curries last time around were undoubtedly the high point scoring 19 out of a possible 20 but this time.....there must be a different chef. Phil's Dhansak was more like a Pathia. The heat and sweetness was there but the sauce was thin and not a lentil to be detected. Bob's Korma, which last time was a two-tone delight,was a very bland and ordinary looking affair.
The vegetables were good, both the Sag Aloo and Muttar Paneer were full of flavour but could, perhaps have been a little warmer.
The service was also very different to how Bob & Phil remembered it. Almost completely absent! There were no napkins on the table and neither were Bob & Phil offered any, Papadums and Beers apart, everything was slow with the only waiter on duty seeming completely disinterested until it was time to pay. This was the first time that either Bob of Phil felt disinclined to leave a tip!
In total a very poor 58 which now puts Tandoori Parlour as one of the three worst curry houses that Bob & Phil have visited. What a difference a few months makes! Bob & Phil will not be back.
Summary.....
The Tandoori Parlour is located in a small row of shops on the A2 with its junction with Mierscourt Road. Parking is available in a public car park nearby - unfortunately Pay & Display until 22:00. To say that the outside is understated is an understatement! It would be very easy to miss.
The Papadums and (Bottled) Cobras arrived quite quickly. Again both Bob and this time Phil too felt that the beer could have been a little colder but the array of pickles served on a lazy susan was still there to enjoy. Unfortunately the Papadums themselves weren't warm and in one case was a little burned and just didn't seem to be that fresh. Still a weak point!.
The curries last time around were undoubtedly the high point scoring 19 out of a possible 20 but this time.....there must be a different chef. Phil's Dhansak was more like a Pathia. The heat and sweetness was there but the sauce was thin and not a lentil to be detected. Bob's Korma, which last time was a two-tone delight,was a very bland and ordinary looking affair.
The vegetables were good, both the Sag Aloo and Muttar Paneer were full of flavour but could, perhaps have been a little warmer.
The service was also very different to how Bob & Phil remembered it. Almost completely absent! There were no napkins on the table and neither were Bob & Phil offered any, Papadums and Beers apart, everything was slow with the only waiter on duty seeming completely disinterested until it was time to pay. This was the first time that either Bob of Phil felt disinclined to leave a tip!
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
7
|
7
|
Papadum
|
6
|
7
|
Curry
|
6
|
6
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
7
|
Service & Ambiance
|
2
|
2
|
In total a very poor 58 which now puts Tandoori Parlour as one of the three worst curry houses that Bob & Phil have visited. What a difference a few months makes! Bob & Phil will not be back.
Summary.....
28 May 2015
Secret Spices - Margate
A delivery to the Westwood Cross area of Thanet was required and, as the van was pointed in that direction, Bob & Phil decided to head towards Margate. Trundling down the road past the QEQM Hospital they spotted Secret Spices.....and now the secret is out!
Secret Spices is on the Ramsgate Road at a 5 way junction which includes the B2052 and Helena Avenue. It is the site of the former Victoria Pub. There is limited street parking available just down the road and the Restaurant has a small car park. Bob and Phil would describe Secret Spices as a Modern indian restaurant - it is brightly lit and very open plan and very clean looking. Both Bob and Phil were surprised at how busy it was for a Thursday evening.
The (bottled Cobras) arrived promptly soon to be followed by the Pappadums. both Bob & Phil felt that they could have been a bit colder but were impressed with the freshness (they were still warm) of the Pappadums. Phil was a little disappointed at only having three dips (he does like his lime Pickle) and whilst Bob was not too sure about the flavour of they yoghurt based dip (it contained Tamarind we think).
Phil was very pleased with his Dhansak. The texture of the sauce was excellent with the flavour of the lentils coming through with hints of sweetness. Bob enjoyed his Butter Chicken but felt that it lacked a little depth of flavour.
Both Bob and Phil thought that the vegetables were excellent. Phil in particular found that the Sag Paneer's sweetness complemented his Dhansak and, unusually, they both thought they detected a hint of mint in the sauce. They both enjoyed the Bombay Aloo but Phil felt that the rice was a little bland. Bob, though, disagreed!
