One evening after finding all Sydenhams ship shops shut and not wanting repeat the pizza gogo experience (have you seen how dirty it is in there?), finding Montecassino a bit prison like and not in the mood for an Italian we sadly wondered home desolate in the though that we may have to cook.
The last possible eating out experience was the Indian at the bottom of the hill. It was open (a rather gaudy flashing led sign visible to low flying aircraft told us so).
Our initial impressions were rather poor. From the outside the restaurant is bright yellow with the sort of 1970's toilet tiles on the outside you may find on an underpass. It wasn't that busy and the menu was full of typing nistakes (joke).
We went in.
Inside it had potential to be nice, but the real wooden floor was at odds with the peach walls, peach table cloths and plastic style gilt frames. But the welcome was warm and it was clean and tidy. It smelt nice too, not really like a curry house.
The staff were excellent & the menu comprehensive. We ordered two balti's: lamb and chiken, a Saag paneer, some naan and a saag aloo. Yes were were hungry. The food is excellent. Really excellent. I have yet to try Gurkhas, but GM better than Namaste (which looks great).
The naans were light and fresh, the balti just spicy enough and rich in flavour without being too oily. We obviously ordered to much and the staff kindly wrapped the remainder ready to go.
I can't commend the staff enough. It's a shame the front of the restaurant doesn't do justice to the quality of the food. If you do venture to the lower part of Sydenham, don't let the outside of GM put you off. It's great. 8.5/10
REVIEW: GARA MASALA:
Just wanted to add my tuppennies worth. I have also eaten at this Indian and found it very good indeed. As Lee points out it is a bit gaudy but not in the usual illuminated waterfall picture kind of way that can dog a lot of other Indian restaurants. Great takeaway service too, last time I went we got free glasses of wine while we waited for our food. Best Indian in Sydenham.
I might just add that this end of the high stret is in DIRE need of a facelift and tidy up. Many of the buildings would look much prettier with a simple coat of paint. The whole area screams out deprivation.
I might just add that this end of the high stret is in DIRE need of a facelift and tidy up. Many of the buildings would look much prettier with a simple coat of paint. The whole area screams out deprivation.
Yep Richie, totally agree.
Worthy of another thread I feel. The stock exchange doesn't help with it's variety of 'antiques' on the pavement and a sign with a stripper on it in what must be the dirtiest shop front in Sydenham.
Shame...with a bit of TLC, some planting, a few nicer signs etc this part of Sydenham could be much nicer...but alas it seems as if some businesses down this end of the high street don't think things like signs, shop fronts, tidyness and keeping things clean are not important. Perhaps they are too busy to notice?!
Worthy of another thread I feel. The stock exchange doesn't help with it's variety of 'antiques' on the pavement and a sign with a stripper on it in what must be the dirtiest shop front in Sydenham.
Shame...with a bit of TLC, some planting, a few nicer signs etc this part of Sydenham could be much nicer...but alas it seems as if some businesses down this end of the high street don't think things like signs, shop fronts, tidyness and keeping things clean are not important. Perhaps they are too busy to notice?!
I always enjoy a meal there. Thursday night is "banquet night" which gives you:
1 popadum
1 starter
1 main course
1 side dish
1 rice/naan
for £9.95
V. good value - but its a lot of food! I was there with 5 friends last night and we left loads!
I don't think I saw you guys - as I don't think anyone came in when we were there.
1 popadum
1 starter
1 main course
1 side dish
1 rice/naan
for £9.95
V. good value - but its a lot of food! I was there with 5 friends last night and we left loads!
I don't think I saw you guys - as I don't think anyone came in when we were there.
heheh i laughed when i see that on the window i fault that is why you guys go there good idea lol.
I got mine on my way home from work about 7pm as i was shattered and just wanted to get home
will be going back again thou staff are so friendly even gave me a free drink why i was waiting now that what i call keeping your customer happy.
I got mine on my way home from work about 7pm as i was shattered and just wanted to get home
will be going back again thou staff are so friendly even gave me a free drink why i was waiting now that what i call keeping your customer happy.
I've mentioned before that I used to frequent Gara Masala years ago, when it was The Meghna.
I have been back over the past few weeks, and the food has been superb - we only use it as a takeaway.
It is by far and away the best value for quality restaurant in the area; they've even given me a cold cobra when I'm waiting.
I cant recommend it highly enough.
I have been back over the past few weeks, and the food has been superb - we only use it as a takeaway.
It is by far and away the best value for quality restaurant in the area; they've even given me a cold cobra when I'm waiting.
I cant recommend it highly enough.
I too have been going there since it was called the Meghna - indeed, our family still refer to it as such.
The food is indeed excellent. And with this deal on its fantastic value for money. It was very crowded last night (which is very unusual)
I went with 3 friends last night and the meal came to £33 - that was a main course each, popadums, rice, bread and a couple of side dishes and it was including drinks!
Can't beat that!
The food is indeed excellent. And with this deal on its fantastic value for money. It was very crowded last night (which is very unusual)
I went with 3 friends last night and the meal came to £33 - that was a main course each, popadums, rice, bread and a couple of side dishes and it was including drinks!
Can't beat that!