★★★★
An ECHO Supplement
The Great Mersey Curry Guide
Your guide to the finest Indian restaurants in the region
2 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE
Spice up your life with our Contents curry guide index Pages 4-6: Curry Quarter Pages 7-10: City suburbs Pages 11-14:Wirral Pages 15-17: Sefton Pages 18-19: St Helens Pages 20: Ormskirk Pages 22: Runcorn Pages 23: Warrington Words: Vicki Kellaway Design: Richard Irvine
W
AY back in the 1960s The Beatles were busy doing their thing – and you couldn’t blame the citizens of Liverpool for failing at first to spot a culinary renaissance in their midst. The first Indian restaurant had opened in the city centre and brought a range of exotic treats to the city’s mini-skirt clad streets. Life was not always easy for those early curry proprietors – and you can read all about the city’s dubious reaction to now familar favourites like aubergine and coriander on page four. But how far we’ve come. Now almost everyone has a local Indian restaurant and the region’s eastern eateries specialise in curried treats as diverse as quail, squid and fillet steak. You can find real goldfish swimming beneath your table at the Albert Dock’s Spice Lounge and only your fortune will stop you ordering a magnum of Cristal at Nabi’s in St Helens. Many of the region’s curry houses may be as familiar to you as your living room – places where you can curl up in a booth, order a pint and reel off your usual order without thinking. But we urge you to try something a little different and this 24-page guide is devoted to bringing you the tastiest specialities and most unusual Indian fare around. Enjoy – and don’t forget to make 2010 the year you spice up your life!
Mayur....................................................................................................Duke Street
Maharaja.................................................................................London Road
MAYUR might face stiff gastro competition from all corners of the world on Duke Street, but it’s more than able to hold its own on the city’s ‘restaurant row’. Our taste tester found first class service from the moment customers entered the double glass doors. The staff here are courteous and attentive and the stylish interior includes beautiful aubergine walls and twinkling chandeliers with posh Villeroy & Boch glasses on the snow white tables. Opened by a family of doctors the emphasis here is on high-quality food served as healthily as possible. Check out the tandoori dishes which are all cooked in the style of North West India, and consequently low in oil and fat. A pint of Becks at Mayur costs £3 and bottles of wine start around £11.
MAHARAJA is a south Indian restaurant and takes its culinary inspiration from the famous ‘Land of Spices’ – Kerala, on the south west coast of India. Expect the expert use of spices including cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamon, cuminseed and coriander in a cuisine often centred around the ocean. You might also like to know that Gordon Ramsay ate here and loved the place. You could try the prawn mango curry (£9.95) or maybe the squid olathu (£10.95) which will see you served sliced squid cooked in a green massala and coconut sauce with those all important spices. The mixed lentil curry (£6.95) is also a good option. A pint of Cobra will cost you £2.95 and bottles of wine start around £11.
Address: 130 Duke Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 709 9955 Email: reservations@mayurrestaurant.co.uk Website: www.mayurrestaurant.co.uk Opening hours: Midday to 2.45pm, Monday to Sunday. 5pm to 11pm weekdays – until midnight Friday and Saturday. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within five miles.
HIGH CLASS: The Mayur Indian restaurant on Duke Street in the city centre
Address: 34-36 London Road, Liverpool Telephone number: 0151 709 2006 Email: None Website: www.maharajaliverpool.co.uk Opening hours: Midday to 2.30pm every day, 5.30pm to 11pm Sunday to Thursday – open until 11.30pm Friday and Saturday. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
LAND OF SPICES: Maharaja on London Road specialises in south Indian food
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 3
LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE Spice Lounge.........Albert Dock THE city’s glorious Albert Dock is a lovely place to wine and dine and Spice Lounge is another excellent reason to visit. A Delhi temple supposedly inspired the restaurant’s design and you can feel owner Ali Noor’s passion in every corner. You won’t find korma, tikka massala or madras on the menus here – instead you will find an array of carefully chosen dishes cooked in those all-important charcoal fired tandoori ovens. Spice Lounge’s dark wood and rich crimson interior is truly sumptuous and yes, those are real goldfish swimming beneath the glass tables in the waiting area. Customers here pay a little more – think £3.50 for a poppadum – but keep going back. You could try the tasty lamb jasalmare (£13.90) or the murgh makhan for £11.90. A pint of Kingfisher will cost you £3.80 and bottles of wine start around £13. Address: Atlantic Pavillion, Albert Dock, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 707 2202 Email: info@spicelounge.uk.com Website: www.spicelounge.uk.com Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 4 to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday, 4pm to midnight. Take Away: Not Available.
UPMARKET: The Spice Lounge, Atlantic Pavillion, Albert Dock
Sultan’s palace....................................Victoria Street
FAMILY RUN: The Sultan’s Palace is on Victoria Street in city centre Liverpool
2 BOTTLES OF BEER FREE!!!
Receive two bottles of beer with your takeaway order if you order for £30 or more
MOST Merseyside curry fans will know the hugely popular Sultan’s Palace, a family-run restaurant in Victoria Street. The chefs here make an effort to improve all those familiar favourites while throwing a few wild cards onto the menu too. Specials include the Narial Gosht (£10.95) lamb sautéed with coconut and mixed garlic and ginger and their secret blend of spices and the Rara Gosht Punjabi (£10.95) – the restaurant’s own creation of minced and diced lamb with that all important kick. Staff are friendly and Sultan’s Palace is said to be popular with footballers – they alone may opt for the flambéed leg of lamb
FOOD AND VENUE
We specialise in outdoor catering and provide air conditioned conference and private dining room for details call the phone line and ask for Ash
Sultan’s Palace is a family run business located in the centre of Liverpool
Early Bird menu served between 5.00pm & 6.45pm … just £14.99
A speciality of the Sultan’s Palace is tandoori cuisine, barbecued in traditional charcoal fired clay ovens. We have engaged the services of the most highly skilled chefs from India, masters of their culinary art! Couple this with our dedication to use the finest ingredients resulting in the Sultan’s Palace experience. We aim to attract those who have the same appreciation for fine food, impeccable service and convivial ambience as ourselves. We look forward to serving you soon – and if you have any questions or would like to reserve a table, please feel free to contact us.
We also have a spacious private room for customers wishing to entertain guests in a private atmosphere. Presentation facilities are available on request
75-77 Victoria Street, Liverpool L1 6DE (Queens Square End, opposite Millenium House) Tel: 0151 227 9020 • Fax: 0151 227 9010 • Web: www.sultans-palace.co.uk
EARLY BIRD MENU
Sultan’s Palace invites you to enjoy a relaxing meal by taking advantage of our Early Bird Menu.
Our takeaway service is available from 5.30pm until 11.30pm 7 days a week
(£42.95). The restaurant runs a busy outside catering service and a lunchtime buffet, from midday to 2.30pm weekdays. There is also a conference room and facilities for private dining. Address: 75-77 Victoria Street, opposite Millenium House. Telephone number: 0151 227 9020 Email: Via the website Website: www.sultans-palace.co.uk Opening hours: 5pm to midnight every day except Sunday, closing at 11pm. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Delivery available. Call 0800 389 7678.
4 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CURRY QUARTER
Welcome to the city’s own curry mile LONDON and Manchester are two of our greatest rivals and sadly, when it comes to dedicated curry havens – they appear to have the upper hand. But anyone drawn to east London’s Brick Lane recently will have endured an energetic turf war. Curry touts there are so eager to tempt you inside they will often cheekily shout excellent discounts – which fail to materialise on your bill. Similarly Manchester’s Curry Mile – that gaudy strip crammed into Rusholme – is struggling to keep pace with its own success. A third of its restaurants now serve Middle Eastern cuisine and some jokingly call the street ‘kebab mile’. Perhaps it’s time for Liverpool to step into the breach. We may only have six Indian restaurants in the Renshaw Street/Bold Street zone but they are all friendly, cosy and good value. With such close proximity to town, what better way to start?
A spice of history
EVER wondered where it all began? Why not pop into Asha in Bold Street and feel a slice of the city’s history. Okay, so the restaurant may only be 45 years old (young compared to many of our buildings) but The Asha was the first curry house to arrive in the city centre. Calcutta-born owner Dipak Choudhury opened the restaurant in 1964, the same year the Beatles released A Hard Day’s Night and Can’t Buy Me Love. He certainly had a lot on his plate – his amazed customers had never before seen an aubergine or heard of coriander. Mr Choudhury, who became known as Mr Asha, said: “Customers would come in but they didn’t really know what they were coming in for, or what to expect. We had to take the time to explain each dish to them and warn them some were hot. Even then, they would order something and say it was too hot or wasn’t what they expected. Sometimes that was frustrating, but I do see the funny side of it now.” Mr Choudhury, lives above the restaurant with his wife, Chandana, is hoping to sell the business so he can embark on a world cruise.
