| Off Topic: Curry 23:37 - Feb 6 with 8759 views | Toast_R |
I'm sure a few of you on here like a bit of this, you know, football, few beers a bit peckish, where does the day usually end?
Ok, enlighten me, I've watched the Rugby with a bottle of VAT 69 shared with the brother in law, it's been a fun evening.
Is it just me or has the general standard of Indian/Pakistani/Sri Lankan restaurant's within say, the last 10 to 15 years gone right down hill?
I just cannot get a hot curry these days. Seriously. Vindaloo used to be a real mission not for the feint hearted. A Madras used to be a decent half hearted challenge, you'd know you had a curry after. A Phaal, well only the insane would attempt. These days's I've been to many restaurants far and near, eating in and taking away. You just cannot get a hot curry anymore, what has gone wrong?
A Phaal 9/10 is these days far less then what a Vindaloo used to be.
What's with the copious amounts of oil too?
I fear the art is dying in the UK and we're silently putting up with crap standards.
A good friend of mine who's a Saffie and lived in Durban,reckons he's noticed it too. Durban has a big Indian population and Curry is a big deal in that city. He said the standards were just as good here when he first emigrated although not many did their favourable bunny chow. Even he's noticed how poor a curry has become here.
Someone direct me in the right place..please.
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| Off Topic: Curry on 23:55 - Jul 26 with 1560 views | westberksr |
| Off Topic: Curry on 20:02 - Jul 26 by johncharles |
Monty's in Northfields Avenue. Nepalese and just the mutt's nuts. If you live in West Ealing you'll know it, if you don't you have a wonderful surprise to come. |
Used to be my local, can't believe that was 20 years ago; glad to hear it's still good.
Now use The Palm, situated between Hungerford and Marlborough and is feckin brilliant. Really great selection and considering how far we are from London I'm amazed it's this good. Never bother with a late booking for Friday or Saturday as its always packed, had a lovely meal there last night. |  | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 01:02 - Jul 27 with 1545 views | Match82 |
Weird fact: I'm allergic to curry. Well, bell pepper/chili pepper/paprika etc. But not much of a curry without those... |  | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 06:19 - Jul 27 with 1507 views | Jeff |
| Off Topic: Curry on 13:02 - Feb 7 by Toast_R |
My taste buds can handle heat a lot better as I've grown older but I mantain this is not the reason for heat less curries becoming more predominant.
Possible reasons...
The restuarants dont want to put off their customers as the majority prefer mild.
The standard of chef is far less then what it used to be
Meals are all about doing it on the cheap, higher output less quality.
There's one great place I can rely on but its a fair way out zo I only go there on special occasions. Chak89 in Mitcham Surrey. Absolute quality and spicy. You know its good when the majority of customers are Asian. Their menu is small but each dish on offer is prepared to the highest of standards. From the outside the building looks like a warehouse on some morbid industrial estate. Once inside it's magic. They also have a big function room perfect for work do's, weddings etc. Had a work do there myself a few years back, thats how I got to know it. Anyone South of the river give it a go.. you wont be disappointed although weekends a booking is advisable.
Live in Molesey so looking for nearer options. |
Moving to Mitcham next week, so that's good to know- thanks! Could you start a thread on good Chinese restaurants too for me?  |  |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 08:40 - Jul 27 with 1458 views | Toast_R |
| Off Topic: Curry on 06:19 - Jul 27 by Jeff |
Moving to Mitcham next week, so that's good to know- thanks! Could you start a thread on good Chinese restaurants too for me? |
Chak 89 is definitely worth a visit, from the outside you'd never think it was a restaurant as it's located within a small warehouse estate, but that is mainly because they have a huge function room that they hire out for weddings and parties etc. My work once used it one evening for an poncy end of year awards ceremony - again the food was different class.
Unfortunately my Chinese knowledge isn't that great, don't mind it but it don't do a lot for me. Mainly because I reckon I can make a better one at home for a fraction of the cost. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 08:46 - Jul 27 with 1456 views | Toast_R |
| Off Topic: Curry on 20:22 - Jul 26 by Pigbag |
I live in Molesey mate. Best curry house is a ten minute drive in Hsmpton called Monafs. Quite expensive but you get what you pay for, the best curry I've ever had. Every time I've recommended it I've got the same feedback. |
Thank you for that tip off, I will definitely give that a go soon.
Funnily enough, I have ordered a couple of take away's from Hampton Spice near your one, and that has been very good especially the Phaal.