The service is, probably, the one area of disappointment for the evening. The conclusion that Bob and Phil reached was the Secret Spices was probably understaffed for the evening. It was busy but Bob had to ask for the menus and also indicate that they were ready to order - twice. To offset this, however, the ambiance was excellent - the restaurant was brightly lit and there were very nice touches with the cutlery and crockery as well as a neat little trick with the post curry napkins.
In total a very creditable 80, placing Secret Spices just outside of the top 10 on our list.
Of the 4 places blogged in Thanet so far, Secret Spices comes out on top and it is easy to see why. With a little attention to service (and Bob and Phil are prepared to accept that it was unusually busy) it could take something exceptional to stop it from being the best Indian in Thanet.
Addendum 9 June:
Bob & Phil hadn't planned to but happened to be in Thanet with another delivery just about next door and they felt that it would be rude not to pop in again....
Different currys this time (Butter Chicken for Bob and Chicken Rogan for Phil) and different veggies (Chana Masala and Sag Aloo) but every bit as good as last time. It was quieter but there seemed to be more staff in and around and they were very attentive without being intrusive. Both Bob and Phil also thought that the Beer was colder too. Definitely the "Go To" Indian in Thanet.
Secret Spices is on the Ramsgate Road at a 5 way junction which includes the B2052 and Helena Avenue. It is the site of the former Victoria Pub. There is limited street parking available just down the road and the Restaurant has a small car park. Bob and Phil would describe Secret Spices as a Modern indian restaurant - it is brightly lit and very open plan and very clean looking. Both Bob and Phil were surprised at how busy it was for a Thursday evening.
The (bottled Cobras) arrived promptly soon to be followed by the Pappadums. both Bob & Phil felt that they could have been a bit colder but were impressed with the freshness (they were still warm) of the Pappadums. Phil was a little disappointed at only having three dips (he does like his lime Pickle) and whilst Bob was not too sure about the flavour of they yoghurt based dip (it contained Tamarind we think).
Phil was very pleased with his Dhansak. The texture of the sauce was excellent with the flavour of the lentils coming through with hints of sweetness. Bob enjoyed his Butter Chicken but felt that it lacked a little depth of flavour.
Both Bob and Phil thought that the vegetables were excellent. Phil in particular found that the Sag Paneer's sweetness complemented his Dhansak and, unusually, they both thought they detected a hint of mint in the sauce. They both enjoyed the Bombay Aloo but Phil felt that the rice was a little bland. Bob, though, disagreed!
The service is, probably, the one area of disappointment for the evening. The conclusion that Bob and Phil reached was the Secret Spices was probably understaffed for the evening. It was busy but Bob had to ask for the menus and also indicate that they were ready to order - twice. To offset this, however, the ambiance was excellent - the restaurant was brightly lit and there were very nice touches with the cutlery and crockery as well as a neat little trick with the post curry napkins.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
7
|
7
|
Curry
|
9
|
8
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
9
|
Service & Ambiance
|
8
|
8
|
In total a very creditable 80, placing Secret Spices just outside of the top 10 on our list.
Of the 4 places blogged in Thanet so far, Secret Spices comes out on top and it is easy to see why. With a little attention to service (and Bob and Phil are prepared to accept that it was unusually busy) it could take something exceptional to stop it from being the best Indian in Thanet.
Addendum 9 June:
Bob & Phil hadn't planned to but happened to be in Thanet with another delivery just about next door and they felt that it would be rude not to pop in again....
Different currys this time (Butter Chicken for Bob and Chicken Rogan for Phil) and different veggies (Chana Masala and Sag Aloo) but every bit as good as last time. It was quieter but there seemed to be more staff in and around and they were very attentive without being intrusive. Both Bob and Phil also thought that the Beer was colder too. Definitely the "Go To" Indian in Thanet.
21 Apr 2015
Spice Club - Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks is a place that Bob & Phil had yet to visit on their travels and so it was with a degree of anticipation that the trip commenced. The Spice Club was duly spotted on the outbound journey through the town and was, accordingly, the designated stopping off point come curry o'clock.