Dipak Choudhury
Asha.................................................Bold Street FAMOUS for its origins as the first curry house in the city centre, the delights of Asha are well known. The alcoves give the place an intimate feel and it has an extensive menu, which will satisfy most. Asha is competitively priced and can get busy at the weekends with people popping in on their way to a night out in town. The most popular dishes are the chicken tikka massala (£7.90) and the badami gusth or lamb curry (£7.90). Alcohol is also
good value, with bottles starting at £1.90 and a pint of Cobra available for £2.20. Address: 79 Bold Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 709 6925 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 1am. Friday and Saturday, 5.30pm to 2am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
LANDMARK: Asha on Bold Street was the first curry house to open in the city in 1964
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CURRY GUIDE 5
CURRY QUARTER Samrat.....................................................................................Renshaw Street THE Samrat, next to the Barcelona Bar on Renshaw Street, pushes to stand out in a corner of the city packed with competition. Besides the traditional fare, this curry house also specialises in south Indian cuisine, mostly from the Kerala region. Popular dishes include the chicken lollipop (£3.95) – a spiced chicken starter with dips. Staff also recommend the Kashmiri rogan josh - a dish that is both tasty and pretty with its swirls of dark and light orange (£7.95) The hyderabadi dum biryani is also popular - a lamb and rice dish with delicate spiced yoghurt (£9.95) The alcohol offering is varied here and includes a pint of Cobra on draught for £3 and bottles of wine from around £12. Address: 37 Renshaw Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 702 9060 Email: shakannu@yahoo.com Website: www.samratliverpool.co.uk Opening hours: Seven days a week - 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5pm to midnight Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant. Free delivery within three miles.
Masterchef....Renshaw St ALL the usual favourites are served at Masterchef, which is in the heart of the city’s curry quarter. The standard fare will arrive at reasonable prices including the chicken tikka (£3.40) and vegetarian biryani (£6.50) But staff here urge you to be a bit more adventurous. You could try their specials, including an extremely hot king prawn chilli (£9.50) and chicken and lamb on the bone (£7.95) But if you’re really organised, you’ll go for the exotic masala banquet for four people (£49 for chicken, £55 for lamb) It might require 24 hours notice but the chef promises he’ll marinate the meat in a special sauce for 20 hours before barbecuing it ready for your arrival. Masterchef opens midday to midnight, Sunday to Thursday and stays open until 1am at the weekends. It’s bring your own alcohol and there is no corkage fee. Address: 57 Renshaw Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 709 3275 Email: info@masterchefrestaurant.co.uk Website: www.masterchefrestaurant.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, midday to midnight. Friday and Saturday midday to 1am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery 4pm to 11.30pm, within four miles and with a minimum £12 order.
WAS £8.99
NOW
£3.59
£1.00 P&P (U
K)
AWARD WINNING WRITER MIKE CHAPPLE’S ESSENTIAL, FACT-FILLED HANDBOOK - A GUIDE TO THE TOP 30 PLACES DRINK AND EAT IN LIVERPOOL...
Call: 0845 143 0001or visit EXPERT: Chef Mr Khan, from Masterchef in Renshaw Street, Liverpool
Our friendly staff are always willing to help and advise you so that you can make the right choice for your own particular taste. We don’t serve alcohol, please feel free to bring your own.
OPENING TIMES:
FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £12 WITHIN 4 MILE RADIUS
Sun to Thurs 12 noon - 12 midnight Friday & Saturday 12 noon - 1.00am
57 Renshaw Street, Liverpool 1 Tel. 0151 709 3275 www.masterchefrestaurant.co.uk
6 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CURRY QUARTER Indian Delight.. Renshaw St INDIAN Delight is a typical Renshaw Street curry house, complete with those all-important private booths. This curry house is favoured for its excellent value and willingness to cater for large groups. Staff maintain their friendliness even though the restaurant is often open until 3am. You’ll find all your favourites here. The most popular dishes at Indian Delight are the Chef’s Special Massala - tandoori chicken and chicken and lamb tikka, topped with an omelette (£7.95) and the garlic king prawns (£13.95) There is a wide range of alcoholic beverages available including large bottles of Kingfisher for £4.40. Bottles of wine start around £8. Address: 83 Renshaw Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 709 1722 Email: None Website: www.indiandelightliverpool.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm to 1am. Friday and Saturday, 5.30pm to 3am. Take Away: Available. Collection only.
CLASSIC: Indian Delight has a range of private booths
A Passage to India..................... ....................................Bold Street
CITY STALWART: A Passage to India on Bold Street opened back in 1987
UnI.........Renshaw Street IMMENSELY popular UnI has been open on Renshaw Street for almost 40 years. While much debate surrounds the pronunciation of its name (It’s pronounced ‘You – n – Eye” for those in the “Yuni” camp) it’s a firm favourite with those frequenting the city’s curry quarter. The service is quick and friendly, even if you hide yourself in a booth with the curtains drawn (don’t forget your dimmer switch and service bell). Popular dishes include the giant meat samosas (£2.95) and seek kebab (£3.50) with the Cha Chas King Prawn Special (£14.95) and Naz’s Special - chicken and potatoes and pilau rice for £10.95. A big bottle of Cobra here will cost you £4.95 and bottles of wine start around £10. Address: 67 Renshaw Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 709 6587 Email: None Website: www.unirestaurant.com Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5.30pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday, 5.30pm to 2am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
POPULAR: UnI has been on Renshaw Street for almost 40 years
A PASSAGE to India is another stalwart of the city centre curry scene – it opened in Bold Street in 1987. It offers a wide variety of curries, with typical dishes including the lamb pasanda (£8.25) and chicken dopiaza (£6.50) alongside the thali taster plates, ranging from £11 to £15. Staff recommend the chicken tikka balti (£7.50) The all-you-can eat buffet on Sunday runs from 2pm until midnight and costs £9.95 per person. You can bring your own bottles of wine and beer or buy from the bar, pints are £2.70 and a glass of wine is £2.95. Address: 76 Bold Street, Liverpool city centre Telephone number: 0151 709 6441 Email: info@passagetoindialiverpool.com Website: www.passagetoindialiverpool.com Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 5pm to midnight, Thursday to 1am, Friday and Saturday to 2.30am and Sunday until midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 7
CITY SUBURBS Café Naz.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Wavertree
SAME FLAVOURS, HEALTHY METHODS: Cafe Naz has ambitions to be the best in Wavertree BOLD Cafe Naz has announced its intention to become the best Indian restaurant in Wavertree and the focus here is on providing the same flavours with the healthiest methods. You’ll find a menu stuffed with your standard fare – all the bhuna, vindaloo, dansak and madras dishes are in place. But the more adventurous meat eater might opt for Naz’s special massala (£7.95) – a mix of tandoori chicken, chicken tikka and lamb tikka, topped with an omelette. There is an extensive specials list too and the fish dishes here are particularly popular - the medium spicy fangash (Indian fish) costs £9.95 served with salad. Vegetarian dishes at Naz’s are all around £4.50. Buy standard bottles of Cobra and Kingfisher for £2.30. Wines start from around £7. Address: 8 Wavertree High Street, Wavertree Telephone number: 0151 734 3339. Email: info@cafenazltd.co.uk or cafenaz@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.cafenazltd.co.uk Opening hours: 5pm until 11pm every day, including bank holidays. Take Away: Free delivery within three miles with minimum £10 order
LOOKING GOOD: Chef Shepu Ahmed, from Cafe Naz presenting the dishes he’d cooked earlier in the kitchen, left
Modern Tandoori......... ........................Wavertree INDIAN Restaurants often suffer from ‘hidden gem’ syndome – tucked away with their reputations built on word of mouth rather than passing trade. The Modern Tandoori might be one such example - firmly nestled in the upper reaches of Wavertree High Street. The exterior gives nothing away but inside the emphasis is on good food and wine at affordable prices. The King Prawn Puree is popular at £3.95 and so is the chicken korma at £6.95. You can buy a standard bottle of Cobra here for £2.50 and bottles of wine start from around £8. Address: 102 Wavertree High Street, Wavertree Telephone number: 0151 734 2251 Email: mtandoori@yahoo.co.uk Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 6pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday 6pm to 2am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
NICE AND SPICY: Red Fort has a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes on offer
Red Fort..............Lark Lane
Bhaji......................Tuebrook
VIBRANT Lark Lane might be the perfect place for an Indian restaurant, but it means the Red Fort has a lot of competition. The staff here have countered this by selecting a range of both traditional and contemporary dishes and focusing on friendly, attentive service. As always it’s fun to skip the standard dishes – maybe the Exotic Tilapia Fish will catch your eye for £11.95 or the sweet Chicken Tikka Kashmiri with its sweet dash of mango chutney (£8.50) The Duck Jasmin (£9.95) is tempting too, cooked to the chef’s secret recipe with a saffron and coconut sauce. The seven vegetarian dishes might be less exotic but cost a reasonable £6.75. Grab a large bottle of Cobra for £4.75. Bottles of wine start from around £11.
