The enticing aroma of curry on Nottingham's Maid Marian Way draws diners into the city's Indian restaurants. The Cumin, Calcutta Club, MemSaab, 4,500 Miles from Delhi, Laguna and newcomer Kottaram are all located within less than half a mile of each other.
Over in Trinity Square, Tamatanga is a popular spot, Kayal brings south Indian flavours to Hockley, while Vi-Va is hot on the street food scene. The Balti House, Anoki and Mogal E Azam are all old favourites that need no explanation.
But a top notch curry doesn't have to mean a trip into the city centre. Sometimes a local curry house is all you need for a spicy fix.
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Honestly we could list scores of places for a flavoursome rojan josh, a chicken jalfrezi that packs a mighty punch or something completely different like lobster or a Sunday roast with a kick. Here's some just of the candidates for the best out of town Indian restaurants worth exploring.
Chaska
Head to the heart of student land in Lenton for a reasonably priced spicy experience. Chaska is a lively relaxed hang-out for snacks and curries from the subcontinent.
On the menu is street food favourites gol gappe, the crispy puff balls filled with potato, chick peas and tamarind water, that you fit into your mouth all in one go. Head to 'Chaat Corner' for more lip-smacking dishes that you'd find on the streets of Lahore and Mumbai.
The open kitchen allows diners to watch chefs in action, chargrilling chicken and chops. The desi tawa is a feast, bringing together chicken tikka, lamb seekh kebab, chatt patt wings, desi lamb, chicken karahi, chips rice, malai boti and naan on one huge platter. Chances are you'll be taking some home.
You say: "Fantastic food, great service and decent size portions. My young son loves it and now it's his favourite restaurant. Atmosphere is really nice, decor is well done and all-in-all, a fab experience. This is our definite go-to-place for a nice meal out, reasonable prices too. The tawa for two is amazing. Check it out, you won't be disappointed."
Location: 35 Lenton Boulevard, Lenton, NG7 2ET
Nawaab Saab
The local curry house was plunged into the national spotlight after being named an outstanding restaurant in the 2021 English Curry Awards. As well as the classics, bhuna, korma, madras and co. it serves up specials in stylish contemporary surroundings.
Signature dishes include dhesi karahi, an authentic homestyle dish with lamb, chicken or king prawns and kaalimirch, a creamy curry with cashew nuts and green chilli, which they say offer "finest flavours only taste can describe". They even recommend wines which are the perfect pairing to starters and mains.
If you don't fancy a traditional Sunday roast, there's a three-course banquet on offer from a set menu, priced £18.95 for adults and £12.95 for children (under the age of 12) between noon and 9pm.
You say: "We have had takeaway from here many times, but this was our first eat in experience. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was (as always) very, very good. They do the best korma I have tasted and have no problems dealing with allergies. Service was prompt and attentive without being intrusive. We had a seven-year-old with us and all the staff took the trouble to engage with him."
Location: 4 Nottingham Road, Nuthall, NG16 1DP
Masala Junction
As closure loomed, the future was looking grim for the Carrington restaurant but it's back in safe hands after a takeover by the same team which runs award-winning MemSaab in the city centre. A few tweaks and the restaurant is now back in business.
Top recommendation? The battakh tikka is to die for - the tandoori roasted duck breast is succulent and zingy with mustard, lemon grass, chilli and ginger. Another hot favourite is lamb rogan josh, luscious meaty chunks bathed in a rich flavoursome sauce. Before poppadoms or starters, an amuse bouche is served in a mini martini glass gol gappe, which awakens the taste buds.
You say: "What can be more enjoyable than having a decent curry during a cold rainy day? Excellent service as if you are dining at a Michelin restaurant and great ambience. The starters' presentation is simply beautiful and most importantly, they taste really good. I am grateful for the fact that the restaurant was saved from permanent closure. This is an Indian restaurant that you should not miss if you are looking for delicious and authentic Indian meal."
Location: 301 Mansfield Road, Carrington, NG5 2DA
Curry Queen
A colleague swears by the "incredible" lamb bhuna at this Indian restaurant in the north of the county, which says its aim is to engage all the senses.
No artificial colouring or additives are used in the dishes which are flavoured with freshly ground spices. They say: "We believe we have created dine in and takeaway for tomorrow which is traditional yet modern, authentic yet innovative. Quite simply we cannot afford to be expensive but we can afford to be the best."
The flowery wallpaper creates a homely atmosphere for diners to enjoy signature dishes of garlic masala lamb tikka tawa, chicken tikka cheese and the naga special chicken tikka.
You say: "Absolutely beautiful meal one of the best Indians I've had locally and absolutely brilliant price, I'd say it takes some beating around Sutton, Mansfield and Kirkby. Definitely our favourite."