Located on Sevenoaks High Street, the Spice Club can easily be spotted as a restaurant but it doesn't look like your typical Indian. So much so that Phil did double check the menu in the window before going in. On entering Bob & Phil were warmly greeted, shown to a table and promptly brought menus.
The Papadums and (bottled) Cobras arrived promptly. The former were nicely warm, the latter nicely cold (but Bob felt could have been a bit colder). Bob was pleased to see his favourite pickles arrive with the Papadums but Phil was disappointed by the distinct lack of a Lime pickle. The Onions were also served in a Tamarind (he thinks) sauce which was interesting to begin with but that interest soon wore off.
The curries arrived in nicely presented dishes. Physically nice and hot and in hot dishes.but....Bob was rather disappointed with the overpowering smokiness of his Butter Chicken. He felt that the way that the chicken had been cut (into small strips) had also led to it being overcooked and a little tough. Phil thought that his Dhansak sauce was very good but the meat was disappointing. Like Bob his was overcooked in places but also he could taste a paraffin flavour on some of the meat. It looked and felt like the chicken had been seared/barbecued and allowed to burn.
The vegetables were a bit of a mixed bag. The rice was very nice and also nicely presented (both Bob & Phil enjoyed playing with their rice castles!) and the Malai Sag was very good indeed (probably the highlight of the meal) but the Pindi Chole was extremely garlic laden to the point where it blocked out all other flavours.
The service started well but became indifferent. Bob had to ask for the table to be cleared. It was also disappointing to be offered cold wipes.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
7
|
Papadum
|
7
|
7
|
Curry
|
5
|
4
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
7
|
7
|
Service & Ambiance
|
6
|
6
|
In total a rather mediocre 64 and notably only the third time that the two curries have failed to produce a double figure score between them.
The Spice Club look great from the outside and is nicely presented inside too but as the saying goes you cannot judge a book by its cover and the contents sadly just didn't live up to the presentation.
24 Mar 2015
Tandoori Parlour - Rainham
Tonight's delivery was to Rainham and, having driven along the A2 many, many times Phil was sure that there was a third Indian Restaurant but couldn't quite remember where. The challenge tonight was to find it!
The Tandoori Parlour is located in a small row of shops on the A2 with its junction with Mierscourt Road. Parking is available in a public car park nearby - unfortunately Pay & Display until 22:00. To say that the outside is understated is an understatement! It would be very easy to miss.
Once inside, the restaurant is nicely decorated and seems quite small but there is a second room upstairs.
The Papadums and (Bottled) Cobras arrived quite quickly. Bob felt that the beer could have been a little colder but was impressed (as was Phil) with the array of pickles served on a lazy susan. The Papadums themselves weren't warm and seemed to break almost too easily.
When the curries arrived it was a bit of a surprise. Phil's Dhansak looked just like a Dhansak but initially they thought that Bob had been served with Strawberries and Cream. In all the curry houses visited neither Phil nor Bob had ever seen a two-tone sauce. Putting the surprise of the appearance aside, Bob tucked into his Butter Chicken and was delighted! Phil also felt that his Dhansak was everything he expected with an excellent blend of flavours and texture.
Both Bob and Phil found the vegetables to be excellent too. Phil thought the cream and sweetness to be a great foil for the Dhansak and both enjoyed the hint of coconut. The only slight disappointment was the Bombay Aloo which both felt needed a little more salt.
The service couldn't really be faulted. Polite & speedy but not rushed. Bob and Phil were well looked after. Phil was pleased to overhear a conversation between the staff and a regular customer and noted that the staff really seem to take the time to serve people and not just dish the food up.
It is worth stating at this point that on the evening visited, Tandoori Parlour was offering a deal of Starter, Main, Rice, Vegetable Dish & Naan for £11.95. Bob & Phil partook of this deal but can only mark on the standard points below.
In total a table topping 87% The Tandoori Parlour has proved the equal of the India Royal in Faversham and scored much higher than Darheeling Heights. It is no wonder that it was very busy when Bob & Phil left.
The Tandoori Parlour is a hidden gem! It took a few minutes to track it down but Bob & Phil were very pleased that they made the effort rather than revisiting either of the other two restaurants on the A2. The meal was excellent value for money and Tandoori Parlour deserves to be as busy as it was this evening.