IF you like to be ahead of the crowd, it’s worth booking a table at Bhaji. The restaurant has only been open three months now and is just down the road from its successful sister take away. Bahji can seat up to 50 diners and the staff here are friendly and accommodating. There’s a wide range of enticing dishes on the menu and you’ll find all the classics, including a particularly tasty chicken joypuri for £8.50. As always, it’s worth examining the specials list. The lamb shank (£9.95) is oven cooked for around five hours and the nawabi murgi (also £9.95) is equally tempting – the two whole chicken breasts are left to marinate overnight. A pint of Kingfisher at Bahji will cost you £2.75 and bottles of wine start from around £10. Address: 561-563 West Derby Road, Tuebrook Telephone number: 0151 228 6667ý Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday 4.30pm to 11.30pm Take Away: Call Bahji’s sister take away, 613 West Derby Road, on 0151 252 1552.
Address: 15-21 Lark Lane, Aigburth Telephone number: 0151 728 9728 Email: Via the website Website: www.redfortlarklane.com Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 10.30pm Sunday Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
8 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CITY SUBURBS Cafe Sekander.......Mossley Hill CAFÉ Sekander prides itself on a hugely varied menu for both meat lovers and vegetarians. It’s a case of bring your own alcohol – with a £1 per person corkage fee – which leaves you free to spend your pennies on a wide range of dishes. Favourites include tandoori dishes such as the Nawabi Tikka – two marinated chicken breasts served with grilled tomatoes and oriental chillies plus a plain naan and bowl of bhuna sauce for £10.95. The large range of vegetarian dishes can be served as starters or mains with the spinach and cottage cheese Saag Paneer and the Bhindi Bhaji – okra – both £5.45 (£2.65 as a starter)
TOP QUALITY: Cafe Sekander has a reputation for excellent food
Address: 165 Allerton Road, Mossley Hill Telephone number: 0151 729 0482 Email: Through the website Website: www.cafesekander.co.uk Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 4.30pm to midnight. Sunday midday to midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery to L18 postcodes.
Madhari..........Mossley Hill MADHARI has quite a battle on its hands in Aigburth Road – but by all accounts, it’s a firm contender. Reasonable prices for excellent food help keep Madhari cheerfully busy and the staff work hard to keep this restaurant friendly and cosy – making the effort to remember regular customers’ names. Our taste tester enjoyed the Chicken Samba (£5.75) cubes of chicken tikka with green chilli dahl, fresh herbs and tomato – even though she echoed the waiter’s warning about the chillis sprinkled across the plate. The Lamb Patia (£6.25) was also a success and when the bill arrived, it was excellent value. A pint of Cobra will set you back £3.25. Wines range from £9 to £19 per bottle. Madhari also runs a popular catering service and even sells gift vouchers for its meals. Address: 552 Aigburth Road, Mossley Hill Telephone number: 0151 494 1134 Email: None Website: http://madhari-restaurant.com Opening hours: 5pm to 11.30pm daily. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
FRIENDLY: Staff remember your name
Millon Tandoori............................................................................................Mossley Hill SPACIOUS yet intimate with its private dining booths, the Millon Tandoori is fast cementing its citywide reputation. The staff here pride themselves on providing a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and Millon’s is a popular place at peak times. The name tells you what makes this restaurant proud - and tandoori king prawns are a speciality
at £11.95. Chef’s recommendations also include the lime flavoured Bengal lamb at £8.75 and a Sylheti dish with fried onions, peppers and fresh chillies cooked with yoghurt (£8.20). A pint of Kingfisher will costs you £3.20 and you can buy bottles of wine from around £11. Address: 187-189 Allerton Road,
Mossley Hill, Liverpool Telephone number: 0151 729 0220 Email: info@millontandoori.com Website: www.millontandoori.com Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm until 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday, 5.30pm until midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only no delivery
Light of Bengal.............Aigburth
TEMPTING: The Light of Bengal on Aigburth Road
THE Light of Bengal knows the way to a curry lover’s heart is to get the basics right – but the staff here can’t resist throwing in a few more unusual offerings too, probably because there is such stiff competition in this part of the city. You could throw caution to the wind and try the salmon curry (£8.50) but there are plenty of other tempting dishes too, including the chicken tikka exotica beautifully flavoured with its blend of chilli, garlic and tamarind (£7.95) You could also try the Nawabi chicken in Chef’s Special massala - flavoured with coriander and finished with sliced almonds (£7.95) A Cobra here will cost you £3.45 and bottles of wine start from £8.50. Address: 286-288 Aigburth Road, Aigburth Telephone number: 0151 728 7030 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday 4.30pm to midnight, Monday to Thursday 5pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday 4.30pm to 12.30am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 9
CITY SUBURBS
HOT STUFF: The stylish decor of the Gulshan in Liverpool
Gulshan.........Aigburth Road FOUNDED by Mustafa and Salina Rahman in 1986, Gulshan is Liverpool’s most famous Indian restaurant. The plaudits have been heaped upon this Aigburth Road curry house – topped by its inclusion in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant also underwent a makeover last year and is now the proud home to a new cocktail lounge and tapas bar. But more importantly the food here is impressive. Our taste tester recommended the lamb rezalla (£7.95) but warned about the kick (like a bad tempered donkey apparently) and the lamb green balti massalla (£8.30) which was similarly fiery. The creamy vegetable passanda (£7.30) is a good option too, with its lightly nutty sauce, if you like your life a little cooler. If you fancy a little variety – try the unusual option of Indian tapas, available Sunday to Thursday. A pint of Cobra at Gulshan will cost you £3.20. Bottles of wine start around £14.
FOUNDERS: Mustafa and Salina Rahman founded the Gulshan
Address: 544/548 Aigburth Road, Liverpool Telephone number: 0151 427 2273 Email: info@gulshan-liverpool.com Website: www.gulshan-liverpool.com Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday until 11.30pm. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
CONTEMPORARY: A dish at the Gulshan on Aigburth Road
10 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CITY SUBURBS Royal Tandoori.....................Smithdown Road WHEN students find a favourite curry house they tend to let others know – and the Royal Tandoori has been a hit in this part of the city for years. It’s a small to medium-sized curry house and often busy, with the crowds here for the friendly staff and the tasty yet reasonably priced curries. There is a large selection of house specialities plus all the classics you would expect. Give the tasty chicken or lamb korahi special a try at £7.20, perhaps with the keema pilau for £2.50. Staff also recommend the murgh masala - a combined chicken and mincemeat
dish for £7.75. A pint of Cobra will cost you £3.10 here and bottles of wine start from around £7.50. Address: 453 Smithdown Road, Wavertree Telephone number: 0151 733 6816 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 12.30am. Friday and Saturday 4.30pm to 1am Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Delivery only available Friday, Saturday and Sunday, within three miles, £1 per person.
Khalisa..........................................................Childwall KHALISA has been newly refurbished and retains all the experience of its many years as Ayesha - with a fresh and warming new look. The focus here is firmly on providing a good value meal out with an ambient family atmosphere. You’ll find all your favourites at Khalisa. The staff here recommend the lamb chat kora - with its tasty lime infusion (£8.95) and the tandoori chicken uri with its seasonal Bangladeshi green beans, barbecued chicken and coriander (£8.95) A pint of Kingfisher will
cost you £2.80 and bottles of wine start from around £10. Address: 98-100 Bentham Drive, Childwall Telephone number: 0151 737 1713 Email: None Website: www.khalisa.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday 4.30pm to midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Currently collection only.
MAGIC MIXTURE: Ali Koor of The Raj Indian restaurant in Woolton Village
The Raj..............................................................................................................................................Woolton THE Raj is instantly recognisable with its distinctive monochrome exterior and pretty fountain – and now its owners have opened the successful Spice Lounge on the Albert Dock, The Raj is determined not to be outdone. It seems unlikely, with the staff here focusing on the magic
mixture of a cosy atmosphere with lots of tasty dishes. You could give the murgi mossaka a whirl at £9.50, the popular chicken jalfrezi at £8.90 and the lamb bhuna at £7.60. A pint of Cobra will cost you £3.50 and a bottle of wine starts around £11. The restaurant has a sister
takeaway on Speke Road in Hunts Cross which delivers, call 0151 448 1614. Address: 9 Allerton Road, Woolton Telephone number: 0151 421 1264 Email: None
Website: www.rajfood.com Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 5pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 12.30pm. Sunday midday to midnight. Take Away: Collection only from The Raj, delivery from Hunts Cross.
