Royal Tandoori Reading England

This evening we went out with my brother to the Royal Tandoori located in the central Reading town center. Apparently this site used to be part of the old Ship Hotel. The Indian restaurant is a decent size with what I counted seating for more than 200 diners. We arrived early around 6.30 pm and by 7.30 pm the place was full. We had been here previously back in February and had enjoyed our meals thoroughly so our expectations were high.

It was refreshing to finally see some Christmas street lights which unless I travel to a certain suburb in Johannesburg they are now none existent. The Christmas festive period has definitely lost it's gloss back in SA as most municipalities don't have a budget to repair the roads let alone put up Christmas lights.

The Reading lion or Battle of Maiwand Lion shown in the Christmas lights was fought on 27th July 1880 in Afghanistan where 2 British Brigades were lost. The fighting was so intense the burial of the lost troops was completed by dropping a fort wall covering the dead. Baden Powell of boy scouts fame was in charge of the burial party.

I actually forgot to take photos of the starters which was poppadum's and the various chutneys. A trip to a Tandoori restaurant is a must do for myself when visiting the UK as I do not do this in SA. Don't ask me why as I will get a take away, but never a sit down meal and would say if you are paying those prices then there is probably 10 other better choices before you think of having a curry.

Granny selected the Tandoori mixed grill which I thought was an excellent choice as the portion is too big for her and I would get half. She had this with a side salad and buckwheat roti which is like a healthy Naan bread, but not as good. Who orders a side salad at a curry house?

Not really a salad and obvious they do not really cater for this request as no lettuce available.

I had a Khadai Lamb curry which was not too spicy and was planned that way so I could trade with granny. I had a Butter Naan as a side and a side of rice which I find kind of strange ordering as who orders a curry with no rice? In the past rice just came with your order and now they charge this as a separate dish.

For three of us tonight the bill came to 90 GBP including service charges/tip which was good to see it was not included and up to my discretion. The service was average and definitely not worth 10% which I paid when rounding up the bill. 10% still feels like the right number and do not understand people paying 20% or more when the value is definitely not there as waiting was always seen as a part time job. I have been to this restaurant back in February and if I am honest I will not be returning as the standards were not the same as before.

Posted Using INLEO