Urban Tandoor in Bristol Indian restaurant review
Posted on: 2015-04-13
Our rating:
Most people will have their favourite Indian restaurant already; such is the hit-and-miss nature of this cuisine. Urban Tandoor will not only better your current favourite but also surpass even your highest expectations.
In the 21st Century the average Brit can rightly claim to be something of a curry-connoisseur. We eat more ‘Indian food’ now than we ever have and our tastes are becoming more discerning. Bored of sawdust-dry chicken tikka and onion bhajis followed by brightly coloured, greasy dishes on hot plates, many are looking for something different; something more ‘authentic’. Cue Urban Tandoor in Bristol.
With so much choice available in Bristol, reputation is everything. Reputations don’t get much bigger than a number one rating on Trip Advisor. Not just the number one ‘Indian’, but the number one restaurant of nearly 1,500 listed in the city and surrounding areas. That’s quite a title to have and quite something to live up to. Try just one dish and you’ll see that live up to it they do, and then some.
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Sujith D'almeida has produced something quite spectacular here with the aid of his Head Chef Dhanasekaran Durai. A rare mix for any restaurant and something almost unheard of in this sector: superb food is just one factor of the overall dining experience. Decorated beautifully, with seemingly no expense spared, and tended by warm and friendly staff, this is a dining experience to rival top restaurants anywhere.
Presented beautifully, definitely a rarity for this type of cuisine, the food is the real jewel in the already impressive crown. One taste of their famous Garlic Chicken Tikka starter and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. That dish alone could carry the restaurant, it really is that good. Amazingly though, that’s just the beginning. The menu offers an extensive list of all the usual favourites such as Balti, Jalfrezi and Rogan. There’s also an extensive Specials section with varied dishes including the astounding Beef Sukka (yes, beef on an Indian menu). The slow cooked beef falls apart in the rich sauce. It manages to be equal parts hearty and light, an incredible combination. For those diners less adventurous when it comes to heat, the Pasanda is a delight. Usually a bland, creamy disappointment, this is like nothing you will have had before. Even the most die-hard among your party will be asking for a second taste as they battle with their Vindaloo. Once you’ve finally narrowed your choice down, add a side of the great Sag Aloo to go with the best Naan you’ll ever eat.
Desserts at Indian restaurants seem to be some sort of ‘in joke’ between the local owners as to who can offer up the worst. The best you can usually hope for is a scoop of ice cream. Most of you will have never even considered dessert at an Indian restaurant. Change that here- order the Mango and Coconut Parfait, no matter how full you are. It is the perfect end to any meal, especially one as rich and flavour-packed as you will have had here.
It really is easy to see what all the fuss is about here. Most people will have their favourite Indian restaurant already; such is the hit-and-miss nature of this cuisine. Urban Tandoor will not only better your current favourite but also surpass even your highest expectations.
5/5
Reviewed by James Anderson for 365Bristol - the leading events and entertainment website for Bristol.
Contact Urban Tandoor at:
13 Small Street, Bristol, BS1 1DE
Tel. 0117 9299222
Or connect via Facebook.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