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 11
WIRRAL Kerala Kitchen.................................................... Prenton
BRIGHT and cosy Kerala Kitchen is Wirral’s only Indian restaurant dedicated to south Indian cuisine. While you may choose to opt for the usual fare – kormas, bhunas, dansaks and dopiazas will set you back around £6.50 dependant on the meat you choose – it might be a mistake to ignore the more unusual Kerala dishes served here. There are many fabulous fish options and vegetarians are particularly well catered for. Perhaps you’ll like the vegetable kadai (£4.90) or the crab massala (£7.90). Kerala Kitchen also does a wide range of tasty soups for around £2.50 – ensuring a meal here is
good value. A pint of Cobra costs £2.95 and bottles of wine start from around £8. Address: 342 Woodchurch Road, Prenton Telephone number: 0151 201 1121 Email: mailkitchen@keralakitchen.co.uk Website: www.keralakitchen.co.uk Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant with free home delivery up to three miles.
Wirral Tandoori......................Bromborough
Cinnamon..............................................Birkenhead
Ruhi Balti............................................Birkenhead
THE Wirral Tandoori might not look the most authentic Indian restaurant on the outside – with its white walls and mock tudor beams. But it’s likely the menu here will impress you - it could not be more extensive. You could find yourself struggling to choose from more than 30 starters – including a few Western selections – before you’ve even made it onto your mains. Particularly impressive is the range of kebabs and tandoori dishes. This restaurant is fairly priced without being cheap – you could go for the monkfish malabar (£13.50) or perhaps the Goan king prawns (£12.50). The
CINNAMON is another Indian restaurant that perhaps doesn’t reveal on the outside the quality of food it has to offer on the inside. It prides itself on its rich, natural looking sauces. The chicken chat starter (£2.95) and the chicken tikka massala (£6.95) are, unsurprisingly, both very popular. The staff here also recommend the spicy lamb sylheti (£11.95) and the king prawn jhinga lajeej (£10.95) if you fancy a change. You’re also welcome to take home a doggy bag if you can’t finish it all. A pint of
POPULAR Ruhi Balti is often busy at weekends so it’s best to book ahead. It’s also a ‘bring your own alcohol’ restaurant so scores high in the good value stakes. There is no corkage fee. The most popular dishes at Ruhi Balti are the mild nadroo kiyakmi (£7.75) and the garlic chicken platter (£7.75). You might also like to opt for the fragrant chicken karai (£8.25 with naan). If you are driving to this restaurant, be careful about parking restrictions in this residential area.
chicken, lamb or prawn shashlick is also popular – probably because the staff light a shot of sambuca and flambee it. A pint of Kingfisher here will cost you £3 and you can order a bottle of wine from around £11. Address: 18 Bromborough Village Road, Bromborough Telephone number: 0151 334 0024 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to midnight. Take Away: Available during opening hours. Collection only.
Kingfisher costs £2.25 at Cinnamon and bottles of wine start from £9.50. Address: 63 Argyle Street, Birkenhead Telephone number: 0151 647 8316 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 5.30pm to 2am. Sunday 6pm to 1.30am Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
Address: 94 Woodchurch Lane, Prenton Telephone number: 0151 609 1718 Email: No Website: No Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to midnight, Sunday 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
12 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
WIRRAL Indira Tandoori................................Hoylake
Karma................................................West Kirby
BRIGHT and cheery Indira Tandoori is easy to spot with its huge red sign and blue and white polka dot exterior. Inside you will find prices slightly higher than your average curry house – but this is offset by the fact this unlicensed restaurant allows you to bring your own alcohol. There is no corkage fee. Popular dishes include the medium spiced, creamy half chicken murgh massala (£10.50) and the garlic and reshmi chicken dishes (both £7.50) Many customers also opt for the £29.95 meal for two.
POPULAR Karma regularly receives great reviews for its modern take on Indian and Bengali cuisine. The smart exterior is a sign of what you’ll find on the inside here – less emphasis on providing a huge range of dishes with more focus on the quality and standard of ingredients. Staff here pride themselves on being friendly and attentive and do their best to create an ambient setting. You might like to sample the aloo gosht – lamb and potatoes cooked in a heady mix of ginger, turmeric, tomatoes, chilli and curry leaves (£11.50) The machli molee – monkfish and prawns simmered in spices (£11.75) is also popular. A regular bottle of Cobra here will set you back £2.85 and bottles of wine start at around £13.
Address: 36 Market Street, Hoylake Telephone number: 0151 632 3978 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5.30pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to 1.30am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Delivery free within 3 miles.
Zeera Tandoori ...........................Irby
Address: 9 Grange Road, West Kirby Telephone number: 0151 625 5999 Email: None Website: www.karmawestkirby.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 9.30pm. Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Shuells..............................................West Kirby SOMETIMES an unlicensed restaurant can make the difference between affording to eat in or choosing to take away. Luckily, the ‘bring your own alcohol’ stance here means you might be more inclined to choose the former and the corkage is free too. You’ll find all your traditional favourites at Shuells. The friendly staff here also recommend you try the chicken tikka anarkali for £9.25 and the maz special – a fairly hot tandoori chicken on the bone dish with potatoes and eggs (£10.45). The Shuell chickpea and king prawn special (£10.25) is also popular. Address: 96 Banks Road, West Kirby Telephone number: 0151 625 2255 / 625 3018 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Royal Bengal............................................................................................................................................................................................West Kirby THIS bright and cheerful family-run restaurant should probably be serving Mediterranean food – you won’t fail to spot its dazzling blue and orange exterior. Luckily this Tandoori and Bangladeshi curry house, now in its second generation of family ownership, has stuck to what it knows best – with more than a few surprises amid the traditional fare. If you want to try something a little different – perhaps opt for the tandoori dishes including pheasant, guinea fowl or monk fish tikka (all £11.95) If fish is your weakness then this is the restaurant for you – plenty to choose from including mussels (£8.95), tandoori salmon (£10.50) and sea bass (£10.95) You’ll also find all the classic dishes (korma is £5.95) and the all-you-can eat Sunday buffet is worth a look too – at £8.95. A large bottle of Kingfisher or Cobra will set you back £4.50 at Royal Bengal and bottles of wine start around £8.50 with glasses from £2.50 Address: 150 Banks Road, West Kirby Telephone number: 0151 625 9718 Email: None Website: www.royalbengalwirral.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm until midnight. Friday and Saturday 5.30pm until 12.30am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
YOU can’t miss Zeera Tandoori – the name is emblazoned across the front of this building no less than seven times. Inside is a warm and soothing yet crisply decorated restaurant where staff pride themselves on their Indian/Bangladesh cuisine. Customers here do pay more than they would at an average curry house but they keep going back for a reason. Staff recommend the sweet and creamy mango molobba – in chicken, lamb or vegetable – for £9.70 and the spicy Goan jhinger piri piri prawns for £13.65. A large bottle of Cobra will cost you £5.50 here and bottles of wine start at £9.50. Address: 11 Thingwall Road, Irby Telephone number: 0151 648 4471 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: 5.30pm to 11.30pm daily, including most bank holidays. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
FLAMING HOT: Chef Yasin Ahmed, from the Royal Bengal West Kirby
Picture: James Maloney
SPECIAL: Chefs S. Ullah, left, and Yasin Ahmed, right, together with manager Mizam, from the Royal Bengal
Surma Tandoori.............................Moreton
Tandoori Mahal...............................Wallasey
A Taste of Bengal...........................Wallasey
YOU could easily walk past Surma Tandoori a dozen times without realising the little Indian restaurant is there. You’ll find this curry house above a hair salon on Hoylake Road – occupying the top floor with a single door on street level. But as is so often true with a good Indian restaurant– it might be worth looking beyond your first impressions of location and decor here. Surma doesn’t boast the largest menu but the usual favourites are all present and correct – the most enticing dishes are the mild murgh special with apricot (£6.45) and the medium spicy lamb bhojelo gosht (£6.45). Surma focuses on good food and good service at excellent prices. A regular bottle of Kingfisher here will set you back £1.95 and bottles of wine start from around £7.
TANDOORI Mahal focuses on fresh and tasty food and prides itself on excellent service. The tempting offers here are the Tandoori Mahal special - a medium tandoori chicken and lamb tikka with king prawn dish for £9.50. The staff here also recommend the golda jhinga massala – with whole king prawns in a medium sauce (£9.95). A pint of Cobra here will cost you £2.50 and bottles of wine start from around £9.50.
A TASTE of Bengal puts the emphasis on decent food at reasonable prices and it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed. Expect to see the traditional dishes and a few more unusual ones. The staff recommend the chicken murghi balak bhuna for £6.95 and the spicy but tasty south Indian garlic chicken for £6.95. A pint of Cobra here will cost you £2.60 and bottles of wine start from around £9. A Taste of Bengal also offers excellent deals including poppadoms, a starter, mains and rice or naan for £7.95, available between 5pm and 10pm daily.
Address: 271 Hoylake Road, Moreton Telephone number: 0151 677 1331 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to 11.30pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Address: 24- 26 King Street, Wallasey Telephone number: 0151 639 5948 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 6pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday 6pm to 2am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free local delivery over £10.
