Yum, yum, yum. Curry monster heaven.
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The curry is a subject dear to any students heart.
It is possibly a dietary requirement for some.
The intrepid Nottingham Trent University Platform team, led by Emily T, found it within themselves to try a few of the more famous eateries: | Anilas | I visited this restaurant under circumstances familiar to you all, with mates on a mission. The staff were very friendly and handled our group really well and patiently.
We got our food in good time and not one item was missed out. The food received compliments there and then and everyone enjoyed what they had enough for us to plan to go back there.
The portions were great considering we were there for the half price deal. I assumed that the quality and portions of the meal would be reflected in the price. I was thankfully proved wrong.
As far as presentation goes the rice and main dishes were all placed on little silver platters which is standard practice really.
There were a good variety of dishes and nearly everything can be ordered with the vegetarian in mind. Also a small selection of dishes is available for the less adventurous of palettes so all are catered for.
The general layout is a main floor with a raised section at the back. There is plenty of space that was handy considering the place was full of like-minded students, families and couples.
The restaurant’s image is a bit more stylish than you’re average curry house and a lot nicer than many I have visited in the past.
This is a quality, budget restaurant that is ideal for parties or a pre-club warm-up.
As far as it goes I’d recommend you come here before a night out on the town with your mates. However I would not recommend this for a date situation as you run the risk of looking like a tight arse due to the cheap food. | Value
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| Bhaji | Bhaji is the least traditional of the places tested, the latest addition to the Cornerhouse (situated upstairs near the cinema) it is, as the play on words name suggests, also a bar.
Incredibly chilled out, with minimalist interior but warmly decorated it is a comfy place to enjoy a drink and maybe some food, the seating is all settees and comfy chairs even in the dining area up to the low tables.
The food is more bar food than traditional curry house - this is reflected in the price, only £4.95 for a bhaji-curry, rice and salad, and also in the way you order.
The menu is relatively small but there is an interesting selection, giving a modern twist to the traditional styles.
What I really want to try is the burgers they do, that are served in warm mini naan breads topped with melted cheese and served with an abundance of fries, all only around £4, there is a selection of chicken breast basted with black pepper and lemon, or the spiced minced lamb burger topped with sautéed onions or the vegetarian option of a mixed vegetable pakora with grilled tomatoes.
Alongside these there are also ‘litebites’ and snacks and also a range of ‘sizzlers’ which are served on a sizzling skillet, and also are accompanied with tandoori roti and salad.
I wouldn’t recommend Bhaji if you are after a traditional curry, but then it isn’t a traditional curry house, it is a really relaxing bar with very friendly staff.
There is also an open kitchen , so you can see your food being prepared.
The drinks are also reasonably priced, just £6.95 for a bottle of the house wine, an excellent Sunday night place to unwind. | Value
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| Mogal E Azam Restaurant | Starting in 1977, Mogal is one of Nottingham's most well established curry houses.
Situated near the city site it is already a popular place for Trent students.
It is a traditional curry house and the decor and staff uniform reflects this. The staff are all incredibly welcoming and friendly and there are a lot of them so you never have to wait if you want something.
The menu is incredibly extensive with 24 starters and over 140 authentic Indian dishes. They also cater for vegetarians with about 20 main dishes. They are also experimenting with fusion cooking mixing Indian and Oriental cuisine, one of the dishes sampled, the ‘King Prawn Kherool’, was Indian based dish with onions, tomatoes and spices but which also included strips bamboo shoots.
I was unsure at first but it was delicious. The bamboo shoots giving the dish a good texture and broader flavour.
The onion bhajis are possibly the best I have ever tasted and it would have never crossed my mind before to order garlic mushrooms in an Indian before but they were so nice.
The manager informed us that the recipes for the dishes had been passed down from generation to generation and it shows, the food is very good indeed, traditional authentic Indian Cuisine.
It is a relatively large restaurant and there is room for big parties. They serve many different bottled lagers and have Stella, Heineken, Boddingtons and Strongbow on tap, which are all roughly £2.50 a pint.
Bottles of the house wine are £9.95, (is it just me but somehow wine doesn’t go with curry). | Value
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| Shimla Pinks | This is no curry house but a restaurant, which specialises in Indian cuisine.
What struck me when I came in was the cosmopolitan look of the place. It’s funky, contemporary décor of chrome and glass heightened the upmarket image.
The modern feel was consolidated by the clientele. Business-types and couples were enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
But this classy establishment refrained from being intimidating as many eateries in this category often are.
The staff were willing to indulge novices and explained dishes and samples to ease any concerns. They were efficient and polite whilst being discrete. They provided a high standard of service with endearing touches such as laying down the napkin on my lap and taking the coats of other customers.
As for the food the dishes that were available were numerous and as a vegetarian there was an exquisite selection of suitable dishes.
There are a variety of meals ranging from traditional dishes to delicate options involving an eclectic assortment of spices and herbs. The ingredients are fresh and the dishes are of the highest standard and cooked to perfection.
The presentation of the food added to the experience. The rice was pilled into a pilau sandcastle and the curries in little balti bowls. I’ve never seen Indian food presented with such care.
The portions were more than adequate for me but the heartier of eater may require a starter but if you are a lover of curries you simply must experience the delights of Shimla Pinks before you leave Nottingham.
Even if it is only to check out the sinks in the toilets it would be a crime not too. | Value
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Now you've sampled our virtual curry it might be time to go out for a virtual beer. |