The Tandoori Parlour is located in a small row of shops on the A2 with its junction with Mierscourt Road. Parking is available in a public car park nearby - unfortunately Pay & Display until 22:00. To say that the outside is understated is an understatement! It would be very easy to miss.
Once inside, the restaurant is nicely decorated and seems quite small but there is a second room upstairs.
The Papadums and (Bottled) Cobras arrived quite quickly. Bob felt that the beer could have been a little colder but was impressed (as was Phil) with the array of pickles served on a lazy susan. The Papadums themselves weren't warm and seemed to break almost too easily.
When the curries arrived it was a bit of a surprise. Phil's Dhansak looked just like a Dhansak but initially they thought that Bob had been served with Strawberries and Cream. In all the curry houses visited neither Phil nor Bob had ever seen a two-tone sauce. Putting the surprise of the appearance aside, Bob tucked into his Butter Chicken and was delighted! Phil also felt that his Dhansak was everything he expected with an excellent blend of flavours and texture.
Both Bob and Phil found the vegetables to be excellent too. Phil thought the cream and sweetness to be a great foil for the Dhansak and both enjoyed the hint of coconut. The only slight disappointment was the Bombay Aloo which both felt needed a little more salt.
The service couldn't really be faulted. Polite & speedy but not rushed. Bob and Phil were well looked after. Phil was pleased to overhear a conversation between the staff and a regular customer and noted that the staff really seem to take the time to serve people and not just dish the food up.
It is worth stating at this point that on the evening visited, Tandoori Parlour was offering a deal of Starter, Main, Rice, Vegetable Dish & Naan for £11.95. Bob & Phil partook of this deal but can only mark on the standard points below.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
8
|
8
|
Curry
|
9
|
10
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
9
|
9
|
Service & Ambiance
|
9
|
9
|
In total a table topping 87% The Tandoori Parlour has proved the equal of the India Royal in Faversham and scored much higher than Darheeling Heights. It is no wonder that it was very busy when Bob & Phil left.
The Tandoori Parlour is a hidden gem! It took a few minutes to track it down but Bob & Phil were very pleased that they made the effort rather than revisiting either of the other two restaurants on the A2. The meal was excellent value for money and Tandoori Parlour deserves to be as busy as it was this evening.
4 Mar 2015
Singleton Tandoori & Balti House - Singleton
Tonight saw Bob and Phil delivering to Chilham. Bob was keen to introduce Phil to a curry house that he had recently been to with other friends and, with a repeat visit to Canterbury being the only other option Phil jumped at the chance to try somewhere new.
Singleton Tandoori and Balti House is as its name suggests in Singleton on the outskirts of Ashford. It is located in the Singleton Centre, a parade of shops with a suitably sized car park attached.
From the outside, the Restaurant is well signed and has a traditional look about it. That traditional feel carries into the interior decor with only a flat screen TV showing Bollywood as a nod to modern times.
The (draught) Cobra arrived promptly and, unlike the last restaurant was undoubtedly Cobra! Both Bob & Phil thought, however, that it could have done with being a bit colder. The Papadums arrived shortly after and were a little disappointing as they were cold and also tasted of stale fat. The dips, however, were very good with an interesting not very sweet mango chutney.
There was a short delay before the curries arrived. Phil thought his Dhansak was well worth the wait; the flavour and texture of the lentils came through although there was a strong tomato taste. Bob felt that his Butter Chicken was lacking a little bit of flavour although it was perfectly good.
The Vegetables were a slight let down. Both the Muttar Paneer and the Bombay Aloo seemed to lack flavour. Phil felt that the peas in the former had been overcooked as the characteristic sweetness that they give was lacking.
The service was excellent. Very friendly and very smiley. Phil was also impressed when he overheard one of the waiters recalling a special request from a customer from a previous visit (that customer was also impressed!) Overall the restaurant has a friendly relaxed feel to it.
In total and above average 77 and high enough to put it into the top 20.