Address: 59 Seaview Road, Wallasey Telephone number: 0151 346 9676 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 1am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three kilometres.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CURRY GUIDE 13
WIRRAL Magic Spices..New Brighton THE clue is in the title. Yes, at Magic Spices life is not just about the food – you’ll also find a resident magician here to keep you entertained while you wait. But once you’ve seen your watch magically disappear and picked a card (any card) you’ll be ready to see if the food in this warm and cosy curry house sparkles too. There’s an excellent array of dishes to sample here. You could try a fruity take on a traditional favourite – perhaps the chicken tikka flavoured with a dash of pineapple or mango (both £8.95) You might also like to try the Goan king prawns (£11.95 including rice and bread) or the skewed lamb papcila (£9.95 plus rice and a side dish). A big bottle of Cobra will set you back £4.50 here and bottles of wine, from the extensive wine list, start from around £9. The all-you-can eat buffet runs from 5pm to 10pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Just don’t forget to take your balloon animal home. Address: 225 Seabank Road, New Brighton, Wirral Telephone number: 0151 691 1919 Email: islam686@hotmail.com Website: www.magicspices.co.uk Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm every day including bank holidays Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE: Magic Spices in Wallasey has a resident magician
The Spice Club...........................................................................................................................................Moreton THE Spice Club is the sister restaurant to Magic Spices – serving from the same extensive menu and exhibiting the same contemporary take on traditional favourites. You could start with the deep fried prawn cakes or the dhal er bora – a crunchy and spicy chickpea and lentil dish (both £3.25). The specials list will also catch the eye here with the chicken meatballs (murgh kofta charga for £7.95) and the minced lamb keema mattar (£6.95) A big bottle of Kingfisher at The Spice Club will set you back £4.50 and bottles of wine, from the extensive wine list, start from around £9. The popular but relaxed all-you-can eat buffet runs from 5-10pm on Sundays and Mondays. Address: 304-308 Hoylake Road, Moreton Telephone number: 0151 606 8666 Email: islam686@hotmail.com Website: www.magicspices.co.uk Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm every day including bank holidays. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within HOT STUFF: The Spice Club is the sister restaurant to Magic Spices three miles.
new 2010 menu now available with dishes to tantalise your tastebuds
221/225 seabank road, wallasey, wirral ch45 1he t: 0151 691 1919 • www.magicspices.co.uk
Bookings now being taken for
Valentines Day Set Menu £19.95
now serving buffet every monday tuesday and wednesday from 5pm till 10pm with a wide selection of dishes to choose from
“wine dine and celebrate”
14 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
WIRRAL Britannia Spice..........................................................Heswall BRITANNIA Spice prides itself on a smart interior with its wooden floors and all leather upholstery. But the prices don’t match the classy feel of this restaurant and remain reasonable even if you do sample the extensive wine list. The most popular dishes sold here are the spicy murgh batwar, which is chicken tikka and mince lamb koftas in sauce for £8.50 and the traditional lamb gobi with cabbage (£8.10). The £5 Sunday deal includes a starter, main course and rice or naan. A pint of Cobra will cost you £2.90 here and if can choose from the round-the-world selection of the wine list, bottles start around £11. Address: 19 The Parade, Parkgate, Heswall Telephone number: 0151 336 1774 Email: None Website: www.britannia-spice.com Opening hours: 5-11pm every day plus midday to 2pm at weekends. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Alam Balti............ ............Bebington
Gate of India.............................................................................................................................................................................................Thingwall THE family-run Ambuja is a curry house that keeps cropping up in conversation. It’s a deservedly popular and decently priced tandoori restaurant, which prides itself on both its good service and the neat presentation of its dishes. You’ll also find those comfy and all-important private booths here. Staff recommend the sizzling duck (£10.95) and the tasty machlie bhuna, a Bangladeshi freshwater fish, for £11.95. A big bottle of Cobra here will cost you £5.20 and bottles of wine start from around £10. Address: 513 Pensby Road, Thingwall Telephone number: 0151 648 5949 Email: info @ambuja.co.uk Website: www.ambuja.co.uk Opening hours: 5.30pm-11pm daily Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
THE friendly Alam Balti is a ‘bring your own alcohol’ curry house which always helps if you want to keep the cost down - particularly considering there is no corkage fee here. Staff recommend you try the tasty sizzling shashlik - a medium curry which is served with either chicken or king prawn and rice (£7). You could also try the hot naga - flavoured with green Bengali chilli, served with either chicken, lamb or king prawn (£7.50) Address: 184 Bebington Road, Bebington Telephone number: 0151 643 8600 Email: alambalti@hotmail.com Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to midnight Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within seven miles.
Dine India............. .................Heswall THE family-run Dine India is another popular member of Wirral’s curry scene. It operates a ‘bring your own’ alcohol system with those handy stores nearby if you forget and have to do a quick run to buy your beverages before you dine. The corkage fee is 50p per person. There is a balance between contemporary and traditional dishes at Shamoli and all are served in a pleasantly intimate setting. The most popular meals are the spicy sylheti (£7.75) Staff also recommend the mixed korai - a mix of chicken tikka, lamb tikka, tandoori chicken and duck tikka for £9.95. Address: 313 Pensby Road, Heswall Telephone number: 0151 648 8090 Email: None Website: www.dineindia.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to midnight Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
JUST PERFECT: Chef Mr Ali, from Ambuja Indian Brasserie in Heswall, Wirral
Heswall Tandoori......................................................................................................................................................................................Heswall
FRESHLY COOKED: Chef Ayas Ali, from Heswall Tandoori prepares the ingredients
THE Heswall Tandoori opened in 1988 and is one of Wirral’s longest-running Indian restaurants. It sits in the heart of Heswall Town Centre with a decent sized car park to prevent its customers suffering any parking irritation. The extensive menu includes the full range of curry house staples – think bhuna, makonwalla, saag, balti, achari and jalfrezi – alongside some interesting specials. You could try the fairly hot lebu lamb (£9.95) with its notes of lemon, ginger and green chilli or the most expensive on the list – the khakri king prawn (£13.95) which sees the prawns sliced in half and fried with garlic and tumeric in a deliciously spicy sauce. There are also some good set meal deals in a restaurant that is generally good value. A pint of Cobra will cost you £3.60 and bottles of wine start from around £10. Address: 52 Pensby Road, Heswall Telephone number: 0151 342 8614 Email: None Website: www.heswalltandoori.com Opening hours: 6pm to 11.30pm, Sunday to Thursday and 5.30pm to midnight Friday and Saturday. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 15
SEFTON Taj Mahal.............Waterloo
THE Taj Mahal – Liverpool’s version anyway – is in an ideal location, nestled among the pubs and bars and a short walk from Waterloo station. You will find the dishes you expect here with many reports of prompt service and friendly staff. The staff say their tikka massala is particularly popular at £6.95 and so is the chicken tikka makawala, also £6.95. There’s a good range of imported beers at the Taj Mahal – you can grab a bottle of Cobra, Ting Tao or Tiger for £2.50. A pint of Cobra will set you back £2.95 and bottles of wine start around £9. Address: 57 South Road, Waterloo Telephone number: 0151 928 7050 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to 2am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Gate of India.... ........Waterloo GATE of India is but a stroll from the marine lake and aims to be as cosy and inviting as possible with its private booths. If you are a meat lover the friendly staff will assure you the chapla takari here is “irresistible”. The dish comprises chicken tikka, lamb tikka and mixed lamb and costs £7.45. Alternatively, you may also be tempted by the malibu chicken for £7.95. The popular chicken pakoras starter here costs £2.95. You can buy a pint of Cobra for £3.45 and bottles of wine start from around £11. Address: 42 South Road, Waterloo Telephone number: 0151 284 0996 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 5.30pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to 2am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Saffron...........Waterloo SAFFRON aims to stand out among the many Indian restaurants by giving its food a modern touch and an influence from neighbouring Nepal. You will find the traditional dishes but it’s worth branching out here. You could try the chilli, mint and mango flavours infusing your sea bass in the fish curry (£9.95) or enjoy a vegetarian dish – they’ve made an effort to improve on the fare with several paneer (cottage cheese) offerings from around £7. You can buy a pint of Cobra for £3 and bottles of wine start around £11.50. Address: 92 St John’s Road, Waterloo Telephone number: 0151 920 8398 Email: saffronrestaurant1@gmail.com Website: www.saffronliverpool.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday midday to 11pm, Monday to Friday midday to 2.30pm and 5-11pm, Saturday 5pm to 11.30pm only. Take Away: Likely to start in the next few months.
