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.

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!

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

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.