In recounting to Phil his previous visit (on Friday 20th Feb), Bob felt slightly disappointed as both his and Phil's experience of midweek curries vs weekend curries is that standards tend to slip when the weekend peak hits. In this case it seemed to be the other way around. Either way the residents of Singleton have a very good Curry House in their midst!
Singleton Tandoori and Balti House is as its name suggests in Singleton on the outskirts of Ashford. It is located in the Singleton Centre, a parade of shops with a suitably sized car park attached.
From the outside, the Restaurant is well signed and has a traditional look about it. That traditional feel carries into the interior decor with only a flat screen TV showing Bollywood as a nod to modern times.
The (draught) Cobra arrived promptly and, unlike the last restaurant was undoubtedly Cobra! Both Bob & Phil thought, however, that it could have done with being a bit colder. The Papadums arrived shortly after and were a little disappointing as they were cold and also tasted of stale fat. The dips, however, were very good with an interesting not very sweet mango chutney.
There was a short delay before the curries arrived. Phil thought his Dhansak was well worth the wait; the flavour and texture of the lentils came through although there was a strong tomato taste. Bob felt that his Butter Chicken was lacking a little bit of flavour although it was perfectly good.
The Vegetables were a slight let down. Both the Muttar Paneer and the Bombay Aloo seemed to lack flavour. Phil felt that the peas in the former had been overcooked as the characteristic sweetness that they give was lacking.
The service was excellent. Very friendly and very smiley. Phil was also impressed when he overheard one of the waiters recalling a special request from a customer from a previous visit (that customer was also impressed!) Overall the restaurant has a friendly relaxed feel to it.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
7
|
6
|
Curry
|
9
|
7
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
7
|
7
|
Service & Ambiance
|
9
|
9
|
In total and above average 77 and high enough to put it into the top 20.
In recounting to Phil his previous visit (on Friday 20th Feb), Bob felt slightly disappointed as both his and Phil's experience of midweek curries vs weekend curries is that standards tend to slip when the weekend peak hits. In this case it seemed to be the other way around. Either way the residents of Singleton have a very good Curry House in their midst!
19 Feb 2015
Badsha - Tenterden
Uncharacteristically, Bob & Phil planned ahead for tonight's delivery to Hawkhurst. They were somewhat disappointed to find that their planned curry stop wasn't open. Fearing the worst they headed for home and were relieved to discover Badsha in Tenterden.
Badsha is a traditional looking restaurant on West Cross (which is the A28). There is plenty of on street parking nearby. Nicely lit and decorated, the traditional look continues with beams a plenty throughout the dining area.
The (alleged) Cobras arrived promptly with a short wait for the Papadums, Neither Phil nor Bob had ever seen a pint of Cobra - bottled or draught - with an inch high head of froth. It was also very gassy with torrents of bubbles and very un-Cobra like. Bob queried whether it was Cobra and was re-assured that it was but Phil was far from convinced. The Papadums were nice and warm but a couple were a little burned.
The curries were initially delivered to the wrong table! When they were repatriated however, both were very pleasing. Phil felt that his Dhansak was spot on. There was a good balance of heat and sweet and the flavour and texture of the lentils came through nicely. Bob enjoyed his butter chicken and it held his interest all the way through.
The rice was excellent, as was the muttar paneer. There was a little disappointment with the Bombay Aloo. It was a little cold and lacked seasoning.
The service was a little haphazard. The greeting was pleasant but the waiters seemed a little harassed. It was clear that there was a new waiter in training but the food was delivered to the wrong table, The usual checks during the meal weren't there but orange segments were served with the napkins.
In total 74 an average score which could have been a top 10 score had it not been for the beer and the service!
Badsha is a traditional looking restaurant on West Cross (which is the A28). There is plenty of on street parking nearby. Nicely lit and decorated, the traditional look continues with beams a plenty throughout the dining area.
The (alleged) Cobras arrived promptly with a short wait for the Papadums, Neither Phil nor Bob had ever seen a pint of Cobra - bottled or draught - with an inch high head of froth. It was also very gassy with torrents of bubbles and very un-Cobra like. Bob queried whether it was Cobra and was re-assured that it was but Phil was far from convinced. The Papadums were nice and warm but a couple were a little burned.