16 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
SEFTON
The Shamrat.............................. ...................................Southport THE focus at Shamraat is all about good value for good dishes and you can look forward to generous portions at a decent price here. The staff are also friendly and accommodating – even when the place is at its busiest. You could perhaps try the flavoursome medium lamb balti (£7.55) or the equally tasty karahi chicken (£7.50). A big bottle of Cobra will set you back £4.40 here and bottles of wine start from around £10. Address: 8 Stanley Street, Southport Telephone number: 01704 537663 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 6pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday, 6pm to 12.30am Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
GREAT VALUE: The Shamraat on Stanley Street.
Shantii.................................................Formby SMART and modern Shantii is a deservedly popular Indian restaurant. The name Shantii apparently means ‘peace and calm’ but it’s hardly apt here – Shantii is usually pleasantly bustling. Rumour has it staff even had to turn away a footballing superstar because he didn’t have a booking. Don’t make the same mistake. Inside Shantii you’ll find a restaurant that is smart and intimate seating about 60 diners when it’s full. All the traditional favourites here but you’ll probably be excited enough by the menu to venture onto something new. Our taste tester chose the popular begun aur gulda (£14.95) and loved the jumbo king prawns pan fried with fresh tomato puree, peppers and garlic and braised with roasted aubergine. The Basmati pilau rice was also included. She also recommended the beessi ka gosht (£10.50) which was lamb and butter beans simmered with garlic, onion and tomato, shot through with fresh coriander and topped with curry leaves. The specials here include duck, monkfish, salmon and red snapper and you can also choose from a ‘healthy options’ section of the menu. The all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet runs from 12.30pm to 10.30pm and costs £8 or £10 depending whether you eat before 5pm or after. A regular bottle of Cobra will cost you £2.70 and bottles of wine start from around £12. Address: 124a Church Road, Formby Telephone number: 01704 878 485 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday 5pm to midnight. Sunday 12.30pm to 10.30pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
SMART: Shantii in Formby is deservedly popular and rumour has it the staff even had to turn away Steven Gerrard, right
Lalqila..............................................................................................Maghull
Hilal Balti House...................................................................Formby
LALQILA is not the biggest Indian restaurant on Merseyside – but it has a big heart. The staff here are enthusiastic and eager for you to enjoy your meal – they will be more than willing to make recommendations if you can’t decide what to order. Perhaps try the chicken sharisha with its mustard and mint flavours for £10.95 including rice. You could also try the medium spiced lamb and potato lamb lazeez for £7.95. A big bottle of Cobra will set you back £4.65 here and bottles of wine start from around £11.50. Address: 5 Red Lion Buildings, Liverpool North Road, Maghull Telephone number: 0151 520 2442 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to 11pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
YOU’LL be spoilt for choice if you dine at the Hilal Balti House – which offers a huge range on its menu and throws in a few surprises. If you are feeling adventurous you could go for the creamy nerali chicken - with its garlic, ginger and cashew nut flavours (£7.50). You could also try the shahi balti - a medium minced lamb sauce which you can have with chicken or lamb (£7.50) . There are also excellent set meal deals here. A regular bottle of Cobra here will cost you £2.60 and bottles of wine start from around £9.50. Address: 6 School Lane, Formby Telephone number: 01704 874444 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5.30pm to midnight Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 17
SEFTON The Kasturi...........................Southport
FAMILY FAVOURITE: The Kasturi in Southport has a fun authentic feel
THE family-run Kasturi restaurant has a fun, authentic feel – you can tell by the huge Taj Mahal-esque adornment and pillars over the front door (okay, so it doesn’t look that much like the Taj Mahal – but it certainly screams India) Staff say the deep fried chicken pakora (£3.95) is the most loved starter but they urge you to be more daring and sample the rainbow trout fish tikka (also £3.95). There’s a wide range of mains available too and you will spot all your favourites. You could try the hot lamb jalfrezi (£7.95) or the creamy and nutty tandoori king prawn passanda (£11.95) The medium spicy jai-puri chicken is also popular at £7.95. A big bottle of Cobra will cost you £4.50 and bottles of wine start from around £11. Address: 40 Eastbank Street, Southport Telephone number: 01704 533 102 Email: Through the website. Website: www.kasturirestaurant.com Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to 11.30pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
The Belash.................................Southport
Indian Palace...............................Southport
Spice of Bengal............................Ainsdale
SOUTHPORT might have its fair share of curry houses but it’s worth popping into The Belash, which has been established here for many years. The staff are friendly and relaxed and The Belash offers a wide range of dishes at reasonable prices. You’ll find all the classics here and staff recommend the chicken tikka jalfrezi (£6.50) and the medium ghost takri - which is best served with lamb or vegetables (£5.50). A pint of Cobra will set you back £2.90 and bottles of wine start from around £8.
INDIAN Palace prides itself on friendly service and you’re sure to receive a smile if you choose to dine here. The menu is stuffed with classic dishes, but you might also like to try the more unusual Afghan balti chicken (£5.50) a hot dish flavoured with bay leaves and green chilli. The medium dhakaiya nawabi - a fragrant medium dish served with king prawns, chicken or lamb and pilau rice is also popular at £7.95 and so is the murgee keralla - chicken tikka and onion in a ‘special’ sauce at £6.95. A large bottle of Cobra will cost you £4 here and bottles of wine start from around £11.
DON’T be fooled by the relaxed air at the Spice of Bengal – the focus here is firmly on providing excellent dishes for reasonable prices. You could try the tasty and unusual chicken, lamb or mixed piaza for £7.50 or the medium chicken, lamb or king prawn tatul (£7.50 to £11.95 depending which meat or fish you choose) A pint of Cobra will cost you £4.50 here and bottles of wine start from around £10.
Address: 14 Bath Street, Southport Telephone number: 01704 530 034 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 6pm to midnight Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
Address: 12 Union Street, Southport Telephone number: 01704 540815 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 1am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Free delivery within three miles.
Address: 12-14 Station Road, Ainsdale Telephone number: 01704 571204 Email: None Website: www.spice-of-bengal.com Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to 11.30pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Indian Restaurant & Takeaway Mon-Thur: 3-COURSE MEAL
Any starter, any meal from Traditional Menu (except King Prawn) and Dessert £9.95pp Sunday 2pm-5pm BUFFET £9.95pp
CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN
0151 228 6667 • 561-563 West Derby Road, Tuebrook Open Mon-Thurs 4.30pm-11pm • Fri & Sat 4.30pm-11.30pm • Sun 2pm-11pm
18 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
ST HELENS
Balti Spice.............. ................St Helens FRIENDLY Balti Spice is a popular place to pop in for a competitively priced curry in St Helens. The cheery staff here recommend you try their Balti spice massala (£8.95 including rice) They’ll tell you it’s sweet, spicy and “unique” but don’t even think about asking for the ingredients in the ‘secret sauce’ – you’ll probably receive a smile and that’s about it. Alternatively, you might fancy the less fiercely guarded Tenga lamb and onion for £8.95. A pint of Cobra at Balti Spice will set you back £2.75 and bottles of wine here start from around £9. Address: 113 Duke Street, St Helens Telephone number: 01744 21000 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to midnight. Take Away: Same opening hours as the restaurant. Free delivery within three miles.