Being a Molesey man like myself then, you must be familiar with the budget local phenomenon that is the Viceroy? A lot of locals go there but I reckon the quality it's woeful and gives guaranteed dodgy guts the next day. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 10:37 - Jul 27 with 1424 views | PlanetHonneywood |
Collectively, the English palette has developed at an exponential rate since the 70s. Largely due to immigration and the fact we're travelling a lot more and wanting those tastes and flavours when we return to Blighty. Plus, we will give it a go!
Taste buds are like muscles that can be trained but as with most things, they decline with age. This is why many old folks bemoan that they can't taste anything and wallop loads of salt and why some folks might think curries aren't hot enough anymore.
I prefer Thai curries to Indian curries or what we in the UK think of as a curry. I find Indian curry can be to oily at times and I find South East Asian curries more subtle (lemongrass is a joy) and the heat cleaner on the tongue for the avoidance of ghee.
Having lived out in Asia for a number of years, my heat appreciation has risen and I will throw chillis into most things. Last year was a bit of a challenge as we were dossing in France and they might do herbs, but they don't really do spice. So Mrs PH and moi are looking for a good curry place in Battersea/Clapham area, but haven't really found one (all offers gratefully received).
But here's the thing, as I say what we get in restaurants is massively different to what you get in India or, what an Indian will cook for you.
Best Indian curry I ever had was knocked up by a mate's mum in Northolt. She'd forewarned me that her mum was a phenomenal cook and it was truly exceptional stuff which she was glad to feed me as I was to eat it. Different ball game altogether and if you have any Indian mates, and their mothers have yet to cook for you, suggest it! |  |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 10:39 - Jul 27 with 1423 views | Brightonhoop |
| Off Topic: Curry on 10:37 - Jul 27 by PlanetHonneywood |
Collectively, the English palette has developed at an exponential rate since the 70s. Largely due to immigration and the fact we're travelling a lot more and wanting those tastes and flavours when we return to Blighty. Plus, we will give it a go!
Taste buds are like muscles that can be trained but as with most things, they decline with age. This is why many old folks bemoan that they can't taste anything and wallop loads of salt and why some folks might think curries aren't hot enough anymore.
I prefer Thai curries to Indian curries or what we in the UK think of as a curry. I find Indian curry can be to oily at times and I find South East Asian curries more subtle (lemongrass is a joy) and the heat cleaner on the tongue for the avoidance of ghee.
Having lived out in Asia for a number of years, my heat appreciation has risen and I will throw chillis into most things. Last year was a bit of a challenge as we were dossing in France and they might do herbs, but they don't really do spice. So Mrs PH and moi are looking for a good curry place in Battersea/Clapham area, but haven't really found one (all offers gratefully received).
But here's the thing, as I say what we get in restaurants is massively different to what you get in India or, what an Indian will cook for you.
Best Indian curry I ever had was knocked up by a mate's mum in Northolt. She'd forewarned me that her mum was a phenomenal cook and it was truly exceptional stuff which she was glad to feed me as I was to eat it. Different ball game altogether and if you have any Indian mates, and their mothers have yet to cook for you, suggest it! |
You just cant get a decent Ruby in Spain and I miss it. Generally do my own but not the same as going out on the lash and for a curry. |  | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 10:44 - Jul 27 with 1417 views | aston_hoop |
| Off Topic: Curry on 10:39 - Jul 27 by Brightonhoop |
You just cant get a decent Ruby in Spain and I miss it. Generally do my own but not the same as going out on the lash and for a curry. |
Yep very much the same for me and probably one of the main things I miss, its just not the same in Spain regardless of where you are. Always make a point of going for a curry when I am back home. |  |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 11:00 - Jul 27 with 1394 views | Toast_R |
| Off Topic: Curry on 10:44 - Jul 27 by aston_hoop |
Yep very much the same for me and probably one of the main things I miss, its just not the same in Spain regardless of where you are. Always make a point of going for a curry when I am back home. |
I think we are very lucky in this country (UK) in that we have some of the best curries outside of India and just the general variety of cuisine is vaster then anywhere else on the planet.
A mate of mine is from Durban, they have a huge Indian population there too and he loves curry as much as the your average Brit. But he concedes that the best Indian food is without doubt, found the UK. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 11:21 - Jul 27 with 1373 views | BklynRanger |
I'm in Granada till the middle of August. The food's fantastic but they indeed do not do spice. I actually brought a bag of dried red chillies in anticipation of this problem but it's not the same. Went to the local Carrefour yesterday looking for a form of spicy sauce - they had: Tobasco or Sweet Chilli Sauce - that was it. I bought some 'pimientos picante' from the vegetable aisle but am not expecting any heat out of them. If I lived here for any amount of time I'd definitely get into growing my own, would really enjoy that. There actually are a couple of curry houses round here which I'll try just for a laugh - maybe they'll know where the hot chillies are! |  | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 11:21 - Jul 27 with 1371 views | Mick_S |
| Off Topic: Curry on 13:26 - Feb 7 by Pommyhoop |
Toast ,have you ever been to or heard of 'Brilliant' in Southall?
