An Indian meal seems the most sensible option for the Saturday evening and this one was the best reviewed in Christchurch so we headed there. There’s the option of making an advance reservation on-line and I did this, although we probably didn’t need to. The restaurant was established in 1975, so it’s their fiftieth anniversary this year which is really quite impressive.
There was one large table already dining when we got there, but no other diners, although it got busier later on. As for the menu, these were very agreeable prices and I even opted for a starter as they were under £4.
The interior was clean and functional, I don’t see the need to overdo these things and it felt a sensible compromise to me.
I opted for mango lassi instead of beer, it was freshly made and tasted light and had the flavours of mango I hoped for. Ross wanted a lager and that’s handy as that’s the only beer choice that they had.
For under £4, I thought that this was a decent starter and I liked the presentation of the lemon press. The chicken pakora was a generous portion, the chicken was tender and the salad added a little something. The coating was perhaps just a little soggy in places, but the flavours were there.
I went for the chicken tikka jalfrezi with a peshwari naan and a side of lemon rice. The portion size for everything was generous, with large and tender pieces of chicken in the curry. The sauce had a depth of flavour, some actual chillies and spices so it didn’t feel drab. The rice was very lemony, but that seems to me to be the point of it. The peshwari naan was light and flavoursome, with the whole lot being at the appropriate hot temperature. The whole arrangement proved to be more than enough and I struggled to finish everything.
The service was informal, efficient and personable, so I felt welcome. I’d very much come here again if I was in the area, I liked the whole set-up. The pint of mango lassi, starter, curry, rice, naan and tip came a total of £24 each. They only gave us one After Eight mint with the bill, so Ross and I agreed that I’d eat it. I agreed the most.
Anyway, all rather lovely.