46 Shepherds Bush Road,
London,
W6 7PJ
0872 148 2662
The ViewLondon Review
Quietly tucked away on Shepherds Bush Road, this little gem of a restaurant has been offering delicious Tandoori and Balti dishes and unrivalled service since 1996.The VenueThis restaurant is squeaky clean with bright walls and comfortable furniture. Traditional Indian prints adorn the walls, but overall this restaurant has a modern feel, with bright and colourful chairs. Take a window seat if you like to watch the world go by.
The AtmosphereThe atmosphere is very relaxed, due to the polite, friendly staff and the subtle hint of Indian music played throughout. This is an informal restaurant with very reasonable prices, and diners are made to feel very welcome.
The FoodVegetarians are catered for at the Raj of India, but the dishes that stand out the most are the ones that feature tender cuts of meat and delicate spices. Most main dishes are well under £10, with most starters and sides coming in at about £3. For a light starter, try the chicken tikka, which is lightly spiced and succulent. You can also sample the tasty prawn starter, which consists of a large juicy king prawn, which has been lightly coated in breadcrumbs. Fresh tasting and tender, this dish is ideal for those who require something light before their main course.
The Balti vegetable masala is a great vegetarian main, with succulent vegetables cooked in a subtle mix of herbs and spices. This dish is served with an outstanding naan bread, which is slightly doughy and very moreish. Carnivores can opt for the lamb madras, which features good cuts of tasty meat in a thick, spicy sauce. If you have room, order a side of aloo gobi – delicately flavoured potato and cauliflower, and Bombay aloo – potatoes with a hint of spice. There is a wide variety of desserts, but the Fantastica ice cream is great – a vanilla and toffee dessert which is sweet and satisfying.
The DrinkThe restaurant serves a wide range of wine, beer and spirits, with a bottle of house wine costing £9.95. Try a traditonal Kingfisher beer, which is sharp and clean and a perfect partner to Indian food. If you have a sweet tooth, try a mango lassi, which is a type of sweet smoothie made with fresh mango.
The Last WordThe food here is well-cooked and delicious – come to the Raj for good homemade dishes and exceptional service.