Back in the day it was up there with the best in the country and won awards saying as much.
I was called to that area to get the leccy back on.They had a wedding reception on and were desperado.. Needless to say 'Brilliant' was the first back on supply and I had the best ever Indian meal in my life. |
http://www.raunkapunjabdiyan.co.uk/#
Apparently, this is the place to go at the moment. I'm out Saturday and I'm trying to swing this one - anyone used it? |  |
| Did I ever mention that I was in Minder? |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 11:28 - Jul 27 with 1363 views | aston_hoop |
| Off Topic: Curry on 11:21 - Jul 27 by BklynRanger |
I'm in Granada till the middle of August. The food's fantastic but they indeed do not do spice. I actually brought a bag of dried red chillies in anticipation of this problem but it's not the same. Went to the local Carrefour yesterday looking for a form of spicy sauce - they had: Tobasco or Sweet Chilli Sauce - that was it. I bought some 'pimientos picante' from the vegetable aisle but am not expecting any heat out of them. If I lived here for any amount of time I'd definitely get into growing my own, would really enjoy that. There actually are a couple of curry houses round here which I'll try just for a laugh - maybe they'll know where the hot chillies are! |
I have tested this out extensively and can confirm that nowhere in Europe can quite match up to a good British curry. That said, I don't go short on chilli sauce options where I am. We have a local Mexican population and they are good for some absolutely lethal sauces! | |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 12:19 - Jul 27 with 1336 views | BklynRanger |
Update: I just tried the recently acquired 'pimientos rojo picante'. They're about as spicy as a teaspoon of strawberry jam. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 12:37 - Jul 27 with 1323 views | Brightonhoop |
| Off Topic: Curry on 12:19 - Jul 27 by BklynRanger |
Update: I just tried the recently acquired 'pimientos rojo picante'. They're about as spicy as a teaspoon of strawberry jam. |
Not good. Good idea on the grow your own, though.
Granada is great, despite the lack of a decent curry house. Lots of other decent restaurants and bars too. A nice walk from Joe Strummer plaza too back down into the City away from the cathedral, plenty of good watering holes nearer to town. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 12:41 - Jul 27 with 1316 views | Pigbag |
| Off Topic: Curry on 08:46 - Jul 27 by Toast_R |
Thank you for that tip off, I will definitely give that a go soon.
Funnily enough, I have ordered a couple of take away's from Hampton Spice near your one, and that has been very good especially the Phaal.
Being a Molesey man like myself then, you must be familiar with the budget local phenomenon that is the Viceroy? A lot of locals go there but I reckon the quality it's woeful and gives guaranteed dodgy guts the next day. |
Ha, very familiar with the viceroy. It's extremely cheap and not the best quality but I've had worse tbf! If you're counting the coppers but fancy a curry it's always a good shout. |  | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 12:55 - Jul 27 with 1215 views | R_from_afar |
I love curry and have been collecting the business cards of the places I have frequented since, oh, some time in the 1990s. I must have 80 or so different ones but I'm sure there are people on here who can top that. Not every restaurant has a business card so I have probably been to over 100 different places in the last 20 or so years. This place is my current fave:
http://www.mangoloungewindsor.co.uk/
RFA |  |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 13:02 - Jul 27 with 1208 views | Toast_R |
| Off Topic: Curry on 12:41 - Jul 27 by Pigbag |
Ha, very familiar with the viceroy. It's extremely cheap and not the best quality but I've had worse tbf! If you're counting the coppers but fancy a curry it's always a good shout. |
I dunno... their Sundrys are decent enough but the mains are seriously done on the cheap. But yeah thats it, its ridiculously cheap. The wife had her family over before now who dont really do "foreign" food but we pursuded them to get an Indian if I promised in no way that it would be spicy. Kormas alround for them. I think we spent around £60 and it fed 10 of us easily with a ridiculous amount left over.
Funny place , cash only.. no delivery. I do wonder how it survives. Is it a tax haven for the rest of their businesses perhaps? | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 13:12 - Jul 27 with 1193 views | MedwayR |
If any of you are lucky enough to be in the beautiful Medway towns at any time I can recommend Shozna who have restaurants in Strood and Rochester. Great food and good service, I've never been left disappointed and they seem to get a lot of awards so must be doing something right. |  |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 13:13 - Jul 27 with 1193 views | aston_hoop |
| Off Topic: Curry on 12:37 - Jul 27 by Brightonhoop |
Not good. Good idea on the grow your own, though.