Sitar................................ ....................St Helens SMART Sitar is a ‘bring your own’ alcohol restaurant, with a £1.50 per person corkage fee. The prices here are reasonable with a few surprises on the menu too. The dhal soup starter is £2.10 and the quail (batera) dishes may tempt you for your main course. The spicy batera naga costs £8.95 and is a Bangladeshi favourite. The quail is cooked traditionally with those fiery naga chillies. Couples may also like the Sitar thali to share (£7.95) which generously includes chicken tikka, chicken pakoras, seek kebab, vegetable samosas, onion bhaji and lamb tikka. Alternatively, the medium joypuri dish is popular at £7.95. The six-course Sunday banquet costs £9.95. Address: 41-43 Corporation Street, St Helens Telephone number: 01744 292444 Email: info@sitarrestaurant.com Website: www.sitarrestaurant.com Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to midnight. Take Away: Same opening hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
The Indian Palace ...............St Helens THE excellent value Indian Palace prides itself on the fact people keep coming back for more. The restaurant seats about 60 people and you’ll find plenty to choose from, with 15 specials alone on the menu. The rich shahi chilli chicken (£5.95) is among the most popular – with the Palace’s regular diners choosing it again and again. The Palace chef’s special curry – a mixed curry of chicken, lamb, prawns and spinach – is also worth a try for £5.95. You can buy a pint of Cobra here for £2.95 and bottles of wine from around £7. Address: Branchway, St Helens Telephone number: 01744 737 474 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: 5.30pm to 11pm every day except Sunday, which is 4pm to 10pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Blue Mango..............................................................................Rainhill
ONE OF A KIND: The chef likes to put a bit of flair into the dishes at the Blue Mango, Rainhill
THE modern and generally bustling Blue Mango loves a good party – with its smart decor and beautifully presented dishes. All the traditional favourites are found on this extensive menu but the chef likes to put his own flair into the dishes. For a starter you could opt for the aloo chana puree, a dish comprising chickpeas and potato served on a pancake or perhaps the machli biran, a starter with pan fried cod, spring onion and celery (both £3) For mains the choice will feel endless – so don’t waste time gossiping at the start of your meal. You may like to consider the tangy monkfish achanak (£12.90) which sees the flavoursome fish served grilled on a bed of stir fried beansprouts. The hot and spicy goanes duck vindaloo is another popular choice for the brave at £12. Blue Mango also offers a wide range of reasonably priced vegetarian dishes, all around £5 or £5.50. A large bottle of Cobra will cost you £4.30 here and you can buy a bottle of wine from around £11. But if you’re feeling adventurous have a cocktail. The signature Comfort Blue Mango, with southern comfort, dry martini and a dash of bitters, catches the eye at £6.95. Address: 7 Dane Court Shopping Centre, Weaver Avenue, Rainhill Telephone number: 0151 493 2875 Email: bish@bluemango-restaurant.com Website: www.bluemango-restaurant.com Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 5pm to 10.30pm. Sunday 3pm to 10.30pm Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CURRY GUIDE 19
ST HELENS Palace Balti...............................................................................................................................................St Helens
TEAM EFFORT: Chef Mr Hussain and his brother, also called Hussain, centre, who is the manager, together with the rest of the staff at Palace Balti
THE scrummy Palace Balti is something of a St Helens institution. The most popular dish here is the chicken tikka rongila (£9.95) which is served with pilau rice and is beautifully cooked in a juicy tomato sauce. The medium hot shalima and razta are also frequently requested (both £8.95) The razta is particularly memorable, mixed with fried mushrooms and presented with an omelette on top. Both dishes are served with rice and naan. A pint of Kingfisher at Palace Balti will cost you £2.75 and bottles of wine start at around £9. Address: 59 Duke Street, St Helens Telephone number: 01744 24000 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 1am. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
JUST RIGHT: Chef Mr Hussain finishes a dish
Nabi’s.......................................St Helens
DELICIOUS DECADENCE: Nabi’s is decorated in sumptuous style
EVERY now and then an Indian restaurant appears that is determined to buck the trend – and there’s no confusing Nabi’s with your typical curry house. In this former Little Chef restaurant (you won’t believe that, by the way) you’ll find the rich wooden panels, low leather sofas and thick carpets more suited to a posh Gentleman’s club. The deliciously decadent theme continues onto the menu so come prepared to feel a little glamorous here. You might consider the popular king prawn and spinach puree starter (£8.50) with its huge king prawns simmered with the spinach in a mix of fresh garlic, ginger, tomatoes, onions and spices. If you’re game after that the top choice is the fillet steak massala (£24.90) served with potato wedges. Alternatively, those visiting Nabi’s for a romantic meal-for-two might opt for the mixed Thali to share – which includes three different curries for £27. When it comes to drinks, you might want to battle the enormous 750ml King Cobra for £9.50. Bottles of wine also start around £15. But seriously, credit crunch? What credit crunch? You can buy a bottle of Cristal champagne here for a mere £240. Address: East Lancashire Road, Windle, St Helens Telephone number: 01744 751352 Email: nabisrestaurant@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.nabisrestaurant.co.uk Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 5pm until 10.30pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm, Sunday 3pm to 9.30pm Take Away: Available during normal restaurant opening hours. Collection only.
Full a la carte menu available
Coming late February 2010 …
Special offer 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Cook your own Curry workshops
Table d’Hote Starter and Main course -
£12.90
(terms & conditions apply, enquire for full details)
Restaurant Contemporary Eastern and Indian Cuisine
Exclusive use of our kitchen and chef to create your favorite dishes yourself Full details available on request
East Lancashire Road, Windle, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6QY Tel 01744 751352, Fax 01744 755531, Mobile 07711 354779 Website www.nabisrestaurant.co.uk Email nabisrestaurant@hotmail.co.uk Opening hours – Monday - Thursday 5.30pm - 10.00pm, Friday & Saturday 5.30pm - 10.30pm, Sunday 3.00pm - 9.30pm
20 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
KNOWSLEY & WIDNES
CUTTING EDGE: Desii is a smart and stylish Indian restaurant
Desii........................................................................Widnes DESII is a smart and stylish Indian restaurant – great for parties and large bookings – and there is plenty of choice on the menu here. The brave might have a craving for the restaurant’s signature dish; the chicken Desii naga (£8.95) This char grilled chicken delight is cooked with the hottest Bangladeshi chillis (naga) and is served in a tasty tomato and coriander sauce. The lamb Nepali is also a popular choice – a fairly hot Nepalese dish flavoured with naga, lemon, garlic and a range of hot spices in tomato sauce (£8.25) The staff here also recommend the rich and medium-spiced chot poti (£8.95) – a tantalising mix of chicken and chickpeas garnished with a sliced boiled egg. A pint of Cobra will set you back £3 at Desii and bottles of wine start from around £11. Address: Victoria Square, Widnes Telephone number: 0151 423 0686/0687 Email: Through the website Website: www.desii.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday 5pm to midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
Saffron..............................................................................................................................................................................................................Widnes CLASSY Saffron is frequently praised for its friendly welcoming atmosphere and its excellent food. The staff do their best to be extremely accomodating here too. They recommend you try the nawabi murgh special (£9.95) which is chicken cooked with tasty notes of onion and green pepper, topped with bhuna sauce. The murghi massala (£9.95) is also popular - a medium and beautifully cooked chicken dish, topped with mincemeat. The early bird offer – four courses for £9.50 between 5.30 and 7pm – is worth a look too. Address: 94 Derby Road, Widnes Telephone number: 0151 424 1310 Email: ebi@hotmail.co.uk Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
NICE N’ SPICY: The Saffron restaurant in Widnes
CLASSY CUISINE: Head waiter Wahid Afzali
Crown of India .................Prescot THE chefs at Crown of India like to experiment – and if you visit soon you will be among the first to sample their newest dish. The tasty shat kora (£7.50) features the unusual citrus fruit (shat kora) found only on the Indian sub continent. It’s best with chicken or lamb. Alternatively, you can opt for the Mr Nagra (£7.50) which is like a jalfrezi, but more juicy and flavoursome. It is about the same strength as a madras. A small bottle of Kingfisher will set you back £2.50 at Crown of India and bottles of wine start around £10. Address: 61 Kemble Street, Prescot Telephone number: 0151 430 0099 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Friday and Saturday, 5.30pm to midnight. Take Away: Available during normal opening hours. Collection only.
★★★★
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CURRY GUIDE 21
ORMSKIRK
Passage to India............Ormskirk POPULAR Passage to India takes the UK’s favourite Indian restaurant dishes to heart – and focuses on the quality of the classic dishes. The staff recommend you try the chicken tikka massala here and believe their mild and creamy version will be one of the best you’ve tried (£7.25) Similarly the lamb, beef and king prawn balti dishes are extremely popular and reasonably priced too (£6.95) Only the brave among you will venture towards the vindaloo - but the chicken version is the most requested (£6.95) A pint of Kingfisher will cost you £3.50 on draught and your table can buy a litre of wine for £10.95 here or half a litre for £5.95. Address: 40a Moor Street, Ormskirk Telephone number: 01695 579068 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to midnight Take Away: Available the same hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
VERY POPULAR: The Passage to India restaurant in Ormskirk
Bombay Brasserie............Ormskirk
Blue Elephant.....................Scarisbrick
THE busy Bombay Brasserie has been around about eight months now and can seat 100 people when it’s full. Here you’ll find excellent fish dishes including the tasty bulsari salmon (£12.95) with its almond and honey flavours amid the tender spices of the traditional flavours. The Indian chilli rice lamb is also a popular dish and is deliciously filling with its sweet and sour spicy sauce (£11.95) A pint of Cobra here will cost you £3.75 and wines start from around £10.
THE Blue Elephant is an ideally placed Indian restaurant with its prominent position on the main road and it’s a decent size too – seating about 140 people when it’s full. There are plenty of traditional dishes at the Blue Elephant but spare a thought for this restaurant’s more unusual offerings. You may struggle to make your choice but the staff here recommend the hot and tasty Bengal Haeendi Special for £10.95. A large bottle of Cobra at this curry house will cost you £4.75 and bottles of wine start from around £12.
Address: Moss Lane, Ormskirk Telephone number: 01704 891445 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 4pm to 10.30pm. Sunday, midday to 10pm Take Away: Available the same hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
Address: Southport Road, Scarisbrick Telephone number: 01704 841222 Email: None Website: None Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5.30 to 11pm. Saturday and Sunday, midday to midnight. Take Away: Available the same hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
2 BOTTLES OF BEER FREE!!!
Receive two bottles of beer with your takeaway order if you order for £30 or more
FOOD AND VENUE
We specialise in outdoor catering and provide air conditioned conference and private dining room for details call the phone line and ask for Ash
Sultan’s Palace is a family run business located in the centre of Liverpool
EARLY BIRD MENU
Sultan’s Palace invites you to enjoy a relaxing meal by taking advantage of our Early Bird Menu.
