It's been almost two years since a scathing review of the cleanliness/food of the 'restaurant' portion of this large Indian/British grocery store-cum Indian takeway/cafeteria.\r
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I thought I'd tilt the chips the other way, to be fair. Firstly, think of it as a cafeteria, not as a restaurant. It's connected to a grocery store, for God's sake! Don't expect 4-star service. I do one of two things here: buy the food to eat there, and watch great Bollywood-style music videos on the large screen and chill out, or (preferably) order a few containers of curry to go. I'm not even a vegetarian, yet their curries are totally flavorful and satisfying. Their pumpkin/squash curry, when they have it, is a must. I could eat vats of it. The small container (half-pint?) is only $3.50. Where else could you get Indian curry for $4? Their lentil vadas (like a lentil fritter) is yummy and they give you two sauces to dip it in. It's deep fried, of course it's good.\r
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I think it's a better value to select a few curries you like to go in the containers, than purchase the lunches, which is why I do it this way now. You could grill some meat or fish at home and purchase the curries for the side dishes...the best of both worlds!\r
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I agree the proprieters could focus on quality control more (in the grocery section) rather than trying to keep the shelves of their vast emporium filled. But the things I purchase here are fine (mango pickle, PG Tips tea, spices), I check the expiration date (as I would anywhere), and all is well. They are friendly (reasonably enough) and helpful, and I don't think they deserve some of the scathing posts here. \r
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I am a foodie, I am a cook, I buy from both the grocery store and eat from the restaurant regularly (once/month). Be open-minded and you will be rewarded. Save some pumpkin curry for me. :)
Pros: Flavorful Indian curries at a reasonable price.
Cons: It's a cafeteria with plastic utensils - not a restaurant.
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