Location: 19 King Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 1AT
Tipu Sultan
Not exactly your cosy neighbourhood go-to, this majestic-looking restaurant attracts families from far and wide. The luxury booths and opulent surroundings give a sense of decadence
One diner, who recently visited, said he would happily make a special three-hour journey from East London for the food. That's a long way to travel for Sultani chops or peshwari chicken, so it must be good. Magaz could divide opinion though as stir-fried lamb brain won't be to everyone's liking.
The restaurant is dry (not even bring your own alcohol) but it serves a good cup of chai, lassi and delicious mocktails. There's also special events from time to time, including live music.
You say: "Staff really look after you. They were patient and informative. We were cold so they brought a heater over. The waiter gave us a lot of advice and info about the menu. The food came quickly. It was hot and delicious. Second time here and loved it both times."
Location: 482 Mansfield Road, Sherwood, NG5 2EL
Mewar Haveli
Indian fine dining at its best, just off the A52. It's definitely worth a stop-off to experience the excellent food, service and elegant surroundings with crisp white linen tablecloths and tall flower vases.
The hot chilli cod loin in a piquant sauce and mixed grill with chicken tikka, lamb chops, onion bhaji and malai tikka are our favourite starters. Coconutty Goan seabass curry transports you to the coast, while lamb handi is packed full of flavour as it falls off the bone - all served by staff who are genuinely happy to please.
If you're not one for desserts at an Indian restaurant, make an exception for Crepes Suzette, flambéed at the table, for a real sense of theatre.
You say: "Went here for a meal tonight been passing it for years and finally went in food was beautiful and service was great. Even came out with a cupcake and sang happy birthday to me which was very thoughtful. Would certainly recommend."
Location: A52, Radcliffe Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, NG12 2LF
Koinonia
The restaurant pays homage to south Indian cuisine from Kerala - the land of the spices and an area known for its its palm-lined beaches and backwaters. While Newark might be lacking the panorama it's not lacking the flavours.
Koinonia brings something different to the table offering dishes such as Cheera Parippu soup (spinach and lentil), dosas and Pothu Ularthiyath (bite-sized pieces of beef).
Seafood is a speciality. Look out for squid, crab curry, lobster malabari and Meen Pollichathu, a traditional fish dish wrapped in banana leaves that's mostly served in toddy shops (local pubs) and backwaters.
You say: "So I find myself in Newark on a Monday evening and this place scores highly on all the reviews so why not? First impressions are of just another curry house until you look at the menu which is very different to what I have seen anywhere before. Indeed I was that unsure that I relied on my waiters guidance to help me choose. What came to my table was really really good and undoubtedly very different to anything I have had before. Washed down with a couple of cold glasses of Cobra, this was a very memorable meal. Service was also excellent."
Location: 19 St Marks Lane, Newark, NG24 1XS
Tamasha
Talking of restaurants with a difference, Tamasha brands itself a unique destination for breakfast, Asian tapas, grills and cocktails. Former boxing legend Carl Froch is a fan of the eatery where diners sit under cherry blossom and crystal chandeliers and can watch chefs preparing the food from an open kitchen.
It's not the cheapest and the main complaint on reviews seems to be about the price. A typical main course will set you back £20 to £32 for a turf and surf but the food does score 10/10.
The menu incudes Thai and Chinese dishes but on the Indian side, there's tikka skewers, lamb chops, lamb shank, salmon tikka with spiced mash and railway lamb curry. Visitors can start their day the Indian way. Alongside a full English, is a full Indian with an omelette, curried chick peas, tomatoes, mushrooms, masala beans, crispy paratha bread and homemade chilli chutney.
A Sunday roast comes with Yorkshire pudding, Tamasha's own stuffing and spicy Bombay potatoes.
You say: "Nipped in for breakfast - the Full Indian was so filling and so delicious."
Location: 948 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, NG3 5QS
Bombay Sweet Centre
It's a takeaway, not a restaurant, but we couldn't miss out this family-run Hyson Green institution that's been going strong since 1995. The name is slightly misleading because there's much more to it than sugary gajjar halwa and barfi.
This little gem is worth a trip on the tram from the city centre, which drops off just across the road from the shop. Street food such as paneer tikka wraps, papri chaat and Bombay bhel puri is great on the hop. Chicken, salmon and paneer are served fresh from the grill. Classic curries butter chicken makhani, veggie aloo gobi and lamb karahi and the rest of the items can be ordered online through click and collect.
You say: "Absolutely gorgeous food. Ordered curries, pakora and samosas for another dinner party, everyone was so impressed. Has to be the go-to Indian in Nottingham, can’t recommend it enough!"
Location: 133 Radford Road, Nottingham, NG7 5DU
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