A speciality of the Sultan’s Palace is tandoori cuisine, barbecued in traditional charcoal fired clay ovens. We have engaged the services of the most highly skilled chefs from India, masters of their culinary art! Couple this with our dedication to use the finest ingredients resulting in the Sultan’s Palace experience. We aim to attract those who have the same appreciation for fine food, impeccable service and convivial ambience as ourselves. We look forward to serving you soon – and if you have any questions or would like to reserve a table, please feel free to contact us.
Early Bird menu served between 5.00pm & 6.45pm … just £14.99 We also have a spacious private room for customers wishing to entertain guests in a private atmosphere. Presentation facilities are available on request
Our takeaway service is available from 5.30pm until 11.30pm 7 days a week
75-77 Victoria Street, Liverpool L1 6DE
(Queens Square End, opposite Millenium House) Tel: 0151 227 9020 • Fax: 0151 227 9010 • Web: www.sultans-palace.co.uk
22 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
RUNCORN Tandoori Night....................................................Runcorn THE family-run Tandoori Night restaurant is one of Runcorn’s longest established Indian eateries. The owners here boast a wealth of experience – they’ve been serving curries to people in and around the Runcorn area for more than 35 years. But the restaurant recently underwent a grand makeover to ensure its age doesn’t show – and the focus here is firmly on serving the tastiest curries at the most reasonable prices. There’s plenty to choose from and the friendly staff will be willing to help you make up your mind. They frequently recommend their chicken vindaloo - for £5.70 - but there are plenty of other choices if you don’t quite have the nerve. The special balti exotica is worth a try at £9.35 and the chef’s special silsila is a popular dish for the same price. A pint of Cobra will set you back
£3.20 at Tandoori Night and you can buy a bottle of wine from around £9. If you decide to drive to the restaurant there’s a free car park conveniently situated behind the restaurant. There’s also a few good takeaway deals on offer at Tandoori Night too. If you spend more than £10 you will receive the free poppadoms and chutney but if you spend more than £30 you will receive a free bottle of wine. Address: 19 High Street, Runcorn Telephone number: 01928 577440 Email: Through the website Website: www.tandoorinightruncorn.com Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, to 12.30am Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant. Free delivery on orders over £10. FIRM FAVOURITE: Mirchi
Make your own Indian treats I
NDIAN cuisine has created a variety of delicious little snacks over the years and no trip to a curry house would really be complete without ordering at least one smaller dish. Among the nation’s favourites are the ever popular chicken pakoras and, of course, the onion bhaji. Surprisingly, both dishes are a lot easier to make at home than you might think. If you want to try making chicken pakoras you’ll need to buy some chicken breast and chop it into about 16 chunks. Take a clove of garlic, a chopped jalapeno pepper, a large onion and a piece of ginger roughly the size as the chopped onion. Put all of the ingredients into your blender alongside about a teaspoon of lemon juice, two teaspoons of plain yoghurt and a teaspoon of salt and mix everything until you have a fine powder. Then take the mixture and marinate the chicken, leaving it in the fridge for an hour. Mix a cup and a half of dry batter with Curry water until the batter is asfor thick as honey. KilcomThen coverDenis the chicken pieces in batter column and fry each mons one under a low heat until they turn a delicious medium brown. Those amounts will serve four to six people as an appetiser or a snack.
Onion bhajis are just as achievable. For this recipe you will need to take two free range eggs and beat them in a bowl. Then take three onions, sliced into rings and put them in with the eggs. Mix well. Add 120g (4oz) of plain flour, a teaspoon of ground coriander and a teaspoon of cumin seeds and stir together well. Then heat about three tablespoons of oil in a deep-sided frying pan over a medium heat on your stove. When that’s hot, add a large spoonful of your bhaji mixture and fry it for 30 to 45 seconds until it turns golden brown. Then turn the bhaji over and fry for about another 30 seconds until it is a glorious golden brown colour all over. As you remove each bhaji ensure you drain them on a piece of kitchen roll. Continue to repeat the steps with the remaining bhaji mix. You should be able to serve up to six people as a snack. Remember, if you need to replenish the oil ensure it has reached the appropriate heat before you repeat the cooking process. You can make a tasty sauce for both dishes by combining natural yoghurt with half a tea spoon of salt, half a teaspoon of chilli and half a teaspoon of mint sauce. Enjoy!
Mirchi............Runcorn STYLISH Mirchi might be one of the newest Indian restaurants to open in Runcorn – but it is fast becoming a firm favourite. The staff here pride themselves on providing a warm, welcome and cosy atmosphere for customers. The decor is smart and modern at Mirchi – think crisp white walls contrasting with the dark wood furniture – and the cuisine is focused on the contemporary. You will find all your traditional favourites here with those all important bhunas, passandas, madras and vindaloos all present. But it’s important to have a bit of variety and Mirchi has both signature dishes and recommendations from the chef. The starters range from £2.60 to £5.25 with popular favourites including the spicy wings starter, shahi dhakna, for £4.50 and the chicken pakora for £3.20. When it comes to the main courses staff recommend the balti special thaw and say their customers are fond of the chicken and lamb cuts, marinated, skewered and cooked in spices (£8.25). One of the spiciest dishes is the balti bangla sizzler (£8.25) which involves either lamb or chicken cooked in a medium balti sauce, topped with chopped coriander, onions and peppers. But one of the most popular mains is the sylheti macher tarkari. The dish involved steaks of exotic fish, which are marinated and spiced, for a fairly reasonable £10.95. Mirchi is fully licensed. A pint of Cobra here will set you back £2.95. You can choose a bottle of wine from the list from around £10. Address: First Floor, 2 High Street, Runcorn Telephone number: 01928 576000 Email: None Website: www.mirchiindianrestaurant.co.uk Opening hours: Seven days a week 5pm to 11pm Take Away: Available the same opening hours as the restaurant. Delivery £1.50- £2.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
CURRY GUIDE 23
WARRINGTON Jahan.....................................................................................................................Warrington STYLISH Jahan manages to be smart and cosy at the same time. The focus here is on fine dining, without being pretentious and you’ll find some very tempting dishes on the menu. The staff recommend the popular king prawn stir fry (£14.95) but those who like life a little sweeter may opt for the chicken tikka lava (£12.95) The balti exotica
(£12.95) is also worth a look with the chef insisting you’ll be entranced by its “tasty, juicy flavour”. There’s a decent bar at Jahan too. A pint of Cobra here will set you back £3.75 and wines start from around £12. Address: Chester Road, Walton, Warrington
Telephone number: 01925 860 786 Email: Through the website Website: www.jahangroup.co.uk Opening hours: Seven days a week, 5pm to 11pm Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
The Hilal Restaurant.........................................................................Stockton Heath THE Hilal Restaurant has been a firm favourite since it opened in Stockton Heath in 1981 – the third in a chain of Hilal restaurants with a focus on serving luxury Indian cuisine. In these smart and stylish eateries you will find all the traditional favourites. But you may be tempted by the tandoori specialities – including the chunky salmon dish for £12.50. The traditional
achari dishes (£9 for chicken, lamb or beef, £12.75 for king prawn) are also popular here. Staff recommend the harrey masale jinghe, a medium spiced king prawn dish flavoured with spinach, mint, chillies and a wide range of spices. You can buy a bottle of Cobra for £2.80 and wines start around £16. Address: 33 Walton Rd, Stockton
Heath, Warrington Telephone number: 01925 861818 Email: Through the website or admin@hilalrestaurant.co.uk Website: www.hilalrestaurant.co.uk Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11.30pm. Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant. Collection only.
Cinnamon Lounge .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................Sankey Street CHEERY Cinnamon Lounge is easy to spot, with its colourful façade and traditional interior. You’ll receive a warm welcome here with staff happy to accommodate larger groups. Cinnamon Lounge has competitive and often
excellent prices – a mixed starter of stuffed mushrooms, veggie samosas and onion bhaji will set you back just £3.50. You might fancy a dish from the wide range of tandoori specials – perhaps the lamb shashlick for £7.95 or the mixed grill
(chicken tikka, lamb tikka, tandoori chicken and sheek kebab) for £8.40. There is also a wide range of specials on offer – including a steak masala for just under £10 – and look out for the set menus. A pint of Cobra here will cost you £3 and bottles of
wine start from around £11. Address: 131-135 Sankey Street, Warrington Telephone number: 01925 234999 Email: miah@cinnamonlounge.net
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday 5pm to midnight. Sunday 1pm to 11pm. Take Away: Same hours as the restaurant. Free delivery on orders over £12.
24 CURRY GUIDE
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
★★★★
DELICIOUS: Dishes at Palace Balti in Duke Street, St Helens PICTURES: James Maloney