Southend, Indian Restaurant Guide

“An excellent take on Indian cuisine with a blend of classic dishes and spiced modern British versions” – Atul Kochhar’s “interesting” cuisine at this four-year-old venture is inspired by the cuisines of Punjab and Rajasthan. Some fans still suggest it “just edges Sindhu, its nearby sister in Marlow” but its ratings were undercut this year by a couple of mixed reports.

2023 Review: “Every dish is fresh and authentic” at this comfortable curry house which occupies a half-timbered building on the high street, and which has become well-known over many years for its superior Indian cuisine. Heston is a fan.

“Absolutely superb!” – Nandana & Sharat Syamala have earned an enviable reputation for “fresh and exceptional regional Indian cuisine” that reflects their backgrounds in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh (“loads of dishes I’ve never tried before and really wanted to eat!)”. After five years, they moved into new premises in neighbouring Caversham in 2024. Top Menu Tip – “bhuna venison: mic drop. Glad for once I live in Reading”.

It has a star chef’s name over the door, but feedback was inconsistent this year regarding this outpost of Atul Kochhar’s empire of Indian restaurants. Amongst reports, one diner described dishes as plain “bizarre” and another who felt the “food is OK” added, “but it’s not worth the price and overall seems overhyped”.