Choosing a restaurant on Brick Lane might seem a bit overwhelming with the dizzying array of options and restaurant staff offering tempting discounts to lure you in. If you’re looking for an upscale take on Bangladeshi cuisine, though, head past the competitors straight to Sheraz Bangla Lounge for something a little different.

The Venue
Sheraz Bangla Lounge’s interior is modern, light, and refreshing. Black leather chairs sit at reddish wood laminate tables. The floors are finished in green marble, there are huge windows which almost go from floor to ceiling and there is contemporary art by local artists on the walls. The white ceiling has a funky wave-like design illuminated with small halogen lights capped with aqua coloured glass cones. The place is brightened up with the use of burgundy, violet and pale yellow paint that decorates the different walls.

The Atmosphere
Staff are friendly, chatty, and very eager to explain a menu item or make a suggestion for you to consider. The plates for the main course arrive from the kitchen hot and are given one last wipe down at the table. There may need to be a bit more attention paid to refilling water glasses and removing empty dishes from the tables but the young, hip crowd doesn’t seem to mind.

The Food:
It may be difficult to decide on what to order with the eclectic selection of tempting, aromatic dishes. The menu consists of three sets of appetisers (meat, fish and, vegetarian), specialties, balti dishes, tandoori dishes, and biryani dishes, just to name a few.

For starters, the Sheraz Platter (£4.90) incorporates a mixture of lamb kebab, chicken tikka, onion bhaji, and a veggie samosa served with a spicy, red sauce for dipping. The grilled lamb kebab is a little spicier than you’d expect, whilst the onion bhaji is packed full of crispy onions and not overly fried. The veggie samosa is also well fried, with a nice mixture of potatoes and vegetables. Dall Puri (£2.50) consists of two puffy puris generously smeared with mildly spiced lentil paste and served with dark, sweet, sour and tangy tamarind sauce.

Tandoori mixed grill (£9.95) includes Bangladeshi king prawns, tandoori salmon, chicken kebab, tandoori chicken, lamb, and chicken tikka. This is massive dish of meat that comes sizzling out of the kitchen – it’s all just piled together on the plate, though, and could be a bit better presented. The chicken and lamb dishes are tender and cooked well, whilst the king prawns are nicely spiced, but they pale in comparison to the well textured, flavourful tandoori salmon. You don’t usually find this on the menu, and it’s a nice surprise. Vegetable balti (£5.95) is overflowing with veggies, with peas, tomatoes, carrots, corn, onions, cubed potatoes, green beans all mixed together in a rich and mild tomato based sauce. A side of garlic naan (£2.95) is fine but the keema nan (£2.95) could use a bit more seasoning.

If you have any room left, do try one of the interesting desserts ranging from £3 to £5. Matka Kulfi, a Bangladeshi speciality of vanilla ice cream with chopped pistachios served in authentic covered ceramic floral pot, is an Indian twist on an old favourite. Like the pot? They’ll wash it out and give it to you as a gift to take home. For those who love coconut there is the Coconut Supreme, a rich and creamy ice cream dessert full of shredded coconut bits served inside a coconut shell. This is a great way to cool down your mouth after eating the many strong and spicy dishes.

The Drink
Sheraz Bangla Lounge has an extensive wine, which changes every few months, as well as a cocktail menu priced between £5 and £7. Wine ranges from about £10 to £20 per bottle, but the house wine only costs £7.95. Try the Australian Shiraz (£14.95), which is bold and satisfying but does not compete with the rich tasting food. Champagne is also available, from about £50 to £100 a bottle.

The Last Word
At Sheraz Bangla Lounge you’ll find great prices and a stylish setting, and if you choose well from the menu you’ll be pleasantly surprised. One of the better options in the mass of restaurants on Brick Lane.

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