Granada is great, despite the lack of a decent curry house. Lots of other decent restaurants and bars too. A nice walk from Joe Strummer plaza too back down into the City away from the cathedral, plenty of good watering holes nearer to town. |
Ended up in a great Tapas bar in Granada last time I was there that gave a different steak based tapa with each drink. If I could find that again, who needs curry (well...for that night anyway)! | |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 16:24 - Jul 27 with 1127 views | BklynRanger |
| Off Topic: Curry on 13:13 - Jul 27 by aston_hoop |
Ended up in a great Tapas bar in Granada last time I was there that gave a different steak based tapa with each drink. If I could find that again, who needs curry (well...for that night anyway)! |
There's so much good stuff about. Last night the wife and I went into a place - grumpiest waiter I've seen in a long time but the drinks were big. I instinctively thought "I bet the tapas is tiny now". He brings out two bagel things filled with ham and half a plate of chips! So I decided they were going to stick the arm in over the price - no: all came to 5 euros - bonkers!
Not the biggest place but I could live here for a year without much pain. We were here in April a couple of years ago and did some lovely hikes in the Sierra Nevada but sadly it's looking just too hot for that - see what happens. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:40 - Jul 27 with 1120 views | Dorse |
My local curry house is called Chutneys (or 'Ferrets' in casa de Dorse). They specialise in North Indian / Bangladeshi dishes and they are brilliant. I don't go for the hottest any more so I've been trying out the others and their Lamb Lababda (roast lamb in a thick meat ragu) is fcuking blinding.
I have tried my foul brood (Mini Dorse and Tantor) to 'take' me there every Father's Day. They pig out on poppadums and Modo Murg whilst I attain a lower state of consciousness on jalfrezi and Kingfisher.
Whilst I'm at it, tarka dhall: yes or no? |  |
| 'What do we want? We don't know! When do we want it? Now!' |
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| Off Topic: Curry on 16:46 - Jul 27 with 1116 views | PeterHucker |
Any recommendations for a decent curry house near Waterloo? |  | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:49 - Jul 27 with 1113 views | Brightonhoop |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:24 - Jul 27 by BklynRanger |
There's so much good stuff about. Last night the wife and I went into a place - grumpiest waiter I've seen in a long time but the drinks were big. I instinctively thought "I bet the tapas is tiny now". He brings out two bagel things filled with ham and half a plate of chips! So I decided they were going to stick the arm in over the price - no: all came to 5 euros - bonkers!
Not the biggest place but I could live here for a year without much pain. We were here in April a couple of years ago and did some lovely hikes in the Sierra Nevada but sadly it's looking just too hot for that - see what happens. |
Depends how high up the mountains you can get Brooklyn, when it's 35 c in the city you can still see snow on the tops of Sierra Nevada. Mad place.
Where abouts are you Aston? | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:51 - Jul 27 with 1109 views | BklynRanger |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:49 - Jul 27 by Brightonhoop |
Depends how high up the mountains you can get Brooklyn, when it's 35 c in the city you can still see snow on the tops of Sierra Nevada. Mad place.
Where abouts are you Aston? |
True mate. If we can get up early enough and get up there, and in the shade, by the afternoon we might be alright. | | | |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:53 - Jul 27 with 1108 views | Toast_R |
| Off Topic: Curry on 16:40 - Jul 27 by Dorse |
My local curry house is called Chutneys (or 'Ferrets' in casa de Dorse). They specialise in North Indian / Bangladeshi dishes and they are brilliant. I don't go for the hottest any more so I've been trying out the others and their Lamb Lababda (roast lamb in a thick meat ragu) is fcuking blinding.
I have tried my foul brood (Mini Dorse and Tantor) to 'take' me there every Father's Day. They pig out on poppadums and Modo Murg whilst I attain a lower state of consciousness on jalfrezi and Kingfisher.
Whilst I'm at it, tarka dhall: yes or no? |
"Whilst I'm at it, tarka dhall: yes or no?"
If done right, abso bladdy lutely Bob. It's actually great for a hang over. in the morning. A bit of that re-heated on some naan, and your almost back in the game.
The best I had was actually on the Cruise ship my wife and took our honey moon on. Great selection of Indian food cooked fresh on the old evening boo -fey, and the tarka dhall was to die for. [Post edited 27 Jul 2016 16:53]
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