The curries were initially delivered to the wrong table! When they were repatriated however, both were very pleasing. Phil felt that his Dhansak was spot on. There was a good balance of heat and sweet and the flavour and texture of the lentils came through nicely. Bob enjoyed his butter chicken and it held his interest all the way through.
The rice was excellent, as was the muttar paneer. There was a little disappointment with the Bombay Aloo. It was a little cold and lacked seasoning.
The service was a little haphazard. The greeting was pleasant but the waiters seemed a little harassed. It was clear that there was a new waiter in training but the food was delivered to the wrong table, The usual checks during the meal weren't there but orange segments were served with the napkins.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
5
|
6
|
Papadum
|
7
|
8
|
Curry
|
9
|
8
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
9
|
Service & Ambiance
|
7
|
7
|
In total 74 an average score which could have been a top 10 score had it not been for the beer and the service!
4 Feb 2015
British Raj - Sittingbourne
It had been a while since the Curry Gods had smiled on Bob & Phil but a late local delivery was called for and the time was there so.....why not? Tonight's chosen location was the British Raj on Sittingbourne High Street just down the road from the shop.
The British Raj is a modern looking restaurant. Brightly lit and smartly furnished Bob & Phil both wondered why they hadn't tried it before it being located so close by. The restaurant offers a banquet deal 7 days a week which included a starter so Bob & Phil chose to avail themselves of this. Comments about the starters are included but they do not add to the score.
The papadums and beers arrived quite quickly with an unusual tamarind based dip instead of the lime pickly. This dip was very good indeed and went a long way to improving the pappadums themselves which, although fresh and warm, tasted of stale fat.
The starters arrrived after a little wait. Both were nicely presented. Bob wasn't keen on the onions with his Chicken Tikka but otherwised enjoyed it. Phil thought that his Shami Kebab was very good and it raised his expectations for what was to come....
The curries were nicely presented and very generous in size but underwhelmingly bland. Bob felt that his Butter Chicken was more like a Korma and, although not unpleasant was rather boring. Phil felt that his Dhansak looked the part and had the right consistency but had very little flavour - in fact he commented that the sauce tasted a lot like tomato soup.
The lack of flavour theme sadly continued into the vegetables. The Aloo Ghobi and Muttar Paneer were indistinguishable in flavour even to the point of not being able to taste the peas.
The service was OK but not special - polite but if anything a little slow given the lack of customers
In total a rather disappointing 60 putting the British Raj squarely into the bottom 5.
From a firm foundation in terms of position and looks sadly the British Raj underdelivers on flavour. A shame.
The British Raj is a modern looking restaurant. Brightly lit and smartly furnished Bob & Phil both wondered why they hadn't tried it before it being located so close by. The restaurant offers a banquet deal 7 days a week which included a starter so Bob & Phil chose to avail themselves of this. Comments about the starters are included but they do not add to the score.
The papadums and beers arrived quite quickly with an unusual tamarind based dip instead of the lime pickly. This dip was very good indeed and went a long way to improving the pappadums themselves which, although fresh and warm, tasted of stale fat.
The starters arrrived after a little wait. Both were nicely presented. Bob wasn't keen on the onions with his Chicken Tikka but otherwised enjoyed it. Phil thought that his Shami Kebab was very good and it raised his expectations for what was to come....
The curries were nicely presented and very generous in size but underwhelmingly bland. Bob felt that his Butter Chicken was more like a Korma and, although not unpleasant was rather boring. Phil felt that his Dhansak looked the part and had the right consistency but had very little flavour - in fact he commented that the sauce tasted a lot like tomato soup.
The lack of flavour theme sadly continued into the vegetables. The Aloo Ghobi and Muttar Paneer were indistinguishable in flavour even to the point of not being able to taste the peas.
The service was OK but not special - polite but if anything a little slow given the lack of customers
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
7
|
8
|
Papadum
|
6
|
6
|
Curry
|
6
|
6
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
5
|
4
|
Service & Ambiance
|
6
|
6
|
In total a rather disappointing 60 putting the British Raj squarely into the bottom 5.
From a firm foundation in terms of position and looks sadly the British Raj underdelivers on flavour. A shame.
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