Mumbai Gate - Bethersden

Back in August 2013 (21st to be exact) Bob & Phil did a delivery to Tenterden and, on the way back found a restaurant on the site of the old Royal Standard public house.  This evening with a delivery to nearby Woodchurch they thought they would revisit - just short of four years on.  The pub was where they remembered it but the restaurant has changed hands and is now the Mumbai Gate.  Last time around the score was a commendable 74. How would it fare this time around?

Bob & Phil were cheerfully greeted and shown to a table...as it happened the only one in the restaurant that did not have napkins but soon sorted by Bob from an adjacent empty table.

Beers and Popadums were ordered and arrived promptly.  The (draught) Cobras could, perhaps, have been a little colder but the Popadums were nicely warm and fresh.  Phil found the lime pickle nicely spicely and initially Bob was disappointed not to see any Raita amongst the dips but on trying the Tamarind based replacement soon forgot about it.

As before, Butter Chicken was not on the menu but was available on request.  Often Bob finds that this is simply served as a renamed Korma but not so this evening.  Bob found it very tasty and enjoyed it immensely.  Phil enjoyed his Dhansak which had the right texture and heat but was a little too tomato based for his taste.  The portions were very generous and served in attractive dishes which came hot and remained so throughout the meal.

The special rice was first class.  Light and delicately flavoured,the peas could be tasted and was the perfect buffer for the curry.  The vegetables worked well too with both the Bombay Aloo and the Sag Paneer having their distinct and complementary flavours.

The service was very polite and affable and Bob & Phil had a long conversation with the owner about curries and the history of Mumbai Gate and its plans.  It must be noted, though, that as well as no napkins on the table initially neither were there hot towels served after the meal.

Area	Phil	Bob
Beer	8	8
Papadum	8	8
Curry	8	10
Rice & Vegetables	10	10
Service & Ambiance	9	10

                

In total an excellent 89 putting it firmly in second place only a single point behind the table topping Tandoori.

The passion of the owners is evident and they deserve to succeed.  The plans that they have to attract diners into a restaurant that is essentially in the middle of nowhere are exciting and Bob and Phil hope to return sooner than they did this time around!